Relaxation and sleep

Relaxation and sleep
Relaxing is not the same as sleeping. Many people sleep without being very relaxed, and although relaxing can lead one to yawn or feel sleepy, it need not lead to sleep.
Learning to relax can certainly help you to get to sleep more easily, and then to sleep more restfully. Use the physical relaxation exercises described earlier when you are ready for sleep. Some other suggestions that may help with sleeping are:
· don't use your bed as a place to work during the day
· stop working some while before you want to sleep
· put your work books etc. out of sight of your bed
· develop a routine prior to going to bed
· once in bed, get as comfortable as possible
· yawn! "Artificial" yawns are just as good as the real thing in helping you to slow down your breathing, and at releasing the fluid between your eyelids which will enable them to stay closed all night. Having yawned, keep your eyes gently closed.