10 days! YAY!!!! **happy dance**
Re: sleeping. I would set aside an hour each night before bed to do the following:
Stop watching TV/reading in bed! the bed is for sleeping and mattress dancing ONLY!!
20 minutes: make/drink a cup of soothing decaf herbal tea. lay out your clothes for the next day and get your breakfast/lunch ready to go in the fridge (set up the coffee maker, put the cereal/bowl/spoon out on the counter;
10 minutes: make a list of things you need/want to do the next day and put it next to your bed, light a relaxing aromatherapy candle (I like the spearmint eucalyptus scent from bath and body works, lavender or vanilla are fantastic as well. Make sure your bedroom is very dark (cover vcr/dvr lights, computer screens, etc);
10 minutes: put your PJs on and brush your teeth/wash your face
5 minutes: get into bed and read over your list. Make additional notes if you think of anything else and then put it down. This allows you to process your wedding to do stuff before you get into bed, clearing your mind so it's not running.
15 minutes: blow out the candle, lay down and close your eyes. Take several deep breaths and just focus on relaxing. Don't think about the next day, the wedding, or falling asleep. Just focus on relaxing and breathing.
this is a tried and true method for making me fall asleep. I try to do it every night. The big thing is not to focus on trying to fall asleep. Just focus on relaxing.
The next morning you might want to try putting tea bags on your eyes. You can also put two spoons in the refrigerator and put the cold spoons on your eyes. I've also heard of putting preparation H under the eyes, but I'm not big on putting chemicals anywhere near my eyes. Another thing you could do is elevate your pillow a bit so fluid doesn't pool.-put a phone book under your pillow or stack two pillows, try to elevate your head so it's above your heart. Some people are genetically predisposed to bags, it's just the way their face is.
The next night, repeat the steps but cross things off your list from the night before if you've accomplished them. Add to the list and repeat the next night.
