Reading

My brother and my cousin's husband got into a conversation regarding reading to help get to sleep.

I was wondering if anyone has been trying this and what has been your experience?

I'm currently reading a book on behavioral assessment, to try and bore me enough into sleeping. I'm not sure how it is working as of yet because I just started, but will let you know if I get any good results.

-Dark

DarkMind,
Reading helps some people sleep and keeps others awake. The problem with insomnia is that everyone is unique. The type of reading material that will make you sleepy will depend on who you are. In general, try to stay away from exciting or disturbing novels. I find text books to be stimulating and interesting. They keep me awake. Poorly written prose tends to irritate me and prevents me from sleeping. Uninspired narrative is not good either.

However, this is just me. I enjoy reading, but I find it is not a good activity just before bed. I prefer meditation where I empty my mind prior to sleep. If reading works for you, don't let me or anyone else dissuade you. Do whatever works. Each person is unique.

If you find it works, please share it with the forum. We can use all the ideas we can get.

keep trying everything
GaryM

It helps up to some extend. For me, in order for reading to work I have to be already relaxed by the bedtime. Then I can fall asleep after reading for a while. If I am tensed or anxious reading won't work Nothing works in this case actually. I found that it's just better to let myself do something until I feel sleepy and then go to bed.

Oh, you eventually get sleepy. That is an entirely different situation from me. I just get exhausted without getting sleepy.

A very basic rule applies to your situation. Don't go to bed until you feel sleepy. For a while, this will not allow enough sleep because the alarm clock will wake you, and you have to go to work. You should start getting sleepy earlier in the evening until you get enough sleep. It is a difficult solution since you will have some awful days, but if it works, you have the best resolution available.

The idea is to get your circadian rhythm in sync with your schedule. Don't think that is easy to do. your circadian rhythm can be very stubborn.

I highly recommend some simple meditation for you instead of the book. Getting your mind calm instead of stimulated or distracted works much better for getting to sleep. Try searching for Mindfulness meditation. It is one of the easier ones to get started, and it can be effective in only a few days.

best wishes
GaryM

Reading does help me fall asleep easier but it depends on the book. Books with good story telling and touch of humor relaxes me. Non fictional books don't help me much as I need a story to help me escape my reality. I read in bed 1 hour before sleep time. I think it helps "befriend" my bed instead of seeing it as a torture contraption. Reading doesn't rid my middle of night awakenings. I also write in my journal to clear my head before I start reading. But it's no guarantee I'd get a good night sleep as insomnia is complex, sleeping is complex.

Celosia,
Sleep is not only complex, it is unique for each person. I am pleased to hear you are experimenting and finding some patterns as to what can help. The right book sounds like it suits you. Keep looking and trying new approaches now and then to see what helps.

good luck and pleasant dreams
GaryM