Difficulty falling asleep

Bedtime is one of the few times in the day some people have quiet time to think. When this time is used to solve difficult problems or issues, it can interrupt sleep. Instead of shutting off at some point, your mind keeps running the problem for the next hour or two. Eventually you may start worrying about not getting enough sleep.

It's important to set a limit on those diminishing returns. If you feel compelled to devote time in bed thinking about a problem or issue, limit your time to no more than 20 minutes. Say to yourself, "I'm now clear about what the problem is. I'll go to sleep and let my inner mind work on it at a nonconscious level." Then see what solutions come your way when you awaken in the morning.

If nothing in your life is stressing you and you still can't fall asleep, consider other possibilities such as lack of physical activity during the day or too much physical activity before bed, alcohol, caffeine, heavy foods, or sugars. Keep track of your intake of caffeinated beverages, for example, over a week or two.

Notice how the amount you drink, the type of beverage, or the time of day you consume it correlates with your sleeping pattern. Adjust your consumption or habits to alleviate these issues.

Even the energy in your bedroom may impact your sleep. Good Feng Shui calms the mind by shifting the frequency of brain waves from beta to the deeper alpha state. Feng Shui master Marie Diamond, creator of theDiamond Feng Shui course, offers these tips to enhance the flow of energy to help you sleep and dream:

• Position your bed so you can clearly see the door, but not directly in the path of someone walking in the door.
• Have a solid wall behind you for support—not windows.
• Cover mirrors when you sleep, especially any that reflect the bed.
• Do not sleep near electronics. Keep an electric alarm clock at least five feet from your bed.
• Remove water foundations, aquariums, or images of water from the bedroom. Water creates an energy field of emotion.
• Hang images above your bed that connect with what you want to dream about or would like to attract in your life. Avoid depressing, chaotic, or aggressive images.
• The energy of living plants is too active for the bedroom. Use silk plants instead of live ones.
• Cover your windows so that moonlight does not shine on your directly.

Try it. If you're new to Feng Shui, I think you'll be surprised by the experience.

Additionally, the "Sleep Deeply" session of my new Sleep Deeply/Wake Refreshed Paraliminal can be of great assistance when you have difficulty falling asleep.