Help
In a word, turn off the computer. No matter what. No matter how untired you are, don't go back to the computer. All it does is make you stay up even longer "arguing" with a friend at 3am whether or not the smilies on msn messanger really animate or not. Eventually you will find out that you are not nuts, they do move and your friend never bothered to upgrade to the latest version. *Ahem* It's good to get stuff like that sorted out, but it doesn't help you fall asleep.
I also agree with whoever said don't nap during the day. I actually tried not napping on the weekends when I have a hard time sleeping at night. It made me much more tired by night time and I slept a little better.
Well, that's all I have for now, as this poor sleepless body goes off to work. :P/>
Cathy
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The pandy's insomnia club *suggestions for sleep*
#17
- I'll find strength in pain
- Group: Inactive Member
- Posts: 5,444
- Joined: 18-November 01
Posted 18 November 2003 - 08:43 AM
Sleep has been ever-illusive!
After I was raped in my bedroom, sleep was imposssssssible. But, like Lis suggested, I made my room into my favorite place in the house. Comfy pillows, new linens, favorite colors etc etc. (A new living space didnt' hurt either, but not practical)
I like to get fresh air before bed, even if it is -987429347 degrees. It helps clear my head.
Definately turn off the computer. I can say at midnight I'm tired but not log off until 3 am, at which time I'm overtired and more likely to be triggered or anxious.
Relaxing music before bed, I'm currently stuck on John Mayer.
I'm afraid of the dark, so a nightlight is a must.
When I'm in bed and know I am not going to sleep anytime soon, I go into my husband's office and start to dust the tops of his books, and alphabetize them. Just being in the presence of so much crap about accounting and finance bores me to sleep!
xxoo
Laney
PS, a glass of red wine does wonderssssssssssss
After I was raped in my bedroom, sleep was imposssssssible. But, like Lis suggested, I made my room into my favorite place in the house. Comfy pillows, new linens, favorite colors etc etc. (A new living space didnt' hurt either, but not practical)
I like to get fresh air before bed, even if it is -987429347 degrees. It helps clear my head.
Definately turn off the computer. I can say at midnight I'm tired but not log off until 3 am, at which time I'm overtired and more likely to be triggered or anxious.
Relaxing music before bed, I'm currently stuck on John Mayer.
I'm afraid of the dark, so a nightlight is a must.
When I'm in bed and know I am not going to sleep anytime soon, I go into my husband's office and start to dust the tops of his books, and alphabetize them. Just being in the presence of so much crap about accounting and finance bores me to sleep!
xxoo
Laney
PS, a glass of red wine does wonderssssssssssss
#18
Posted 18 November 2003 - 01:02 PM
Cathy, on Nov. 18 2003, 4:24 am, said:
In a word, turn off the computer. No matter what. No matter how untired you are, don't go back to the computer. All it does is make you stay up even longer "arguing" with a friend at 3am whether or not the smilies on msn messanger really animate or not. Eventually you will find out that you are not nuts, they do move and your friend never bothered to upgrade to the latest version. *Ahem* It's good to get stuff like that sorted out, but it doesn't help you fall asleep.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
#19 Guest_Yeowly_*
Posted 18 November 2003 - 01:24 PM
Ok kids- you're freaking me out- b/c I was just thinking about this as well- I go through horrible bouts of insomnia- however- I have also taken the icky road w/the otc stuff- and now I have a major league tolerance- which is not unusual b/c I know that happens- and I have always had a high tolerance- even when I was really young. My two biggest problems are getting my damn brain to shut off, and I think some ptsd stuff- if someone breathes the wrong way- I get startled- which is so not conducive for sleep. So basically I am screwed. Poor me, lol! I don't know- I think I might finally break down and go to a shrink- which I should have done a long time ago but I don't have insurance, and blah, blah, blah. I am sure I could find a million reasons not to go- however- my hubby actually asked me how many sleeping pills I was taking per night- and he was so not impressed- which I can understand. Anyway- sorry for the rant. I am just extremely frustrated, as it seems others are as well. As for the addictive aspect- of course, that's another scary part. I need less addictive crap in my life....... but it so easy to give in to it- ya know? Anyway- thought I would put in my two cents- sorry I don't have any tips- and I wouldn't recommend the otc route either, just to put the disclaimer on there. Well, back to work for now- take care insomniacs!
