Games to Play While Falling Asleep

When I was very young, my sister and I shared a room. At night, when one of us could not fall asleep, due to the worries and uncertainty of our world or to the creative buzzing of our brains, we would play games. They had to be lying-in-bed-in-the-dark games, and if we were too silly and loud, Mom would come in and shush us. 

As an adult, falling asleep is hard sometimes. Our worries are the same, but wider in reach. And if we have a sleeping partner, letting them sleep if they can is a gift of loving kindness. So, sometimes, I play these games to fall asleep. I’ve played all of these, and taught them to my children. My favorites are Lists of Things and Hot Air Balloons and Butterflies, but others might be more fun or more interesting for you.