Fall Asleep In 5 Minutes

Tossing and turning come lights out? Try these simple and effective tricks at bedtime.

Feeling tired right now? You’re in fine company. Recent research by the Sleep Health Foundation found between 33 and 45 per cent of Aussies have poor sleep patterns. Night after night of sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on our bodies.

‘In addition to the sleep you need every night, lost sleep will accumulate, causing you to need to sleep even more to make up for any hours previously missed,’ says Dr Sujay Kansagra, professor at Duke University’s sleep medicine program.

Try these easy tips to help you fall asleep quickly and soundly for a good night’s rest...

VISUALISE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE

Forget counting backwards from 100, try to picture a place where you feel calm and relaxed – it could be on the beach or out in the countryside. The idea is to distract yourself from any stresses of the day. In an Oxford University study, insomniacs who imagined a relaxing scene fell asleep 20 minutes faster.

INHALE THROUGH YOUR LEFT NOSTRIL