I spent too much money on a pillow that was supposed to help me sleep better. The promise was that it would stay cool and not cause any neck discomfort. It is a comfortable pillow, but I still find myself waking in the middle of the night, turning the pillow over to cool it down. So much for the stay cool part of the promise!

When it comes to falling asleep, we have everything from drugs to special pillows to help aid us to dream land. Still, too many of us find ourselves thinking about the deadlines for tomorrow and stressing over things out of our control. Our thoughts race. We need to unwind and let it go. Maybe we need a relaxation coach!

That’s right, a coach to help us let go of our cares and wind down without medications!  The coach assesses our nightly habits, asking questions about sleep routine, and worry levels at bedtime. Then he/she asks about relaxation sounds–do we prefer the sound of the ocean, the crackling of a fire, a beautiful chime, etc. The coach will provide us these sounds to help us fall asleep.

Next, we work on a bedtime routine. No more throwing in a load of laundry at 11:00 at night or finishing that last minute deadline on the computer. NO! Instead, we wind down with stretches and maybe a relaxing bath. We establish a sleep ritual like drinking hot herbal tea, darkening the room and reading. Next, we might play a relaxation CD made with a soothing voice or those relaxing sounds to help us relax. I like the ocean with seagulls, but found it made me get up to go to the bathroom too often! Something about the sound of water!

The relaxation coach incorporates a few  basic principles that you can probably figure out yourself.

1) Lessen your activity level towards bedtime.

2) Develop a bedtime routine.

3) Come up with a few rituals that help you relax.

4) Make the room calm, dark and cool to help with sleep.

5) Think of something positive, meditate on the goodness of God and be grateful for the day.

The main idea is to be intentional about relaxing and getting ready for bed.

Yes, the relaxation coach is a good idea. But I’ve found one that really works. I get coached through the Word of God. Turn off the thoughts of the day by praying and meditating on a Scripture. I find myself  drifting off to a good night’s sleep! God’s Word is comforting like a warm bath. It soothes like the sounds of the ocean. And it takes my mind to a place of rest. He will keep me in perfect peace when my mind is stayed on Him.