• Wine

I prefer white over red wine. 

Caution: Stop having sips when you’re already very sleepy.  Reason?  One time I dozed off as the the lip of the wine glass touched my open mouth.  Luckily, not much spill to ruin my bed sheets.  And it happened again on a different night.  Go, figure!

• TV set on

I usually watch pre-recorded programs.  And when I have watched all, I check out Netflix, YouTube, and other channels.  The boring content or the white noise usually does the trick.  Unfortunately, I either have nightmares associated with what is on.  Or, I get involved in conversation with host/guest while asleep or as I awake. 

And, what about wasted wattage to pay for at the end of the month, you might ask?

• Prayers

Since I am Catholic, I start out with the Sign of the Cross and then followed by 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, and 1 Glory Be.  I am usually asleep before I make the final sign of the cross.

Do I then dream being in heaven?  Hmmm…

• Fragrant flowers on night stand

There is nothing like a fragrant flower in a shallow bowl on my night stand.  The fragrance elicits beautiful images conducive to falling asleep.  And to wake up to sweet smell caressing your nose is a good way to start the day.

The only thing is, I have to wait till spring when my gardenia, hyacinths, lilies of the valley, and viburnums bloom.

• Posturepedic adjustable bed

Head and leg lifts make for a comfortable in-bed position.

However, I usually wake up with a sore back.  And, sometimes I find myself all curled up, perpendicularly, in the crease.

• Socks

There is nothing like warm feet while in bed during cold season.  A pair of white athletic socks does wonder.  Who cares about sock marks in the morning? Do you?

• Visualization

“Inhaling” green air and following the stream as it travels through entire body, from head to toe, is very effective.  I usually conk out before my toes turn green.

• Electronic gadgetry

Having accessible iPhone and mini Apple laptop are great electronic aids. 

Clearing candy pieces on Candy Crush or last-minute checks for FaceBook entries, News of the Day, e-mail, or texts is a surefire sail to dreamland.

What about you?  Is there anything you can add to the list?