| Insomnia
Posted: 7/3/2008 6:19:52 PM | | Lately I have been having a major problem with going to bed around 10 and waking up around 1. I am not able to go back to sleep until around 3. When my alarm goes off around 5:30, I am ready to die and then I get really, really tired around 3 p.m. Anybody else have major problems sleeping where your brain wakes up and decides it's not going back to sleep? Any advice? Soooo tired during the day, but still can't sleep a full night! | |
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| Insomnia
Posted: 7/3/2008 6:44:43 PM | Try getting some sun exposure in the morning when you get up. Take off your cap, glasses etc and get at least 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure. Don't look at the sun directly but indirectly. In time you will sleep much better. Also working out either 3 to 4 hours before bedtime or early in the morning can help you sleep well during the night. If you're physically tired I doubt you will be getting up.
http://sleepeducation.com/Treatment.aspx?id=4 | |
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| Insomnia
Posted: 7/3/2008 6:50:02 PM | | Valerian root... works 4 me when i am restless | |
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| Insomnia
Posted: 7/3/2008 7:43:37 PM | Any stress reduction technique, like TM, hatha yoga, pranayama.
Melatonin an hour before bed.
Vigorous aerobic exercise daily, also reduces stress and does all kinds of good things.
Totally dark sleeping room.
Room temp on the cool side, above all not warm. | |
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| Insomnia
Posted: 7/3/2008 8:01:16 PM | I used to take Valerian root until I found out that it has the potential to cause liver damage.
If you take Magnesium Taurate capsules about an hour or two before you go to bed, they can help relax you enough to sleep well.
I have heard from a lot of people that they take Melatonin, but I have never tried it.
Or, if it's just a matter of stress, and not being able to slow your brain down, get a prescription for a low dose of Xanax. | |
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| Insomnia
Posted: 7/3/2008 8:44:41 PM | | Op, I know exactly how you feel....... I have suffered from insomnia for many years, mainly as a result of working night shift...... I do on occasion take Ambien CR, it works well for me, it gets me to sleep and keeps me asleep for about 5-6 hours, without it I am lucky if I get 3 hours. It does however have some unpleasant side effects, so you need to discuss this with your doctor. Other good alternatives are Rozerem, Sonata and Lunesta. Along with Ambien, they are non habit forming, but do require a prescription....... I would advise you to stay away from Xanax, Ativan and Valium. They have their uses, and may help you to relax enough to get to sleep, but you can build up a dependence very quickly and risk possible addiction, not a good idea........ | |
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| Insomnia
Posted: 7/3/2008 8:58:05 PM | I suffer from insomnia frequently. I tried everything that I could think of before going to my physician and requesting help. It was to the point, I'd be sitting in bed at 7 a.m. sobbing and talking incoherently because I couldn't sleep. The best thing that worked medically was zopiclone (Imovane). You have to be very, very careful with that because it is "habit forming" i.e. addictive.
If you have tried everything else, I would suggest keeping a sleep chart. Just take a notebook and jot down when you go to bed, how long you lay awake, when you finally get to sleep, and how long you stay asleep. Do that for about a week and then take it to your physician to discuss it. You may be ordered to take a blood test to be sure there's nothing else going on.
My suggestion first though would be trying other forms. Get lots of exercise and fresh air, try not to eat anything too heavy before bed, empty your bladder before retiring, don't keep your cell phone in the bedroom (studies show people sleep more poorly when their cell phone is on the night stand), don't watch t.v. in bed, and make sure your mattress and pillow are comfortable.
You can try some "sleepy time" tea before bed with a bit of honey - or you can try some warm milk with honey. That sometimes helps me relax and drift off.
You can also do relaxation techniques such as slowly, working from your toes up, learn to relax your body. This would include:
Start with your toes. Clench them as tight as you can and hold them clenched for 5-10 seconds. Then, slowly relax. Enjoy the feeling of them relaxing. Keep your breathing soft and relaxed. Next, move to your calves. Clench your calve muscles and hold them for 5-10 seconds. Then slowly relax.
Work up the body like that and repeat until you feel completely relaxed. This may also help with sleep.
Cheers :) | |
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| Insomnia
Posted: 7/3/2008 11:57:16 PM | Tylenol or Advil PM works a treat for me
I usually will take a half a Xanax and it does the trick
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| Insomnia
Posted: 7/4/2008 1:50:40 AM | Why Can't Women Sleep?
Ms. Magazine. Posted July 3, 2008.
And why is the high level of insomnia among women ignored by researchers?
http://www.alternet.org/reproductivejustice/90001/ | |
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| Insomnia
Posted: 7/4/2008 5:27:43 AM | | Thanks for the article Satx. I've had bouts of insomnia since I was a child, but the last 8 years have been pure hell. I'm just one big ol hotflash right now. My doctor told me that chronic insomnia isn't helped by sleeping pills. I've taken Ambien a few times, but it didn't do much at all. I've basically been told that I'll have to live with it. Can't take anything herbal because I'm on medications, so I sleep when I can, night or day. Sometimes I'm up for over 24 hours before I can sleep, and I'm fuzzy brained and in another world. Actually, I do sleep better after a big meal, as long as I take a Tums first. I was checked for sleep apnea, but didn't have it, and the doctors didn't go any further with any tests. "To sleep, perchance to dream." | |
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| Insomnia
Posted: 7/4/2008 1:48:51 PM | I used to have problems sleeping, no problem falling asleep but waking in the middle of the night was most times difficult to fall back into a deep slumber. I have since got a new mattress and I can honestly tell you I have never slept better. It pays to have a good comfortable mattress that you can get a good nights rest on.
I find listening to talk radio and good soother especially if the radio guy has a nice soothing voice....counting back from 50 helps and also an "O" helps calms me too | |
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| Insomnia
Posted: 7/4/2008 3:46:50 PM | | I forgot, avoid caeffine, if you consume caeffine it will be harder to sleep. Try listening to classical music it is very relaxing and you will get restful sleep. | |
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| Insomnia
Posted: 7/4/2008 9:29:23 PM | I sometimes have bouts of insomnia, waking up in the middle of night.
First, if something is bothering you, address it proactively. If you can't, then find something of import to address proactively.
Second, what Satx said . . . I practice crosstraining that includes Pilates, weight training, and yoga. Regular aerobic activity seems to help the most.
Third, no caffiene after 2 pm. This was my bane.
I could think of a few more, but this a good start. | |
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