The Write Thing

I keep a small notepad beside my bed where I write down thoughts, to-do lists, phone calls to make, etc. This helps me fall asleep without worry. I know that I can deal with whatever is troubling me the next day and that I won’t forget important chores or events. And sometimes by the next morning it isn’t such a big worry after all.
Suzanne Lowry
Laurens, South Carolina

Just before lights out, I spend five minutes putting down a few lines about my one-year-old daughter’s life — a funny moment, a new word, how she is perfecting the tantrum. It’s a way for me to reflect and to appreciate her. It will also provide entertaining reading for her when she has grown!
Brynne Burkhalter
Seattle, Washington

I jot down five things that I was grateful for that day. It could be something as spectacular as “The Red Sox won the World Series!” or as simply satisfying as an unsolicited hug from a teenager. I go to sleep thinking of all the wonderful events of the day instead of lying awake worrying about tomorrow. At the end of the list, I write down one wish that I have for the future. It gives me something pleasant to dream about and helps me look forward to the next day.
Judith Moriarty
Glastonbury, Connecticut

To the Dogs

The last thing I do is encourage my 100-pound, 10-year-old dog, Jingle, through the two or three running starts he goes through before jumping onto the bed we share.
Andrea Keirstead
Farmington, Maine

Chill Put

I watch a couple of episodes of The Andy Griffith Show. After a complicated, stressful day, there’s nothing like being transported back to a time when the most important question of the day was “What’s for supper?”
Amelia Mehaffey
Birmingham, Alabama

I turn on some music. I don’t fall asleep easily, so on my computer I have made several playlists of quiet music that helps me to sleep. If it’s a bad night or I wake up in the middle of the night, I can easily start it up again and go right back to sleep.
Jennifer Sigman
Columbia, South Carolina

I turn on my CD player and play a recording of my late husband’s radio broadcasts. His voice and the music he loved keep his presence alive for me. I feel he is with me in “the wee small hours of the morning,” and my grieving is lessened.
Muriel Fega
Delray, Florida

If I’m still worried about deadlines, everything undone on my to-do list, and people who throw curveballs into the daily routine, I tell myself I may need larger problems. I kiss my husband good night, take a deep breath, and fall into sweet dreams a little more gratefully.
Chelsea Reid
Brunswick, Maine

Zilch

Nothing! It is the best tip I’ve discovered for finding sleep. I climb into bed, lie still, close my eyes, turn off my thinking brain, and simply wait for sleep to find me.
Meg Rottman
Whittier, California

Your Turn

What's the last thing you do before going to bed at night? Share your stories here — and read what others have said.