Everyday Cheapskate: No-Cost Ways to Drift Off to Sleep That Don't Involve Sheep

Ah, sleep -- that elusive friend we all need but sometimes can't seem to find. I don't know about you, but I've spent plenty of nights staring at the ceiling, wondering why my brain insists on replaying every awkward thing I've ever done instead of letting me snooze. The good news? You don't need fancy gadgets, pricey pillows or lavender-scented contraptions to get some shut-eye. Let's chat about some simple, no-cost tricks to help you catch those ZZZs without breaking the bank -- or your patience.

SET A SLEEP SCHEDULE

Your body loves a routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day -- even on weekends. I know, I know. Saturdays are sacred. But hear me out: When your body knows what to expect, it starts shutting down naturally. Think of it like training a toddler to nap -- minus the tantrums.

DITCH THE SCREENS

Raise your hand if you've ever fallen down the rabbit hole of cute videos at 11 p.m. (Guilty.) Blue light from screens messes with your brain's melatonin production, making it harder to feel sleepy. Swap the phone for a book or -- brace yourself -- nothing at all. Staring into the dark can actually help your mind wind down.

EMBRACE THE POWER OF A WIND-DOWN ROUTINE

Start 30 minutes before you want to sleep. Turn off the TV, dim the lights and do something relaxing: Stretch, meditate or sit quietly with your thoughts. A cup of herbal tea wouldn't hurt, but we're keeping it no-cost, so maybe just sip some water and pretend it's chamomile.

BREATHE LIKE YOU MEAN IT

Deep breathing is like giving your nervous system a hug. Try the 4-7-8 method: inhale for four seconds, hold for seven, and exhale for eight. Repeat until you either feel calmer or get bored. Either way, you're closer to sleep. Bonus: This one's portable. Use it anytime, anywhere.

BAN THE BEDROOM CHAOS

Your bedroom should feel like a spa, not a storage unit. Clear the clutter, make your bed inviting and keep it cool and dark. If your windows let in streetlight brighter than Times Square, grab an old T-shirt or towel and MacGyver a blackout curtain. Fancy? No. Effective? Absolutely.

CHANNEL YOUR INNER GOLDILOCKS

Let's talk temperature. The sweet spot for sleep is around 60-67 F. Too hot? Toss off the blankets. Too cold? Grab an extra layer. Your goal is to feel just right -- and if you're married, this might involve stealth blanket-stealing tactics. (I'm not saying I've done this, but I've heard stories.)

PUT YOUR BRAIN TO WORK -- IN A GOOD WAY

Ever try not to think about something and suddenly it's all you can focus on? Use this to your advantage. Try a mental game, like listing all the vegetables you can think of or counting backward from 300 in threes. The goal isn't to finish; it's to bore your brain into submission. Before you know it, you'll be dreaming of carrots and kale.

TALK BACK TO RACING THOUGHTS

If your brain insists on replaying your middle school talent show disaster at bedtime, try this: Acknowledge the thought, thank it for its time, and tell it you'll deal with it tomorrow. Sounds silly, but it works. Giving yourself permission to let go can stop the mental hamster wheel in its tracks.

TRY PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION

This one's like a workout but without the sweating. Start at your toes and slowly tense, then relax, each muscle group as you work your way up. It's oddly satisfying -- and by the time you get to your shoulders, you might be too relaxed to even finish.

LISTEN TO THE QUIET

Silence is golden, but if it's too loud (funny how that works), try a DIY white noise hack. A fan works wonders, or you can hum softly to yourself. And no, this doesn't make you weird; it makes you resourceful. Plus, it's better than lying awake listening to the neighbor's dog bark at ghosts.

A BONUS TRICK: GET UP IF YOU'RE STUCK

Sometimes, trying harder to sleep is like trying to unsee that weird thing you saw at the grocery store -- it just doesn't work. If you're tossing and turning for more than 20 minutes, get up and do something calming. Try journaling, stretching or folding laundry.

The best part about these sleep strategies? They cost nothing but a little effort. You don't need fancy apps, weighted blankets or sleep consultants charging more than your rent. Sleep is natural -- it's just a matter of coaxing your brain and body back into their rhythm.

So tonight, skip the sheep and try a few of these tips. Sweet dreams!

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Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, "Ask Mary." This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book "Debt-Proof Living."