Insomnia tips from someone who still can't sleep

**Imported from Facebook Notes **

Hello everyone,

I'm having a particularly nasty run of insomnia at the moment. One would think that with two sick twins and me getting very little sleep as is that this wouldn't be a problem. Alas.

So, I've decided to compile the various techniques I've used over the years to see if that helps me sleep.

- Imagine your thoughts encased in soap bubbles. Every time one pops up, put it in a soap bubble and watch it float away.

- Free associate. Do your best not to fixate on one subject.

- Pay close attention to your breaths or your heartbeats. Count them if you like.

- Pretend that you absolutely have to get up and go do something. Feel how exhausted your body is at this request and give into that exhaustion. This is much like recreating how you will not feel like getting up the next day.

- Actually get up and do something. Your body is giving you free energy, use it! (P.S. Watching TV is not doing something and doesn't make you tired.)

- Drink milk, drink camomile tea, take a warm bath. These rarely help me, but I still try.

- Systematically tense and relax your muscles starting with your toes and working your way up.

- Do that other thing that you do in bed. ;)

- Keep your eyes open as you lie awake. Soon your lids will feel very heavy.

- Swaddle yourself: wrap your blankets tightly around you.

- Scream incoherent obscenities at the bed sheets. I've never tried it myself, but it seems to be a favorite among the twins.

- Sleep somewhere else, a different bed, the couch, or even just in the opposite direction in your bed.

- Write in a journal.

Well, that's all I can think of. I'm still not sleepy, though. Exhausted, but not sleepy. Anyone else have tips to share?