If you become frustrated about not being able to fall asleep, and worry about the possible ‘negative’ consequences the next day, it is likely that you will inhibit sleep further by trying harder to fall asleep. So: • Do not try too hard to fall asleep. • Tell yourself that ‘sleep will come when it is ready’, and that ‘relaxing in bed is almost as good as being asleep’. • Try to keep your eyes open in the darkened room, and as they (naturally) try to close, tell yourself to resist closing them for another few seconds. This procedure ‘tempts’ sleep to take over.
