Sleep is incredibly important and most people don't get enough. The best case is 8-9 hours per night. Sleep is not only vital so you wake up with energy and mental clarity but it also helps to repair your body. Lack of sleep can lead to all sorts of issues. So if possible, ensure you make it a priority and get your nightly fill!
There are many reasons why people don't get enough or restful sleep like eating late at night especially sugar, drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, super busy days, etc.. However, these are all items a person can change. But for those who feel stressed or have a hard time winding down, here is a technique that may help. I call it "The White Napkin".
First, make sure all the lights are off in the bedroom and there are no noises.
Then select a comfortable sleeping position.
Close your eyes and attempt to fall asleep.
If thoughts are racing through your mind, this means your brain is having a hard time shutting down.
Keep your eyes closed and begin to visualize a white napkin.
Your mind will be like a movie screen so place the napkin on the center.
You will notice stuff surrounding the napkin, these are your thoughts.
So begin to expand the napkin mentally to cover everything that is not white in your mind.
As you try to stretch the napkin your mind will fight with you. Thoughts will try to emerge.
But just keep focusing on expanding the napkin. Before you know it, you will be asleep!
So what exactly is going on? The white napkin symbolizes a blank canvas with nothing on it, no thoughts. It's like using white paint on a wall. Everything below it is gone once the white paint is on top. Likewise, your thoughts are also completely covered so your mind can peacefully turn off. :)
I hope this sleep technique helps you. It is free, weightless, can travel with you anywhere in the world and passes every security detector! :)