If my brain is preoccupied and won’t let me sleep, I try to reoccupy the part that is preoccupied……

I visualize a map of the United States and then think through the state capitals. Boredom sets in and I fall asleep before I get through all 50.

Boomer

turn on the tv in the bedroom....works like a charm

Crown Royal and a little 7UP with ice works for me

Given your specific question about turning off your thinking, I think the two responses that people gave to otherwise occupy your brain are probably the most helpful. You need to find something that interests you, can potentially take a while to think through, & is at the same time a little dull (by this I mean it in no way gets you stressed or excited) or offers avenues that you can dwell on (for example both for golf & state capitals, you can start remembering the scenery). Both posters, the round of golf & the state capitals offer all of the qualities. I do something similar & it helps. I am interested in history so I can start listing the causes of the Wars of the Roses or the First World War, or listing English Monarchs & any details about them or US Presidents. On the other hand if politics gets you upset don't try the Presidents thing.
:icon_wink: But anything along these lines will do. You could take apart an engine & put it back together.

ZzzzQuil Liquid
 

The liquid version of ZQuil with no medicine in it - I prefer the purple one - works amazing for me and my husband. Liquid works faster than pills. Saying prayers works wonders

I think I should have added another quality of a good soporific brain exercise is it has a goal that keeps you on track, ie: 18 holes, 50 states, 40 some odd monarchs, etc.

[QUOTE=billethkid;2155278]Most of us have this happen from time to time. Maybe more often as we get older.......75+++.

Those times when you just can not turn off your brain.

What do you do?

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A breathing solution that works most of the time. Take 3 deep breaths, exhale continuously out with your lips pursed until you want to yawn. Try it at least twice. It should help you relax.

LOL. I visualize the Universe and think through the galaxies.

It's even worst when you can't sleep and go to the kitchen and start eating. Or wake up in the middle of the night and start eating. It's called nocturnal eating disorder and it's almost like sleep walking.
Xanax works but contrary to popular belief it's addictive hence why it's a narcotic. Ambian is the worst it does all types of weird things to your brain.
There is nothing like natural sleep. My wife falls asleep the minute her heads her pillow. Grrrrrrr ������*♂️

Easy peasy: one half Benadryl and a cup of camomile tea does it for me every time.

I wonder which state you fall asleep ������ at on your countdown?

I get up and make sure the screws in the cover plates of the outlets and switch plates are all from east to west.

The other thing that works is YouTube. I put on Unashamed with the Duck Dynasty crew and just listen. Their banter is a surefire remedy for sleep and if I’m still jammed up then All In The Family works.

Swimming during the day knocks me out! Good Luck, no sleep is hell.

North to south man with the screws myself.
Water runs off better if splashed.
Off to sort out my sock draw.
Wife got color order mixed up!:icon_wink:

Getting to Sleep
 

Alteril is over the counter, contains melatonin, valerian, L-tryptophan and chamomile.

Also, I sometimes "count to 100" but my rule is that if my mind wanders and the numbers are not the main thing with my attention, then I start over.

I get further and further with each attempt to stop my mind wandering off. I do not usually make it to 100 before falling asleep after a few attempts. It is quite boring, but has mostly been effective. However, some nights, I give up after quite a few attempts to reach 100.

Breathe
 

Breathe in through the nose for 4 seconds, hold it for 8 seconds, exhale though the mouth for 7 seconds. If you feel like yawning do it. Take it to the next level: do the same exercise while counting back from 100.

:22yikes::22yikes:

WOW!!!!