Insomnia is really one of the easiest things to cure with meditation; the cure is to forget the nonsense that says you must fall asleep. Actually, from a meditation point of view, it would be great if you could stay awake all the time so you could meditate. It is actually quite refreshing to stay awake all night and meditate, I have done so on several occasions and have not felt a negative impact at all. The problem is the fact that generally we are anxious about falling asleep, looking at the time, wondering when we will get some “quality” sleep. The truth is your waking state has much more quality to it, so you should not worry about sleep at all.
The best way to do lying meditation is in the same as with sitting meditation; just lie on your back or side and watch the stomach rising and falling. As it rises, say in your mind “rising”; as it falls, say “falling”. If you feel worried or anxious, just say in your mind “anxious, anxious” or “worried, worried” until it goes away. Once it is gone, go back to the rising and falling of the stomach. Actually if you do this for some time, you should find your sleeping pattern returning to normal – provided you are not taking any drugs such as caffeine (coffee) or anti-depressants.
Thanks for this. I have found what you say to be very helpful indeed. I am now 51 and sleep less and also wake up more often recently. I have done exactly as you say and have found it to work brilliantly. As you say, when we allow the anxiety and worry to be, it goes away. Focusing on the present moment is so simple effective and powerful.
It is actually another opportunity to be mindful and meditate. Its amazing really.
Peace,
Gavin