I read. I either pass out after a few minutes or at least spend the hours entertaining myself.

depends on energy level.

tired, low energy, can’t sleep - listen to music, watch TV

not tired, high energy - exercise, go for a walk, play video games

wank it, that usually helps

I just lay still with my eyes closed and wait. That’s how 100% of the times I’ve fallen asleep have begun so I trust it to work this time as well.

Break every good sleep habit I have. Does it help? No. Does it feel good to do so? Also no. Will I stop? Not likely

I doomscroll Lemmy /and/or my most recent find which I found to be an excellent source for AI/LMM related news that’s actually interesting, hackernews. I also keep a radio plugged in next to my bed, with one of the public service radio channel tuned in 24/7. During the night they usually do reruns of various educational shows that aired during the day, no music, no advertisements, just dull, calm voices speaking about some mildly interesting topics, like gardening tips for example. I lower the volume a bit so I have to really focus if I want to actually listen, otherwise it’s just comfortable noise. It helps a bit with my usual overthinking that usually hits whenever I go to bed.

I’ve also dabbed my toes in some ASMR and podcasts, and while I found a couple that sort of worked. The tradeoff is that I have to use my phone speakers to listen to anything streamable, which includes me rolling and tossing during the night, and my phone either ends up under me, or has been tossed around so much that I can’t find it by the next morning. Often with a drained battery too, which is just an annoying way to start your day.

Go for a walk usually. Works like 50% of the time.

I used to have really bad insomnia, but through lower caffeine, extra exercise, and a consistent sleep schedule I’ve mostly beaten it.

But today I’m sick, which almost always means being up the entire night. Not a great combo.

When all of my usual tricks fail I usually just embrace it. Get up, watch TV, play a game, or read. No reason to be bored AND miserable.

Curious how other people handle it.

I read a book on my e-reader. Preferably something that’s sufficiently engaging that I enjoy it, but not too exciting - no page-turners. Usually I will get tired again eventually, and if not, by lying still in bed you still get some amount of rest and recovery, so I don’t stress out if I don’t actually fall asleep again.

Not sleep

I watch Warhammer 40k lore videos on youtube and Ifall asleep within minutes.

I just don’t. 🥲

But just like you, after trying out different positions and spending 10-15 mins trying unsuccessfully to fall asleep, I just start living. What choice do I have? I even go to the gym mostly to help with my digestive issues and insomnia but even then, more often than not, the latter remains a problem. I know eventually I will crash and get some sleep whether my brain wants it or not so 🤷‍♂️. Not ideal but hey, at least I’m really squeezing the juice out of life!

ASMR. If I’m really desperate, alcohol and/or weed, but you’re sick so maybe just ASMR and NyQuil. Feel better soon!