Unconventional Ways to Fall Asleep
Do you feel lethargic yet you find yourself unable to avail the services of the sandman? Want to drive yourself into dreamland as soon as you hit the sack? Read on for these full-proof scientifically tested (by me) methods to get some shut-eye for a change:
1. A horrible book
Chemistry and I have the kind of relationship where the couple can't stand each other but won't be able to go on without the other – I detest the very existence of Chemistry but I need it in my life because these grades ain't loyal. I keep the book beside my pillow just in case I can't sleep. Reading 2 pages from it knocks me right out.
2. Take a cold shower before bed
Yes, you read that right. Take a cold spine-freezing shower until you're shivering so severely that your muscles feel worn out. A lot of people advise taking a hot bath to relax, but since the body needs to lower its temperature in order to fall asleep, a hot bath right before bed will actually keep you up.
3. Sleep paradox
Suppose you were unable to sleep on a particular Tuesday, don't try to sleep anymore on that day. Stay awake and watch giraffe videos online till it's time to go about your day and finish your chores. When your eyelids start giving out, it's time to call it a day. One could say that it'd be more productive to study during that time, but let's not kid ourselves. Note the time you go to bed. Your body will automatically reset its biological clock to put you to sleep at the right time on the next day. Unless you stay up late again to watch giraffe videos, then you're eternally screwed.
4. Alarming madness
In another instance, you may have fallen asleep at dawn. Naturally you'll wake up late and miss half of the day. Set 10-15 alarms to wake you up insanely early. I set my alarms at 9 am, 9:02am, 9:04am, 9:06am....you get the gist. I force myself to wake up, usually because the alarms annoy me and eventually get me going.
5. Tiger balm
I swear I am mentally healthy. When I can't sleep, I scoop out a dollop of the ointment and slather it over my forehead. When I do open my eyes, I discover that it's noon and I've overslept. #noragrets
6. Hide your phone
You toss and turn in your bed, grabbing your phone from underneath your pillow, watching the minutes tick closer to morning. Unable to sleep, you try to make your eyes droop by watching random videos online or listening to "sleep music" playlists. No, it doesn't work. Take it from someone who has under eye bags the size of two family size suitcases. Turn off your phone and keep it far away from your reach, for example on your study table. Being part of the millennial culture, I know too well that we aren't ready to make the effort to get up from our beds to our study tables to fetch our phones.
The mind is the arch nemesis of sleep. No matter how many cups of herbal tea you drink, how many songs you listen to, or how many push-ups you do before bed to wear yourself out, a stuffed mind will definitely keep you awake. The aforementioned methods might just help you let go of some of the anxieties and just have a refreshing sleep. Good night.
Maisha Maliha speaks what crosses her mind in the most positive way but is often misinterpreted and thought to be a lunatic. Unfollow her at www.facebook.com/MyshoeMaliha