Sleeping issues have become an epidemic in our country. There are over seventy recognized sleep disorders, the most prevalent of which is not being able to fall asleep.

Not getting enough rest is a sure way to ensure that we are less productive and irritable the next day. Below we cover a simple technique that will help you destress and get the rest you desire and deserve.

As you lay down and prepare for sleep, start to come into your body. Take note of how your body feels. It's probably sore from the day's events. Start to become aware of your breath, take control of it, deepening and slowing it down. As thoughts or goals pop into your head, acknowledge them and smile to them. Release them, not actively feeding into them.

If you aren't already, lay down with the lights off. Breathing through your nose count to four, then hold it for seven seconds. Exhale through your mouth for eight seconds. If you lose track of your count anywhere in the process, just restart. When something does pop into your head, mentally smile at it and release it. Trying to force your mind to settle will only feed more energy into the formations you are trying to avoid.
This technique comes from Harvard-educated, Dr. Andrew Weil, who studies meditation, breathing, and how it can be used to counteract stress. This method slows down your heart rate, and it also releases chemicals in our brain that soothes, such as serotonin. This technique requires just enough mental energy and focus to re-balance the connection between body and mind, with our invigorating our mental processes. You will likely lose track of what step you are on. Don't sweat it, the focus should be on the rhythm not the perfection.

Good luck.