[Mark in Idaho]

We have had lots of post about insomnia. I have lightly mentioned learning to relax but last night my wife and I got talking about it. She has observed how well my brain responds to music in preparation to go to sleep.

Have any of you with insomnia problems tried to find soothing music to help settle your brain's rhythms? Many people say they do not like slow or 'boring' music but it is worth taking some time to experiment with different tempos and genres of music.

I have a few that can lullaby me to sleep if I just remember to turn them on. Diana Krall's "The Look of Love" can settle me from the worst over-stimulating crashes/panic attacks. I also do very well with Celtic Woman. I have listened to foreign language music too. Sarah Brightman sings some like "Time to Say Goodbye" The languages that I do not understand ( all but English and un pokito of Espanol) allow me to not connect to the words cognitively.

It help for me to have heard the music many times before. That way, my mind knows what to expect.

I have tried white noise, rain sounds, waves, etc but they are too abstract. I need my brain to follow the music at a simple level cognitively. The simplicity of quality arrangements does wonders for me. I can even get refreshed from just listening without actually falling asleep.

Back in my youth, I used to fall asleep to Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, or Three Dog Night, etc. What a difference 40 years and PCS makes.

Hope you can use this to find a way to get better sleep.

My best to you all.