I've become a lighter sleeper as I've gotten older, but generally fall asleep pretty quickly. I don't think it's from any chronic lack of sleep. It's mostly a matter of probably lucky genetics and also actually taking my sleep hygiene really seriously which very few people do. I:
* Try to stick closely to a regular sleep schedule.
* Keep my bedroom very dark and cool.
* Don't lay in bed and stare at a screen a lot. I try to build a mental association with my bed and sleep.
* Try to get some amount of physical exercise in the day and get out of the house. I find it's much harder to fall asleep if I didn't have a full-feeling day.
* Hydrate well throughout the day, but not right before sleep. (Not as much a problem when you're younger, but as I've gotten older, my bladder increasingly is the limiting factor for sleep length.)
* Pay attention to my anxiety. If I have thoughts keeping me up, I get up and write them down. That helps my brain feel like it doesn't have to stay alert and remember them.
> * Try to get some amount of physical exercise in the day and get out of the house. I find it's much harder to fall asleep if I didn't have a full-feeling day.
This is the most improtant point that works for me. It's simple: getting a bit tired makes it easier for me to fall asleep. And if I'm not and I feel like I'd like to explore the universe when it's time to go to bed, I get on my stationary bike and my brain finally relaxes.
* Try to stick closely to a regular sleep schedule.
* Keep my bedroom very dark and cool.
* Don't lay in bed and stare at a screen a lot. I try to build a mental association with my bed and sleep.
* Try to get some amount of physical exercise in the day and get out of the house. I find it's much harder to fall asleep if I didn't have a full-feeling day.
* Hydrate well throughout the day, but not right before sleep. (Not as much a problem when you're younger, but as I've gotten older, my bladder increasingly is the limiting factor for sleep length.)
* Pay attention to my anxiety. If I have thoughts keeping me up, I get up and write them down. That helps my brain feel like it doesn't have to stay alert and remember them.