Counting Sheep not Lamb, does that make you sleep?
By zandi458
@zandi458 (28102)
Malaysia
January 5, 2010 3:10pm CST
This is a terrible thing to start off the new year. I am suffering from this insomniac attack that won't allow me to have a wink at night. It is the wee hours of the morning here and everyone is already in their dream lands except me. Much as I try to knock myself off to sleep, my eyes just won't close but wild thoughts entertain my mind. Not wanting to bog myself with this unnecessary thoughts I have to come back to the computer to surf the net. Luckily mylot is here to accompany me to pass the night without which I would be bored counting the sheep not lamb, is what I heard helps to make a person sleep. But it isn't working on me. What is the best remedy to make one sleep? No, I won't go for sleeping pills as it might not be good in the long run. Hope someone out there who have had this experience can help me out.
8 people like this
28 responses
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
5 Jan 10
Since I've become unemployed I do find it harder to sleep and the times I go to bed vary and the times I get up also vary. However, since receiving a good tip from my Mum my sleep has much improved. It goes like this:-
If you find that strange thoughts are appearing in your head just lie there as still as you can and repeat the word "no" over and over again (also in your head). Amazingly, since I have started doing this I've been sleeping much better. I have also bought new pillows as my old ones were a bit saggy. I would love a new bed but that will have to wait! Hope this helps. ;-0
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
14 Jan 10
I have noticed lately that even saying "no" over and over in my head ISN'T WORKING! I am a bit perturbed about this so, today, I have been more active than usual and tomorrow I may have the time to wash my bedding as that generally helps too.
1 person likes this
@Bionicman (3958)
• Czech Republic
5 Jan 10
I started counting dogs recently and it works for me. I have my own system lol
Works this way:
I imagine a dog running and jumping the fence. Then other dog comes and jumps different way (each jump must be different) and joins the dogs on the other side. Then you must imagine the dogs on the other side as each dog comes and you must count them as you see them.
The trick is not in the counting but visualizing it. As the number increase you can't visualize the exact number of dogs. It's very hard to imagine 26 dogs and actually "see" that number. They must not be in any kind of formation, they must be free or it won't work. lol I hope this does make sense a little.
Anyway, it works. I always fall asleep around 15-20th dog.
2 people like this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
6 Jan 10
I go to sleep when I am sleepy get up wehn I am not and that could be 3 in the mornings and end up maybe taking a nap during the day if nothing else is happening! Ya cant force yourself to sleep cuonting sheep or lambs dont help at all.
Sorry that you cant sleep but even sometimes laying down to rest with a clear mind helps.
DOnt know how to tell you to get things off your mind so you can relax but some how have too
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
6 Jan 10
I am soory u are having such a time sleeping. I have never been a good sleeper so i can certainly sympatize w/you but afraid i can't be any help. I do take a sleeping pill every night & most of the time it helps but still have nights it doesn't. Hope u get better.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
15 Jan 10
I have never been a good sleeper. I don't think i'd ever go to sleep if i didn't take something. I may be dependant on them but i'm not going to worry about that as long as i sleep. some nights even taking one i still don't sleep so who knows??
1 person likes this
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
23 Jan 10
Hello my friend zandi458 Ji,
I think lot many ideas like, dicission from the court, Gift from your mother and local working conditions alawys haunt you, apart from parenting etc. Remember, if one can not do, one should never try. Before one prepares for good sleep, on emust physcially and mentally prepared to sleep. Afetr one washes one's feet/face/hands, lying down straight on bed, keeping on's head on piloow worryless, mind should totally be empty without any prejudice, what has to be done next morning. At this hour, I simply recite my Gayatri-Mantra in dying voice and sleep. One should be at peace. Just try this exercise.
May God bless You and have a great time.
1 person likes this
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
7 Feb 10
Hello my friend zandi458 Ji,
I am very sure, you will have proper un-disturbed sleep. On eshould make positive move always. What one's concious says, one must do. Un-quenched desires keep haubting person directly or indirectly and do not allow to get away from them. So , while preparing for sound sleep, everything should be physically and mentally removed and I am sure you will get proper sleep.
May God bless You and have a great time.
@myfb2009 (8296)
• Malaysia
6 Jan 10
Hi Zandi, i am not sure whether it works for you. But for me, it really works very well and i don't depend on any medication to fall asleep soundly. I will switch on some nice songs to listen before i decide to fall asleep, as i think music can relax our mind and body, thus we can fall asleep easily. At first, you might feel it's hard to use this method to fall asleep but after a few times of practice, i am sure you will be able to get used to this method. Hope it works well for you and have a good night sleep, my friend.
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
6 Jan 10
Whatever you count, be it sheep or lambs, try counting them backwards.
