What has always worked for me is having a relaxed routine for the last hour of the day.
I put my pyjamas on, I take my book and I read in bed.
At 11 PM I close my book, and before the sleepines scapes from me I close my eyes.

If I skip my routine for whatever the reason, again it takes me too long to fall aslept.

Kitalpha Hart wrote:I've never had that experience. Always takes at least an hour usually three or four to actually fall asleep

Same, lol.

Kitalpha Hart wrote:Wait
The phrase "[they] were asleep as soon as [their] head touched the pillow" isn't an exaggeration?

Not an exaggeration at all, but I've never experienced it myself. From my understanding, people who exhaust their body physically before going to bed might manage this? But definitely not me. Meh.

Not sure if being physically exhausted changes anything. At least it doesn't for me.
Didn't happen when I was working in a restaurant and still doesn't now that I'm moving around all the time at work either. Husband also doesn't move at all and falls asleep faster than I do.

I wonder if someone attempted to study this.

Yeah, when I'm physically exhausted I actually sleep worse!

I don't think that's it.
I would bet on being able to disconnect your mind from your problems. People who can do that sleep quickly because there is nothing stopping them from sleeping.

Doesn't matter how exhausted the body is, the brain won't turn off

Pretty much this. I have been imagining stories in my head to avoid my brain from overheating from ever since I remember. And even then it takes a long time to fall asleep. Though it's honestly a lot better since I moved away from Her Highness my Mother.

Staying away from certain people does help indeed!
And staying close to other do help too: I do sleep much better since I live with my husband. He's quite a calming presence for me.
Also he's strong on routines and having a night time routine (instead of staying up until late on the forums ) have improved my sleep quality.

Oh, you too?
Ever since I started living with my husband my sleep has gotten better too. Sometimes he does wake me up when he moves around but overall I feel much more rested with him.

Yes, I do.

You know when little kids want to sleep with their parents?
They seek the comfort of being close to someone, it makes them feel more safe.
I think it's the same for adults. Or at least for me. You don't really think about it, but you feel safer.

That must be my cats for me then. Although Pedro is very in the way and makes it hard to sleep, when the cats don't come to bed I end up thinking, 'why am I so alone?'