How to Sleep

For most of my life I’ve had a problem. I have always had trouble getting to sleep, sometimes leading to being in bed, tired, but still quite awake way later than I’d like. Over the years I’ve worked hard to correct this. I’ve invested a bunch into having a healthy bedtime routine, consistent, less blue light, only use the bedroom for sleep, etc. but I am unwilling to give up on caffeine completely which is probably the culprit.

What to do instead?

Well the biggest problem for me was that my mind would be racing and looping over things again and again. If that sounds like you, then have I got the trick for you. Audio books.

You see, I had realized that falling asleep with the TV would make it so my mind doesn’t race as I pay attention, but the pressure was always there to open my eyes to see what was going on. But Audio books are perfect* at giving you something to engage with, but no need to open your eyes.

But you have to choose the right book. If a book is too compelling, you’re just as likely to stay awake all night listening. This has happened to me a couple of times. On the other hand if a book is too simple or boring then your mind will race anyway as it stops paying attention.

What’s the perfect balance? LitRPGs.

LitRPGs are books where the main character is embodied in a role playing video game (usually). The stories are fun and interesting, but the reading aloud of stat sheets is decidedly not which gives them a good balance.

Here are a few that I think are great, or at least great examples of the genre:

Classic LitRPGs

Magic, but no explicit ties to video games

Deck building

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