I like this question.

1. have a regular wake and sleep schedule and stick to it

2. head to bed before you want to be asleep

3. do not watch tv or use your phone

4. don't eat before or in bed

5. do zazen, it will put you to sleep

re #5 :

your grandmother may have said count sheep, she's talking about zazen. count breaths 1-10. if you lose track start again at one, it's not a win lose, it's developing concentration.

if you don't want to count (I don't) then just focus on the sensation of your breath exiting your nose - bring your attention there and away from stray thoughts. stay in your body and don't be carried away into thoughts.

do not stop thoughts but do keep returning to breath. no good no bad thoughts, leave them (yourself) in peace to naturally be.

do not tell yourself stories from your own made up stuff about thoughts. cut these off and go back to counting without judging stories good or bad.

don't give up. you will succeed because your only obstacle is you. get out of your own way.

let go.

hope this helps. if you do decide to take up zazen as a practice outside of being a sleep aid, DM me if you like. i'll be overjoyed.

#zazen #sleep #advice