Guides on meditation?

Linkex

Linkex

Linkex

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4 May 2011
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Once again, I was late for work, because I was awake until close to 3 in the morning, unable to sleep, and slept through the alarm. I've had this issue all my life - my brain simply does not shut down unless I'm really tired. So, I end up swapping between sleeping because I'm tired, but then being awake the next night, and back again.

So, I decided that I would give meditation a go. However, having looked on-line, most of the results are stupid 2 page "blog" posts about it that actually give very little real information. So, can anyone recommend a resource for learning to meditate (Preferably not a spiritual-ly one), or any other natural method to make your brain STFU at bed time?
 
Do you watch TV or are you on the laptop until late at night?
Do you drink caffeine in any way late at night?
Do you exercise at all?

These are a few things you should look at, if you do of course.

Reading also helps to drift off.

Personally, just before bed i like to sit for 10-15minutes, with a low light on, TV off etc and simply focus on my breathing to help relax myself.
 
InertProtocol said:
Do you watch TV or are you on the laptop until late at night?
Do you drink caffeine in any way late at night?
Do you exercise at all?

These are a few things you should look at, if you do of course.

Reading also helps to drift off.

Personally, just before bed i like to sit for 10-15minutes, with a low light on, TV off etc and simply focus on my breathing to help relax myself.
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all of the above.

I would also add that reading something boring or difficult will make you tired, as will listening to a boring or technical podcast. try downloading some Uni lectures in a subject you know nothing about.

also close your eyes!
 
What's your lifestyle like?

Give us an average day in your life. I bet you probably go to bed late, watch tv and/or play games/browse the net late.
 
I've had similar problems and while it'd be best to sort out your sleeping pattern, there are steps you can take to stop yourself sleeping through the alarm at least.

I recommend the Sonic Bomb alarm clock, it comes with a (violent, non-pleasurable) vibrating attachment that you put under the mattress but on top of the slats. I use it as a backup alarm and it scares the living **** out of me if I sleep through the alarm on my phone. You can also turn up the volume on it to ridiculous levels but I don't find it necessary considering it feels like there's bloody earthquake.
 
Thanks for the input guys.

My day looks like this:
Wake up, shower, work (Eating breakfast and lunch), home, Dinner between 6-8pm, then Video games or TV until bed time. Usually watch something on the ipad in bed until I feel tired.

I avoid Caffeine after lunch time. I don't exercise regularly, although I've lost a fair bit of weight over the last couple of months, so think I will start doing so if its going to help.
 
Don't use a TV/Mobile/Computer for a good hour before bed. Read a book instead, or some household chores etc... Or even go for a walk.
 
InertProtocol said:
There you go, think you need to stop the TV/video games before bed. You brain is buzzing from all the stimulation.
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Understand what you are saying, but I would be ecstatic if I was just awake for an hour after going to bed. I can often lay awake for 3 or more hours if I'm not tired. I have tried this a number of times over the years, and it does not work for me. My brain keeps going regardless of stimulation until I am so tired it can't stay awake anymore. Hence the need to actively shut it down - simply removing stimulus does not work.
 
As mentioned, why not try a brisk walk or some other form of exercise?.

I've recently started on a pre-work bike ride, before the wife and kids get up, and believe me, once bed time comes around i'm ready to drop off.
 
You need to add in about half an hours exercise where you just plod along enjoying it, you'll soon get into switching off for it and getting better control over your mind.

Also engaging what you are stimulated about late at night is probably a good idea, sometimes I don't sleep if I am really worried about something or really wound up about someone so maybe you are just aware that you aren't letting go of things that are keeping you awake.

Final one sometimes if you can't sleep, just accept it, stay up and do something productive/fun for a bit. Might as well make use of your extra day time and eventually you'll get a routine sorted.
 
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