Have you had one of those days or weeks where the stress just piled up to the point you didn't know what to do? Your body is tired, your mind is mush but when you lay down to sleep nothing happens.
Your brain starts shooting all kinds of problems that keep you awake.
You need a break from the stress.
If it gets so bad that you don't know how you are going to function, go see a doctor.
Don't run down to the pharmacy and grab pills.
At least not before trying some simple and safe stress relieving techniques.
* Laugh.
Better yet, laugh with a friend.
The combination of humor and social networking will do wonders for your stress.
Watch a funny film or even better talk about a funny film that both you and your friend have seen.
If you can laugh you can actually create a little endorphin that will make you feel better.
* Get some exercise.
Stress releases adrenaline and cortisol and the best way to get both those hormones out of your system is to burn them off.
A brisk walk or a bicycle ride is all it will take.
No need for hours at the gym.
Getting some solitaire exercise like walking also gives you some alone time that you need to work through the things that you think are stressing you.
* Do some breathing exercises.
Take a long slow breath in through the nose and then slowly exhale from the mouth until your lungs are empty.
Repeat several times until you feel the tension leaving your body.
This also slows your heart down which in turn will lower your blood pressure.
* Music and natural water sounds like waves or rain or thunderstorms can also have a calming effect.
There is actually a technique that uses tones to "entrain" the brain into becoming calm.
Frequencies are introduced through headsets that the brain hears and then responds with a desired effect.
Many people have used them for sleep aids or for simple relaxation.
* Cut out the coffee, caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
Substitute these items with herbal tea or even a warm cup of milk (just like Mom told you to).
When you get down to it, stress is not created by those challenges that life presents.
Stress is created when your brain thinks those challenges are threats.
If you can distract the brain or reeducate it, then you will be well on your way to a life with less stress and more sleep.