Issue: Falling asleep while meditating

[Zenit]

I did a search for this but couldn't find anything helpful.

I have really ramped up my meditation time lately, but I have encountered a new challenge. I start falling asleep while i meditate. I can feel myself almost falling out of my chair, having mini jerks as my head starts to drop and I jerk it back up. When I am done with a 30-40 min meditation session I do feel more "in touch" with my conciseness (what ever that means) but at the same time I feel groggy. Like I got up in the middle of a sleep cycle.

What I think i might try is

-Drink some coffee to keep myself alert before meditating
-Meditate when I'm not the least bit tiered

Anyone tackled this question before?

[Stookie_]

If your just nodding off for a second, you might be closer than you think. It may be as simple as using a visualization exercise or some technique that will keep you aware as your body slows down. I've found a lot of success in those hard-to-maintain-awareness moments. Click-out, click-in, click-out... then BAM!

But if you really feel this isn't going anywhere, then your own suggestions could be helpful. Especially trying at another less-tired timed. You don't want to be too awake though, just enough so you don't pass out ASAP.

[Rudolph]

Sounds like you have some good ideas to try there.

Also, people in modern times tend to be sleep deprived. Before electricity was invented they say most people slept more like 9 hours per night, especially in winter. Getting a full night's sleep should help.

I would also try a little more complicated mantra to keep the mind engaged. Then maybe set a timer for 15 minutes and add 5 minutes per week -- this might add urgency to the concentration effort early on until you get a rhythm going.

[Zenit]

I've found a lot of success in those hard-to-maintain-awareness moments. Click-out, click-in, click-out... then BAM!

Thats exactly it! I keep falling in and out of conciseness.

Considering I dont use any sort of mantra or technique i guess this might be the way to go.

[Zenit]

I would also try a little more complicated mantra to keep the mind engaged. Then maybe set a timer for 15 minutes and add 5 minutes.

Again this might be the way to go. I have chosen to stay away from mantras in the past because i felt they detracted from just slowing my thoughts down, but this might actually be the time to introduce them. These past few days I just been using the act of observing different things (sight, sound, and breath) to stay focused.

If people have any suggestions on mantras i'm all ears (although i'm sure there is a wealth of info on the forum).

[Lionheart]

If people have any suggestions on mantras i'm all ears (although i'm sure there is a wealth of info on the forum).

You are correct, there is a wealth of info here to be found. You will find the more articles you read, the more videos you watch, the more success you will find. Here is 2 great videos to start with.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LK3Og_nqgNg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sxvb9pgkrvI&feature=related
Good Luck and Safe Travels! 

[ZiggyMike]

Yeah i know all about getting tired, but whatever I do, I can't seem to get tired.. I literally don't get tired. I have three jobs that take most of my time but I really don't get tired... I can trek for miles but the idea of tiredness won't even cross my mind... Seriously I literally don't get tired and I find it hard to sleep cause of too much energy I guess.
The only time I get really tired is when I use binaural beats
Any tips or help?

[Contenteo]

Try changing locations.

The body anchors certain places to emotions, habits, urges; and sleep is no exception.

If you are in bed. Don't.

If you use the same place. Try to change it up.

Try a run in the woods to a secluded spot. Exhaustion helps the body relax. No joke. The adrenaline will keep you from passing out too.


Cheers,
Contenteo