About This Practice

A gentle drift toward the soft edge of sleep — releasing the day, letting the body grow heavy, and allowing thoughts and half-dreams to float past until sleep arrives.

Benefits

A softer, slower wind-down as you settle in bed
A quiet letting-go of the day just gone
The heavy, drifting feeling that comes before sleep
A calm place for a restless mind to rest

When to Practice

In bed, at the end of the day

How to Practice

Climb into bed, switch off the lights, and lie down as you would to sleep. Get warm and comfortable, and let your head sink into the pillow. This session is a slow drift toward the edge of sleep. Follow the voice loosely — there is nothing to concentrate on. As the guidance softens and the silences grow, let yourself sink further. You do not need to reach the end. Falling asleep partway through is exactly the point. Let go whenever you are ready.

Science & Research

Slow, restful practices like this are used by many people to unwind and settle at the end of the day. It is a gentle way to ease toward sleep.

Tips

Start it once you are already lying down with the lights out.
There is no need to stay awake for the whole session — drifting off is the goal.
Let images and thoughts come and go; you do not have to follow any of them.
Soft rain or ambient sound can help mask a noisy room.

Precautions

Practise in bed or somewhere safe to fall asleep. Never while driving.