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Now we're turning together to breathing. All the science shows that extending the out-breath is a surefire way of metabolising excess cortisol and adrenalin which is what keeps us awake.

Connecting to something vast and peaceful like the Earth is a great way of anchoring us back into sleep. This practice uses the body and the breath to do just that.

Connecting to something vast and peaceful like the Earth is a great way of anchoring us back into sleep. This practice uses the body and the breath to do just that.

Often it is our thinking mind that drives fire through our system and stops us from sleeping. But sometimes the still of the night is a potent place to investigate what thoughts are and to rest more and more in the space that surrounds them. That's where sleep can be found.

Often it is our thinking mind that drives fire through our system and stops us from sleeping. But sometimes the still of the night is a potent place to investigate what thoughts are and to rest more and more in the space that surrounds them. That's where sleep can be found.

If all else fails this beautiful Buddhist practice often helps me sleep. Reflecting on the millions of people who are sleepless too and taking in their insomnia and sending them restful sleep. Somehow this topsy turvy approach really works.

My final suggestion is perhaps the most delicious. To relax into the presence of a beneficent Buddha who can wash away all the stress and triggers of your body-mind. You can take time to learn the 100-syllable mantra below. oṃ Om is the supreme expression of praise. vajrasattva samayam anupālaya vajrasattva Vajrasattva, ensure your samaya remains intact. tvenopatiṣṭha dṛḍho me bhava Be steadfast in your care of me. sutoṣyo me bhava Grant me unqualified contentment. supoṣyo me bhava Enhance everything that is noble within me. anurakto me bhava Look after me. sarvasiddhiṃ me prayaccha Grant me all accomplishments, sarvakarmasu ca me And in everything I do cittaṃ śreyaḥ kuru Ensure my mind is virtuous. hūṃ The hūṃ syllable is Vajrasattva’s wisdom mind. ha ha ha ha These represent the four immeasurables, the four empowerments, the four joys, and the four kāyās. hoḥ What joy! bhagavan sarvatathāgatavajra Blessed One, who embodies all the tathāgatas, Vajra(sattva), mā me muñca Never abandon me! vajrī bhava Grant me the realization of vajra nature! mahāsamayasattva Great samayasattva, āḥ I am one with you.

I have found many of these techniques really useful at that dreaded 4am window. Will you let me know which ones work for you?