Q: I can't ever fall asleep if I know I have to be up early the next day. What's going on with me? I'm 14 and I want to be able to get up for school soon! I think the problem is that I can't seem to "shut off" my thoughts and stress about the following day. I already take melatonin every once in a while.
A: I get that a lot too. Thoughts race through my head and I can't seem to make myself sleep. When that happens I meditate. Lay on your back in the dark and quiet and close your eyes. Concentrate on every muscle in your body, starting with your toes, and "melt" them. Try to focus on your heatbeat, and keep your thoughts and emotions at bay. Soon you'll start to get drowsy and peaceful, and you should just let yourself fall into the natural sleep cycle your body starts during this process. If all else fails, take Tylenol PM or some NyQuil