Getting Better Sleep By Not Trying to Sleep

By Kerrie Smyres

1 min read

I use a number of different tricks to get better sleep. My most reliable method has been naming items for each letter of the alphabet, like animals, car makes or models, or even adjectives. At least it was until I tried my newest trick, which is counterintuitive and surprisingly effective. It may be the most effective one I've ever tried.

You can learn about my other sleep-related tips in 10 Tips to Quiet Your Mind for Sleep.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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ashleyheather Member
I wish I could fall asleep that easy. I am an insomniac while I can fall asleep staying in REM doesn't work for me. Because of where we live I have the worst migraines from the heat. The postdrome are bad at times but you just keep going.
1. dw0296 Member
 <inline-mention username="ashleyheather" user-id="3734020"/> When we are in REM sleep, we are paralyzed. This makes obstructive sleep apnea worse, such that many people just wake up rather than suffocate. If you are having this amount of trouble, you probably should have a sleep study. The primary cause of insomnia is sleep disordered breathing, whether your doctor realizes this or not. OSA is also linked to migraines.
2. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="ashleyheather" user-id="3734020"/> Me again! If you're interested, we have a sister website for people dealing with insomnia and other sleep disorders. At the very least, you might find comfort in talking with others. They're at: insomnia.sleep-disorders.net Hope that's useful for you. -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
ashleyheather Member
Living in Arizona is always hard for me. I stay in our RV because it is dark and I can control the tem. Sometimes the aftermath is just as bad. Getting access to online support makes me feel like I'm not alone. 
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="ashleyheather" user-id="3734020"/> Thank you for sharing this with us. I hear you - migraine can be so frustrating and frankly exhausting. How are you doing today? We're here for you and you're not alone! Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> Team 
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="ashleyheather" user-id="3734020"/> - We are so glad you're here with us- and you are NOT alone in this. Sounds like you have created a good solution with the RV in which you can have more control over the environment. The postdrome symptoms that follow migraine can definitely rival the attack itself. In this piece, one of our contributors shares her struggles with the postdrome phase of migraine - perhaps you'll find it (or the community comments that follow it) will resonate: <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/postdrome-stages' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/postdrome-stages</a>. Stay in touch- we're thinking of you. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
ashleyheather Member
Thank you for being there. I'm still walking twice a day and that always makes me feel better.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="ashleyheather" user-id="3734020"/> That's wonderful! I try to walk each day as well and when I can, I find the fresh air and gentle body movement to be very centering. Thanks for sharing what works for you. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
ashleyheather Member
I love walking really early in the morning with my furbabies. We usually have cooler temperatures and a gentle breeze and at the end of the walk and the sun is rising it gets very warm. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="ashleyheather" user-id="3734020"/> Me too! Early mornings are the best times (and often the only times) I can grab a walk given the way things heat up (I live in the South)- currently, we are having terrible air quality due to the fires in Canada- hard to believe it can travel down to NC! Keep your comments coming- great to hear your thoughts, always! Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.