Seven Tricks to Fall Asleep Fast

1. Sing yourself a lullaby
Don't laugh. I'm serious. I've been singing lullabies to my son for a few years now, and they aren't only effective for him, they always make me drowsy, too. I suspect that singing has soothing, stress-reducing properties (even with an off-key voice like mine!), and I am proof that it works. (I know, it might be awkward singing to yourself in bed when your guy is trying to sleep, too. But try singing as you're getting ready for bed.

2. Rock yourself
And I don't mean with rock and roll, I mean a rocking chair. I can't tell you how many times I've fallen asleep in my baby's nursery at 7:30 p.m. while putting him to sleep. My conclusion: Adults could use a little rocking too! If you have a rocker in your house (not likely, unless you have kids like me), fabulous. An office chair that spins works too.
Out of luck? Ask your man to rock you! Hey, if anything it could be a cute bonding experience for you two. Why does it work? I suspect that it has something to do with the method that baby-sleep expert Harvey Karp, M.D. discovered: A slight "jiggle" or rocking of your body, especially your head, can lull babies (and adults!) into dreamland fast.

3. Curl your toes
I read about this in the June issue of Health. "Curl your toes tightly for a count of seven, and then relax," reports writer Brittani Renaud. "Repeat through each muscle group, working up form your toes to your neck."

4. Tidy up your bedroom before bed
Confession: I can't sleep in an unmade bed. I'm not joking. If I somehow forget to make my bed in the morning, I make it before bed. It makes me feel more organized, which helps me relax. Turns out, there's some logic to my anal habit. Messy houses, bedrooms included, can have an impact on our stress levels.

5. Write in a journal
This is a practice I gave up several years ago--and I really miss it. There's something soothing about writing right before bed. And it's healthy! According to Alice Domar, a psychologist and women's health expert, it helps your process stressful situations and can help you reach resolution.

6. Try cherry juice
Your I-can't-sleep regimen: chamomile tea, an eye mask, a dark bedroom--and cherry juice? Odd, I know. According to researchers at researchers at The University of Rochester, it's not the pucker from sour cherry juice that supposedly makes your lids to get heavy, it's the fact that cherries contain a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that contributes to sleepiness and relaxation.

7. Fall asleep with a light weight on top of you.
Some experts believe that having a feeling of (light) weight on top of you may release a hormone--serotonin--that helps you feel sleepy. Try a weighted blanket—or pile of clean laundry!