Winding down before bed

[Calza]

I'll start by saying I definitely don't have a stressful life or any major worries or concerns. I'm 29 and in fairly good shape I think.

I'm also generally a bad sleeper, I find it hard to get to sleep etc.

I'm noticing one of my issues is how to wind down. I'm following all the usual stuff, no forums / media / games within the last hour or more. I even have f.lux to help with any blue light issues.

I'd taken to getting in to bed early then reading as a way of winding down. Problem is I'm a simple chap and I read action/thriller books, and not only are these not that relaxing, but I get in to them so much I spend hours staying up reading them!

So what can I look at doing when I'm in bed at 10pm and not hugely tired / my mind is racing?

[Calza]

I don't drink coffee or even tea, so don't think it's from that. Room is as dark as I can get it and I wear ear plugs too.

I lift weights 4 times a week normally, so get a good bit of exercise through that. I also try to vary my 'bedtime' depending on when I'm due up. Having a routine really doesn't bother me too much, although I'll definitely be eating after 6pm.

I'll try the radio Idea though ... could work!

Was fairly ill 2 years ago (fine now), and fairly confident they gave me a full health check around that so I don't think there's anything else wrong with me!

[Calza]

johnwilliams77 said:

This. Especially no eating after 6pm! WTF. Some people don't get home before 6. ZMA's are supposed to help with sleep also.

Oh I take ZMA, but I gather that's quality of sleep - not dozing off. Occasionally take GABA too if I need a really good sleep - that one is fun.

BoRED S2upid said:

Why is your mind racing? What are you thinking about? I had insomnia for years and thought my life was perfectly fine I couldn't understand why I was still awake at 4am. There was an underlying issue.

Honestly no particular reason. Maybe about work or something at the gym. Nothing overly stressful, it's like it just decides to wake up and go hyper active when I get to bed! I don't ever remember being any different.

[Calza]

People never read the OP do they

I take ZMA, I have f.lux (and twilight), my diet is very good and I exercise hard 4 times a week.

Radio absolutely seems to be the winner here though for the wind down phase.

[Calza]

One question about radio / earplugs ... how do I combine using them both? They seem exclusive! (and I am quite dependent on earplugs now).

Craikeybaby said:

Try some doing some yoga for 15 minutes before you get into bed.

Yeah I have considered this, I think it would be beneficial in general. I've tried generic static stretching before bed but I don't find it overly relaxing.

[Calza]

Thing is if I go to sleep when I'm tired it might not be till 1am.

But them I'm up at 6 and feel like st, so that doesn't seem great either?