Looking mindlessly at my phone and scrolling through pointless posts puts me to sleep significantly faster than laying still listening to whatever thoughts and concerns my brain conjures up.
This hits hard for me. There have been too many nights where I am just lying in bed with my mind racing. I’ve tried breathing techniques, meditation, the whole book. Doesn’t work for me, and I am left with taking delayed release melatonin pills.
Have you tried listening to meditations? I wasn’t sure if you were talking about self guided or not.
I sometimes find listening to a 30 minute guided meditation knocks me out. It’s like giving my brain permission to turn off.
I’ve started listening to audio books. I usually only make it about 15-20 mins before I fall asleep.