For someone who has slept every night for the past 24 years, one would think that falling asleep would be easy for me, well most of the time it isn't. So I came up with a routine to help my mind relax, as follows:

No matter how tired I am, I always take a warm/hot bath before bed. I light a candle, and set a timer for 30-45 minutes (otherwise I would stay in there all night!). I love staring at the ceiling and watching the swirls of bath oil in the water, and seeing the steam come off my body when I step out of the tub. In fact, I know how many tiles are in every bath room I've ever taken a bath in, since I like to count while I'm in the tub.

Then I do some yoga before bed, even if it's only 5-10 minutes. Poses for relaxion include "head to knee pose" (basically a forward bend), "downward facing dog pose" (which I don't do because it hurts my wrists), and "leg up the wall pose", which is my favorite because it makes my legs feel all tingly (like after having one too many daquiris!). For more info on yoga, go here:yoga info and yoga journal

I'm also a fan of Celestial seasonings sleepy time tea, the main ingredient is Chammomile. (you can find it in most grocery stores, or at Celestial Seasonings' website )...it doesn't make me fall asleep though, in fact, I drink it all day long because I like the taste and it relaxes me.

I also like to read before I go to sleep. Basically, this whole routine takes about an hour and half, but it is worth the time and effort.