6 Calming Affirmations to Say to Yourself the Next Time You Can't Sleep

There's power in the words we choose, especially at bedtime. "I can't sleep" is a common refrain, but one that "highlights what you don't want," writes Jennifer Williamson in her new book, Sleep Affirmations: 200 Phrases for a Deep and Peaceful Sleep. Learning to talk to yourself in a more mindful way can actually help you get more and better rest, Williamson says.

The positive affirmations in Williamson's book prepare you "to enter the mindful state of peace that invites sleep."

Read the words out loud at first, then repeat them silently in your head for 5 to 10 minutes. If distracting thoughts interrupt the process, simply return to the affirmation, Williamson writes. And as with most things, practice makes perfect: "Give yourself compassion, and give the new affirmation space to grow."

Start with these 12 nighttime mantras from Sleep Affirmations (and pick up the book to discover more).

The Best is always good enough and everything else is worthy of forgiveness. I am willing to try this belief; I have done my best. I forgive the rest. Now, it's time to let go.

I have done my best today, and I am willing to forgive the rest.

I am thankful for the chance to close my eyes.

I allow the healing energy of gratitude to pour from my heart. What a miracle it is to be alive, to breathe, to be still, to sleep. I feel blessed to be here—my blessings I hold dear.

Some answers are found only in the clear space of the here and now—the moment with no questions. As I enter this space, a different energy washes over me. For now, sleep is my answer.

I welcome every answer that sleep will give.

Nighttime is my time to heal.

As I hand over my thoughts to the healing night, they are carefully held for me. I entrust my worries, fears, and hurts to the universe, and all is taken care of for me. Sleep is coming to restore me back to full vitality.

It feels good to be still.

As I settle down in bed my whole body sighs. My breath rolls in and out like the tide. It's a relief just to be here, alive. This still moment is a gift—a waveless ocean, a breezeless sky.

I cherish my relationship with sleep.

Sleep is an ancient friend of mine. I think of it kindly, with a mind quiet to all other relationships. A soft smile crosses my face because I know I am loved here. Sleep reassures me with a goodnight kiss.

Excerpted from Sleep Affirmations: 200 Phrases for a Deep and Peaceful Sleep Copyright © 2018 by Jennifer Williamson (HealingBrave.com) and published by Adams Media, a division of Simon and Schuster. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Interior design by Colleen Cunningham.