Here’s a method I’ve found for dealing with my occasional insomnia—I can slow down my heartbeat. I become aware of my heartbeat (pay attention to inner chest area—trying it now while I’m sitting at the computer, I found it helped to start by using my fingers to feel my pulse at my throat), observe the rhythm, then imagine a slightly slower rhythm, which my heart then follows.
I realize this involves some sub-skills. I don’t know how common they are, or how hard they are to acquire for people who don’t have them.
I too seemed to retain my ability to fall asleep quickly, no matter what schedule I’m on. But then again, maybe that’s because a) I’ve trained myself so thoroughly to nap and/or b) if I can’t sleep pretty quickly, I just get up, no longer having the patience to lay in bed. ;)
He also has this recent post on how to fall asleep quickly, which is relevant for people on any sleep schedule.
Permanent link for Steve Pavlina on how to fall asleep quickly.
Here’s a method I’ve found for dealing with my occasional insomnia—I can slow down my heartbeat. I become aware of my heartbeat (pay attention to inner chest area—trying it now while I’m sitting at the computer, I found it helped to start by using my fingers to feel my pulse at my throat), observe the rhythm, then imagine a slightly slower rhythm, which my heart then follows.
I realize this involves some sub-skills. I don’t know how common they are, or how hard they are to acquire for people who don’t have them.
Did you try Pavlina’s method?
No.
Oo, nifty info, thanks!
I too seemed to retain my ability to fall asleep quickly, no matter what schedule I’m on. But then again, maybe that’s because a) I’ve trained myself so thoroughly to nap and/or b) if I can’t sleep pretty quickly, I just get up, no longer having the patience to lay in bed. ;)