Below are some unusual but useful tips and techniques to help insomniacs get those elusive ZZ's.
Hot Water Massage
To help you sleep, lie in your bed with a hot water bottle on your stomach (make sure it's not too hot, you don't want to burn yourself ;-). Close your eyes and breathe deeply so that the bottle rises and falls as your stomach expands and contracts with each breath. We carry a lot of strain in our abdomens and the heat from the bottle will release that tension. Stomach Rub
Lie on your back and rest your hand on your navel. Start making small circles on your stomach in a clockwise motion. As you are doing that, slide your hand over your stomach. Progressively increase the size of the circles until the circles reach the outside of the stomach.
Now start reducing their size while still moving your hand in a clockwise motion until you are back at your navel again. Repeat the process in an anti-clockwise motion and replicate the whole sequence with your other hand. You can perform this stomach rub a number of times until you feel sleepy.
This cycle calms the digestive system and facilitates deeper relaxation. An additional advantage is that it will help you lose weight by enhancing the function of your digestive system. Wiggle Your Toes
The origin of this technique is based on the science of Reflexology.
Lie on your back and wiggle your toes up and down a dozen times. Make sure you wiggle the toes of both feet at the same time. This will loosen up your whole body, both inside and out.
When you are wiggling your toes, you are invigorating and relaxing your entire body. You can even implement this exercise when you wake up in the morning to energize your body. Eat a Bedtime Snack
This goes against the conventional wisdom of not eating before you sleep, but a light, low protein, high carb snack, such as juice and muffins, eaten one hour before bedtime can help you snooze quicker. A semi-baked potato or a banana is also a good option. Drink Warm Milk
This isn't very unconventional, but goes well with the previous tip. A glass of warm milk half an hour before hitting the sack will calm down your nervous system. Milk contains calcium, which works to make your mind -- and body -- relax. Yawn
Make yourself yawn and this might trick your mind into thinking you are sleepy. One trick that I have found to work is, associate your yawning with something. For example, you might be yawning and looking at a picture (like of this rabbit). So everytime you see the image of a yawning rabbit or some other picture, your mind will subconsciously make you yawn. Get a Massage
Have somebody give you a massage just before bedtime. A short backrub and a head massage can do wonders. Ask whoever is giving you the massage, to make the strokes unhurried and soft but firm. A genuine massage will work the stiffness out of your muscles and pacify you to sleep. Sleep on Your Back
If you haven't figured this out already, you should always sleep on your back. It's the best position for relaxation and lets all your organs rest properly. Sleeping on your left side puts pressure on your lungs and heart, and restricts the blood flow. If you have to sleep on your side, do it on your right side, not the left.
Do NOT ever sleep on your tummy. It puts pressure on all your vital organs and you won't be able to breathe properly, not to mention the back problems you'' have later on. Practice Deep Breathing
Okay; maybe not that deep, but most of us breathe very shallow, using only the top part of our lungs. Deep Breathing will allow you to employ your entire lungs, supplying more oxygen to the body. Abdominal breathing is the most useful and valuable technique for relaxation. Aromatherapy
Rub lavender oil diluted with water, on your temples and wrists. Lavender oil has a very calming effect and has been in use for ages in aromatherapy to sooth the body and mind. You can also try massaging the soles of your feet with almond or sesame oil.
I hope you folks like the tips and suggestions. If anyone of you has their own techniques which has helped you in getting some siesta, please share them below.
