Can't Get to Sleep

by Anonymous

I can't get to sleep at night because I'm overtired and tense. I lay there and think about all the things I didn't get done and all the things I have to do tomorrow.

I know I've read I'm supposed to relax before bed. But the suggestions on how to do that all take time or money. If I had an hour to relax in the bath tub before bed, I wouldn't have the problem.

But, I don't have that time. With kids, a husband, a dog, and a full-time job, every waking minute is already filled. Do you have any really practical suggestions for a working mom? Not pie-in-the-sky advice for celebrities, but something that will work for me?

Coleen, your editor replies:

Tips To Help You Relax and Get to Sleep

First off, let me assure you I know what you mean. There are times when I go to bed and my mind is racing. Not necessarily about problems, but just thinking about all the things I have going on in my life and more things that I want to do.

Here's what I do that helps me.

Pray. I find silent prayer can do wonders. I start with the simple bedtime one I learned as a child. That's followed by freeform prayer, a time to thank my Lord for all He has done for me and given me, and to ask for His continued blessings and guidance. I'm usually asleep before I get to Amen.

Make a gratitude list. This is not a list I write on paper. It is a mental list. Instead of thinking of what all I need to get done tomorrow, I replace those thoughts with things that I am thankful for. I usually do this as the last part of my bedtime prayer. I am always asleep before I run out of things for which I am grateful.

Touch. As far as I'm concerned, there's little that is as relaxing as a gentle back scratch or backrub. If my husband is awake, he's usually willing to provide me that end-of-the-day comfort. All he needs to do is barely touch my back and I can feel the tension melt away. If he's already asleep, I find it helps to just reach out and touch him. Even if it is just resting my hand on his shoulder or putting my foot to his leg, that human contact relaxes me.

Try these. I think they'll help you drift off sooner and sleep better, too.

But, I don't have that time. With kids, a husband, a dog, and a full-time job, every waking minute is already filled. Do you have any really practical suggestions for a working mom? Not pie-in-the-sky advice for celebrities, but something that will work for me?

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Questions for RRR.