Kelly
Kelly
#20
Posted 18 November 2003 - 01:41 PM
Good post :)/>
I havn't read through others replies so i might be repeating some stuff.
GET SLEEPING PILLS!!!!.......no honestly....big fat strong sleeping pills :)/> my dr tried me on the weak ones, and has finally put me up on one of the strongest possible. It means that they put me to sleep and KEEP me asleep. It also helped me develope a new sleep pattern. I know that my body/mind etc doesn't say "hey, kiwi is asleep..wake her up!", but it did need some help..to *relearn* sleeping through.
Now, im getting nightmares...go figure....but i am falling asleep, and only waking about once. :)/>
NOTE: if you have problems with suicide, like i do sometimes, then give your pills to someone you trust who lives with you, who can dispense them....or only keep a few at a time, and have a friend etc who lives close by keep them.
Get some form of exercise.
I have trouble getting out of the house to go for a walk, even if i have our really butch ??? golden retriever with me..i still get panic attacks. And we don't have a treadmill etc. So i make the most of what i can do........I RIP weeds out, i clean...and clean...and well i guess clean...but its usually something that gets my heart up...like REALLY scrubbing the carpet, cleaning windows etc.
DO NOT HAVE COFFEE OR TEA after 4pm.
Try camomile, peppermint etc etc.
Um..that mine i guess. Other wise, watch some tv in the middle of the night.......its SURE to bore you to sleep ;)/>
Sweet dreams everyone.
I havn't read through others replies so i might be repeating some stuff.
GET SLEEPING PILLS!!!!.......no honestly....big fat strong sleeping pills :)/> my dr tried me on the weak ones, and has finally put me up on one of the strongest possible. It means that they put me to sleep and KEEP me asleep. It also helped me develope a new sleep pattern. I know that my body/mind etc doesn't say "hey, kiwi is asleep..wake her up!", but it did need some help..to *relearn* sleeping through.
Now, im getting nightmares...go figure....but i am falling asleep, and only waking about once. :)/>
NOTE: if you have problems with suicide, like i do sometimes, then give your pills to someone you trust who lives with you, who can dispense them....or only keep a few at a time, and have a friend etc who lives close by keep them.
Get some form of exercise.
I have trouble getting out of the house to go for a walk, even if i have our really butch ??? golden retriever with me..i still get panic attacks. And we don't have a treadmill etc. So i make the most of what i can do........I RIP weeds out, i clean...and clean...and well i guess clean...but its usually something that gets my heart up...like REALLY scrubbing the carpet, cleaning windows etc.
DO NOT HAVE COFFEE OR TEA after 4pm.
Try camomile, peppermint etc etc.
Um..that mine i guess. Other wise, watch some tv in the middle of the night.......its SURE to bore you to sleep ;)/>
Sweet dreams everyone.
#21 Guest__*
Posted 18 November 2003 - 02:19 PM
Wow, everyone seems to have posted the things I try. I'm really happy right now, because for some unknown reason, my sleep schedule just flipped completely and I'm sleeping at night again (now, if I can keep this up...).
I've had problems with insomnia since I was a kid, and the only thing I can think of to add is: Don't get mad at yourself for not sleeping. I used to spend a lot of time mad at myself and upset that I couldn't sleep, couldn't get to bed, and worried about how I would function the next day. I'd call my self all sorts of nasty names, stupid and irresponsible being the top choices. Not only did it not help, but I found I had a much easier time sleeping if I was kinder to myself and talked myself down from it. My therapist was a big help in explaining to me *why* I might have trouble sleeping, and yes, prescribing sleep medications.
Good luck!
