It all depends on what time of the day you meditate and where and how. If you do it on an (sort of) empty stomach during whatever time of the day you tend to be most alert, and sit comfortably though upright, it definitely helps with the sleepyness factor… After meals, or too early in the morning or too late at night, or in too dark of an environment your brain thinks “Wait a minute! I’m relaxed… it’s dark… my eyes are closed… this must mean it’s time to switch off!” :-) Good luck!

Aside from not meditating when you are sleepy, I take meditation to be more about existing and being in the moment rather than concentrating and/or focusing on something beyond your existence. The more silent your mind is(in terms of not focusing), the more your inner self is able to listen to god and the universe. Though, this is not to say you can’t begin or end your meditation with prayer or spoken affirmations. I just think that they are best separate. I hope this helps. I went to your profile after I read your entry on the “manage my bipolar disorder” thing. It is really inspiring to read even short entries such as yours. Thanks so much. Take Care.