What Are Your Strategies for a Longer, Deeper Sleep?
Real Simple readers reveal how they get the zzzzz’s they need.
Nato WeltonValuable Investments
After years of not being able to fall asleep, I borrowed a friend's magnetic mattress and pillow [which are said to improve circulation and reduce pain, among other things]. It may sound crazy, but the first night I used them I had the most amazing sleep ever and woke up rested―without an alarm. I have a new mattress and pillow now, and I wouldn't give them away for a million dollars.Sara Tomlin
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The best investment my husband and I ever made was a good mattress. After seven years on the same futon, it's heaven.
S. Cook
Denver, Colorado
I bought an alarm clock that has nature sounds, a CD player, and a radio. If I'm feeling anxious, I put on a CD of prayer chants. If I'm relaxed, I listen to jazz on the radio. If I'm tired but can't fall asleep, I listen to ocean waves, because they remind me of camping at the beach when I was a kid.
Amy Whelan
Fullerton, California
I live in New York City, where loud noise and bright lights interfere with my sleep. To create white noise, I rely on an inexpensive fan that works just as well as an expensive sleep machine.
Maggie Byrne
New York, New York
No-Fail Insomnia Busters
I train for triathlons each morning. By 9:30 P.M., I am ready to crash. Prior to starting this morning routine, I had trouble
sleeping and finding the time to work out. Now my bedtime is consistent, and I am ready for training each morning. I love
this change in my routine.Ashley Beeman
Elsah, Illinois
Counting sheep has never worked for me, so I've tried many alternatives. My favorite is to dig up my old organic-chemistry textbook from college, turn to any random page, and pretend I have a test the next day. It never fails―I rarely get through one page.
Wendy Collins Montplaisir
Portland, Oregon
My favorite sleep strategy is a drop of liquid valerian root in a cup of hot kavakava tea. If I'm particularly stressed, I put a drop of ylang-ylang on my pillow.
Denise Eldred
Springfield, Missouri
The secret to a good night's sleep? Sex. It's as simple as that.
Lou Gaffey
Toronto, Ontario
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