What are some things you do before bed to wind down and get your body ready for sleep mode?

Watch some Tivoed shows (usually Daily Show or How it’s Made), have a cigarette, drink a glass of water, take out my contacts, fumble around blindly for my facewash and my glasses, brush my teeth.
Then the boy comes to bed with me and snuggles or tickles my back until he thinks I’m asleep (it’s always about 30 seconds before, but who’s gonna complain about that?) and he turns on the white noise machine and goes and does whatever he does at night.

Usually, my husband and I watch TV for a while, or I sit with him and read while he watches TV. I then brush my teeth and wash my face, then get into bed and put my cold bare feet on my husband’s warm feet. I think he secretly likes it. Then I remember about 23 things that I wanted to tell him but forgot until that moment when he’s trying to sleep. I think he secretly likes that too.

When my husband is out of town, I get ready for bed as usual, but much later than I would if he’s home. Then I read in bed until I can’t keep my eyes open. When I turn out the light, I lay there and think of how cold my feet are and consider getting out of bed to find some socks.

eat some candy, drink a glass of water, finish watching a Law and Order episode

Also, do you and your s/o always head to bed at the same time? Or do one of you stay up a bit longer?

Ice cold Rainier + spicy snack + The Arts station = sleepytime heavy eyelids. I never really watched television, as an adult, until grad school. I used to read before bedtime, but I now I do that all day.
I’m sure the ‘spicy’ is the reason I often have nightmares, but I will continue to do it because I like it.

i stay up longer usually – but at the point that i lay down he comes over to snuggle with me and gets on top of me to sleep

I can’t remember the last time I didn’t read at least 2–3 comics before turning in for the night.

I look for food, and usually find none. Then go to the bathroom, passing out shortly later.

We always go to bed at the same time. Neither of us can sleep if the other is still up. Plus, we have young kids who haven’t learned the joy of sleeping in yet.

I set my alarm for the next day (during the school week), I dim my computer or put it to sleep, floss my teeth, wash my face, take my pills, brush my teeth, get my bed “situated” with sheets + pillow (it’s a futon), and go to bed.

On nights when I take a shower, I fall asleep easier than when I don’t.

I dislike reading before bed (okay, that’s a lie), but I avoid it, because if the book is good enough, I’ll stay up to finish it and then it’s 3 am! (I will, however, read fanfic while flossing my teeth, because fics are rarely so long as to not be finished in one sitting.)

Change into my skivvies, grab a blanket and pillow and head to my sofa (with laptop in tow), Fluther while the t.v.s on, beverage of choice may be—Guinnness, Oberon, or some Cinnamon tea. Or, instead of Fluther, some good reading material. Sometimes, masturbation, and then I sleep wonderfully.

Read.
Something else if I’m lucky.

I listen to Sigur Ros.

Fluther, smoke a bowl,eat some sort of snack, tv, pass out

i usually read a chapter or two of whatever book I am reading each week, but only after spending time on Fluther and online in general. When the yawns start coming every five minutes, it’s time to find that damn book.

My wife and I almost always go to sleep at the same time. I put on Eno & Budd’s “The Pearl” to help mask my tinnitus and I’m out pretty quick.

I might try masturbating.

I pop a pill or drink a bit of alcohol (if available). Those are the only two things that work I haven’t fallen asleep naturally in over a year

@Facade Sounds like you have a problem. You should seek some help before it gets out of control.

I listen to music. It helps me relax and not think about the stress of the day.

floss excessively, then i feel so content i just drift off into dreamland.

Do you mean aside from my wife?

(She and I both agree that nothing makes for sounder sleep.)

Hot bath followed by get in to bed and read for 30 minutes or so.

A light dinner, a shower and then some cuddle on the couch time (maybe movie/cable) rubbing feet or light back massage and then sleep comes so nice, a slow sinking type.

@drdoombot Yep. I don’t see anything getting out of control btw.

Cup of piping hot tea, snuggle with the dog and have the tv on until I can’t keep my eyes open. I hope all of this occurs (falling asleep) before Sparky starts snoring!

A cigarrette and sometimes a glass of wine (a nice Rioja usually) and then a little news followed by some light reading. If i´m staying with Mrs C then i´ll give her a back-rub till she falls asleep.. then the cigarrette and news….

Hot tub, mellow cd , I’m gone! lol

i listen to music. or i read the bible. it’s a good novel lol