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6 ways you can trick yourself into dozing off

TNN | Last updated on - Oct 17, 2016, 15:49 IST
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1/7

We all know that a hot, milky drink and a warm bath are supposed to relax you before bed, but many of us still can't slip into slumber. Try these natural tips for getting the sandman to visit.
(Picture Credits: Shutterstock Images)
2/7

Inhale through your left nostril

This yoga method is thought to reduce blood pressure and calm you. Holistic sleep therapist Peter Smith says, "Lie on your left side, resting a finger on your right nostril to close it. Start slow, deep breathing in the left nostril."
(Picture Credits: Shutterstock Images)
3/7

Squeeze and relax

Relaxing all your muscles can prepare your body for sleep. Anxiety expert Charles Linden says, "Lying on your back, take a deep, slow breath in through your nose and, at the same time, squeeze your toes tightly as if you are trying to curl them under your foot, then release the squeeze."
(Picture Credits: Getty images)
4/7

​ Try to stay awake

Challenge yourself to stay awake your mind will rebel! It's called the sleep paradox, says psychotherapist Julie Hirst. She explains, "Keep your eyes wide open, repeat to yourself 'I will not sleep'. The brain doesn't process negatives well, so interprets this as an instruction to sleep and eye muscles tire quickly as sleep creeps up."
(Picture Credits: Shutterstock Images)
5/7

Rewind your day

Remembering the mundane detail in reverse order clears your mind of worries. Sammy Margo says, "Recall conversations, sights and sounds as you go. It helps you to reach a mental state that's ready for sleep."
(Picture Credits: Getty Images)
6/7

Roll your eyes

Sammy says that closing your eyes and rolling the balls up three times can do the job. As it simulates what you do naturally when you fall asleep and may help trigger the release of your sleep hormone, melatonin.
(Picture Credits: Carol Yepes/Getty Images)
7/7

Just imagine

Visualisation meditation works best when you use at least three senses. Sammy explains, "Imagine yourself at a tropical paradise or sailing on calm waters or walking in flower fields. "As you explore your 'happy place' imagine smelling flowers, feeling grass or sand under your feet and hearing water lap against the boat. You should soon feel relaxed and drift off."
(Picture Credits: Shutterstock Images)

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