Published on 12, July, 2020
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Hi Alopochen,
I started to use the Calm app a while back (the free version) to help calm my mind and relax my body. It was only when I started doing it regularly I noticed how much tension I hold in my body.
Other than that I have taken Passion flower extract and Valerian root about an hour before bedtime. Routine also helps as you mention already, but sometimes I slip back into my poor nighttime routine, which means I end up going to bed too late.
I also don't use phones or computers and hour before bed as that tends to overstimulate me, but I have broken this rule if I an struggling to sleep as a result of thoughts whizzing round my mind. Reading is also another option, but again I have to be careful it doesn't overstimulate my mind or else I am up for hours reading or thinking about what I have read.
I am always open to hearing more techniques on helping sleep though as I am struggling a bit at present.
I find the Calm app helps when I do it regularly. The herbal elements helps me to wind down, but don't knock me out so to speak. I still need to work on that bit, but it's easier if you are calmer to start with.