Caitlin
I've had problems with insomnia since I was a kid, and the only thing I can think of to add is: Don't get mad at yourself for not sleeping. I used to spend a lot of time mad at myself and upset that I couldn't sleep, couldn't get to bed, and worried about how I would function the next day. I'd call my self all sorts of nasty names, stupid and irresponsible being the top choices. Not only did it not help, but I found I had a much easier time sleeping if I was kinder to myself and talked myself down from it. My therapist was a big help in explaining to me *why* I might have trouble sleeping, and yes, prescribing sleep medications.
Good luck!
Caitlin
#22 Guest_Yeowly_*
Posted 18 November 2003 - 05:42 PM
Kiwi- could you PM me w/what you are taking- I have a terrifically high tolerance to stuff- I won't post how many otc pills I am taking- but it's a lot, and I know that's not super healthy- but I just go to s**t in a hurry w/o sleep = I get sick and crabby- yesterday I was so tired I kept feeling like I was going to pass out-it was an interesting day indeed. And it only takes me like one or two days w/o a lot of sleep and I am pretty worthless. I am so glad this has been a thread that has been posted on a lot- I get very frustrated- I feel defective b/c I can't f**king sleep sometimes- and people w/o this problem look at you like you have four blue horns coming out of your head!!!! (ok, that could be hallucinations from lack of sleep, lol)!!!!!!!!! Anyway- I just wanted to say how much I personally appreciate all the replies on this even tho I didn't start this thread- it's been helpful to know I am not the only one- the ususal misery loves company :)/> Thanks you guys- good Lord- how gushy am I today- I am tired!!!! Take care, sweet dreams!
K
K
#23
Posted 18 November 2003 - 05:53 PM
Well i don't know.....but i usually sleep better when i eat before i go to bed, as long as i'm not TOO stuffed, so if you get the munchies, just go ahead and snack!
Another thing is reading....i don't know if you mentioned that or not, but it usually wears my brain down enough to make me sleep. Somewhere i heard the more bright lights you're exposed to during the day, the harder it is to sleep. My aunt also told me you can't get into a fully deep sleep unless it's completely dark.
yeah, i remember sleeping only a few hours a night if that for about a year my 8th grade and part of my 9th grade year, so i know it sucks. Normally i'd just take a sleeping pill if it got to be too much, so you might try that out once too.
Another thing is reading....i don't know if you mentioned that or not, but it usually wears my brain down enough to make me sleep. Somewhere i heard the more bright lights you're exposed to during the day, the harder it is to sleep. My aunt also told me you can't get into a fully deep sleep unless it's completely dark.
yeah, i remember sleeping only a few hours a night if that for about a year my 8th grade and part of my 9th grade year, so i know it sucks. Normally i'd just take a sleeping pill if it got to be too much, so you might try that out once too.
#24 Guest__*
Posted 18 November 2003 - 06:20 PM
Specifically, chamomile tea is great as a sleep aide, especially if you can stomach it without sugar or honey. I personally think that the stuff is yicky, but hey, I know a lot of people that it works for.
There are certain foods that can help a little, like having turkey for dinner or a glass of milk at dinner. There's quite a few, but I'm not sure what they all are. Obviously this isn't a permanent solution, but if you don't like to take pills, it can help for a night or two.
If you're a smoker, quitting does wonderful things for your sleep! For those of us like me, that can't quit, avoiding that cigarette that most people have right before bed is a great way to help with sleep. Not only are your smokes an upper, but they can make you more prone to night mares.
There are specific yoga and tai chi routines that help you unwind. I think living arts even puts out a 15 minute tape called PM yoga that helps the body and mind relax.
My favorite... visualization. Put on some soft music and imagine the stess and tensionmoving from the center of your body (your solar plexis) out to your limbs, out your limbs to your hands and feet then imagine it rising like steam away from your body, or flowing out of your finger tips like water. Concetrate on your breathing during the exercise. Generally this will slow down your brain enough to get to sleep.
Association works well too. You listen to the same mellow cd or hug the same stuffed animal everytime that you feel you will sleep easily and well or every time you take a sleeping pill. Hopefully your body will learn to associate that specific thing with good sleep. After a while, merely holding that teddy bear or listening to that music will automatically tell you body to slow down , it's sleep time. Doesn't work for all people, but does wonders for some.
