Can't sleep? I thought so. And I bet you've tried all the standard how-to-sleep-better advice (maintain a sleep routine, keep the room cool, etc), so I'm going to skip over all that and get right to some new insomnia relief ideas you may not have tried.

1. How to Sleep Better with Belly Breathing

1. First, notice how you're breathing. Are you breathing shallowly, just into your chest? )If so, you've got a lot of company.)

2. Next, take a deep breath -- all the way into the lower third of your lungs. Your belly should expand when you breathe in and return to normal when you breathe out.

3. Place your hands flat on your belly to make sure that it expands as you inhale and contracts as you exhale.

   Gently slow your breathing down and bring it into a nice, smooth rhythm.

4. When your breathing is nice and slow and steady, you're ready for the next step. Slow down the exhale in comparison to the inhale. Breathe in for a certain number of counts, say 6 (or whatever is comfortable for you), then breathe out for approximately twice as many counts. This super-charges the body's relaxation response.

5. Breathe like this until you fall asleep.

2. How to Sleep Better with Brain Wave Entrainment

Musicians have joined with brain scientists to create recordings that meld music or nature sounds with pulses of sound that mimic the desired brain waves. These are embedded almost inaudibly behind the music. I use them a lot in my practice, and they really work.

I like Dr. Jeffrey Thompson's classical and nature-sound CDs*, which you can purchase online at Sounds True (www.soundstrue.com).

3. How to Sleep Better with Lavender Essential Oil

4. Brain Quieter Insomnia Remedy

Sweet dreams!

*Note: If you buy these how-to-sleep-better products after clicking on this link, I get a small commission. It won’t add to your cost, and it will help me keep this website going. Thanks.)

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