If you start at 1 it could go on forever but if you start at 100 and go backwards, your brain knows that you are going to get them all over tha fence when you get to 1 so the 'job' gets easier.
Please try it and let us know what happens. It works with me 
1 person likes this
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
15 Jan 10
I hope you are sleeping better now with all the tips that you have received here.
Please keep us updated, especially if some of them helped you 
1 person likes this
@Allie_xoxo (1063)
• Canada
9 Jan 10
I personally think tea does an amazing job at filling me from head to toe with sleepy warmth. I'm soothed by the sipping action and the hot trail of the liquid travelling down in my chest. Before I know it I'm yawning.
@savypat (20216)
• United States
5 Jan 10
Get some melatonin it's a natural sleep aide and should help. Stay off the caffeine
it happened to me just all of a sudden I couldn't sleep if I drank any caffeine after 10:00AM. I use the tapping and it will give me about 4 hours. It's just like someone switched bodies on you and gave you the sleepless one. Good Luck
1 person likes this
@alottodo (3056)
• Australia
7 Jan 10
When I can't sleep I usually read a book [ which I do every night any way] but I would choose something boring [ not something exciting] because then I can really say good bye to sleep! I never try to force my self to fall asleep, I would get up go to my PC, or turn the TV on [which can be pretty boring at that time of night] so I fall asleep in the lounge. The next day I get up at my usual time, do some form of exercise, go for a walk and never [ even if you are tired] go for a nap during the day this works for me! there is other thing too I never exercise in the late afternoon because that will keep me awake over night! I hope this helps.
@happy6162 (3001)
• United States
6 Jan 10
No counting lamb or sheep or anything would help me fall asleep. The best thing is to try and not think of anything just let your mind go blank. It is one of the things that I use if the others do not work.
1 person likes this
@pedeadjie (42)
• Indonesia
6 Jan 10
ah, i'm sorry that i can't be in any help. but guess what? YOU ARE NOT ALONE. this might not be an answer you are looking for, i'm more likely to make some analysis (you'll get more headache i guess). for some reason, stress and depression, is the most factor, why insomnia happened. and if you say yes to that statement, all you need is a cup of hot milk, chocolate, or any possible ways, that can make you relax. aromatherapy or massage also a good way. hope it'll help. ;)
1 person likes this
@sushie93 (1355)
• France
4 Feb 10
Counting sheep it causes me head aches xD. If you can't fall sleep maybe you could read a book? i read that before sleeping, we must not be in front of our computer or TV, we have to do something relaxant or boring xD like reading a book really boring or doing meditation or taking a hot bath...
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
6 Jan 10
I have had this problem from time to time. Establishing a routine is very important. Going to bed at a regular time, not eating or drinking cofeee for at least 2 hours before bed time. Dont watch a high action movie imediately before bed.
It is possible that your biological rythms have changed. To reset your internal clock, go to bed. As soon as you get up in the mornming go straight out to diurect sunlight, and stay in the sun for 15 mins. That night, go to bed 15 mions earlier. The next day, do the same. Do this until you are going to bed and falling asleep at a reasonable time. It works.
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
6 Jan 10
Natural things you can do for sleep:
Take a hot bath before bedtime. Drink chamomile tea or warm milk. Try melatonin, it's not a sleeping pill, it's a natural supplement.
Avoid things that keep you awake, such as serious conversations, caffeine, food too late at night, etc.
Good luck!
1 person likes this
@cream97 (29087)
• United States
6 Jan 10
Hi, zandi458. Why don't you try soothing music that sounds like rainfalls or soft breezes that are similar to petals dropping. Anything that is relaxing and calm can make you very sleepy. Have you tried Chamoille Tea before? It is by Sleepytime. This has helped me go to sleep. Try drinking some warm milk to see if this will help too. I hope that you will be able to sleep. I know that when your body won't let you rest you can become very exhausted in time.
1 person likes this
@MrKennedy (1978)
•
6 Jan 10
I don't know where the hell this sheep-counting method came from, but it has NEVER worked for me. I just find myself laying there getting more and more frustrated because the number of sheeps increases, but I realise I'm getting nowhere nearer to an actual good night of sleep
1 person likes this
@registeraccnt (57)
• Philippines
6 Jan 10
I've been in insomnia for past years. I know the feeling.
First you have to clear your mind of any thought. Yes, it seems hard to do
but it would definitely make you not to do anything that would distract
your moment to sleep. So, finish all the things you do.
Don't bother trying anything to make you sleep like surfing, internet, movies, books and stuff because this would only put you in a loop of doing things and wake you up.
Listen to soundscapes to relax your mind. Lastly, try jogging, biking or having a long exercise and a hot shower before hitting the sack. I hope this helps. Good luck!