Well, that's my "anything but alcohol or OTC drugs" rant. Those things don't work for me, so I like the holistic or psychologically based stuff. Hope it helps.
~Dawn
There are certain foods that can help a little, like having turkey for dinner or a glass of milk at dinner. There's quite a few, but I'm not sure what they all are. Obviously this isn't a permanent solution, but if you don't like to take pills, it can help for a night or two.
If you're a smoker, quitting does wonderful things for your sleep! For those of us like me, that can't quit, avoiding that cigarette that most people have right before bed is a great way to help with sleep. Not only are your smokes an upper, but they can make you more prone to night mares.
There are specific yoga and tai chi routines that help you unwind. I think living arts even puts out a 15 minute tape called PM yoga that helps the body and mind relax.
My favorite... visualization. Put on some soft music and imagine the stess and tensionmoving from the center of your body (your solar plexis) out to your limbs, out your limbs to your hands and feet then imagine it rising like steam away from your body, or flowing out of your finger tips like water. Concetrate on your breathing during the exercise. Generally this will slow down your brain enough to get to sleep.
Association works well too. You listen to the same mellow cd or hug the same stuffed animal everytime that you feel you will sleep easily and well or every time you take a sleeping pill. Hopefully your body will learn to associate that specific thing with good sleep. After a while, merely holding that teddy bear or listening to that music will automatically tell you body to slow down , it's sleep time. Doesn't work for all people, but does wonders for some.
Well, that's my "anything but alcohol or OTC drugs" rant. Those things don't work for me, so I like the holistic or psychologically based stuff. Hope it helps.
~Dawn
#25
- Group: Inactive Member
- Posts: 5,999
- Joined: 01-August 03
Posted 18 November 2003 - 06:21 PM
i find aromtherapy helpful
i put a few drops of lavender or ylang-ylang or rose or chamomile on a tissue and stick it in my pillow case or by my pillow.
aromatherapy bubblebaths can be good too.
dora
x
i put a few drops of lavender or ylang-ylang or rose or chamomile on a tissue and stick it in my pillow case or by my pillow.
aromatherapy bubblebaths can be good too.
dora
x
#26
Posted 23 November 2003 - 08:42 AM
Thank you for all of your replies! Currently I'm on a crazy sleep prescription (AGAIN - grr) from my psychiatrist. When I try to go back to natural sleep, I am going to try these suggestions. :)/> Thank you!!!
#27 Guest__*
Posted 23 November 2003 - 01:43 PM
Hey, Lis?
You might want to start a routine with some of these while you're on the prescription stuff (at least, the suggestions that aren't refering to other sleep aides), so that by the time you're back to natural sleep, you've already trained your body that those things mean it's time to sleep now.
Caitlin
You might want to start a routine with some of these while you're on the prescription stuff (at least, the suggestions that aren't refering to other sleep aides), so that by the time you're back to natural sleep, you've already trained your body that those things mean it's time to sleep now.
Caitlin
#28
Posted 23 November 2003 - 01:49 PM
That's a good idea. I've been taking them at the same time every night, but it's a good idea to start some bedtime rituals so that hopefully my body will pick up the clues that it's time to sleep.
:)/>
Lis
:)/>
Lis
#29
Posted 24 November 2003 - 09:15 PM
Ah, but is it a fun crazy sleep med? Do you get to watch dolphins swim along your walls? Or is it the knock you out and keep you hung over kind?
Sleep cycles suck...wait, no, insomnia cycles suck sleep cycles are good. Hmm, I must need some sleep :sleepy:/>
:D/>
Rain
Sleep cycles suck...wait, no, insomnia cycles suck sleep cycles are good. Hmm, I must need some sleep :sleepy:/>
:D/>
Rain
#30
Posted 27 November 2003 - 08:50 PM
Quote
Ah, but is it a fun crazy sleep med?
Yes, yes it is. Although I'm currently highly annoyed with it because in my crack-addled state last night I got irate about my crappy Sprint cell phone and decided that it would be a good idea to cancel it.
So now I have to either go crawling back to Sprint or find another company. Note to self - STAY IN BED.
