Is it Fine to Stay Awake for 36 hours?

@Bannybanzie (1397)

Philippines

July 12, 2011 2:55pm CST

Okay, I know you'll say NO. But I'm having trouble falling asleep. It's 4:00 a.m. now but I have not even taken a nap. I went to bed at 9:00 p.m. and I'm still awake. I can't sleep until 2:00 a.m. due to the pain I felt in my upper and lower extremities. It feels so painful, like getting numb and tingly, but my joints are so painful like I used them too much when in fact I did not do heavy work. I woke up and took one vitamin B complex pill to try to relieve the pain as I think it's coming from my nerves. It took a while before the medicine took effect. Even now I still feel numbness and tingling but a lot less than how it originally was. The problem now is I can't sleep. I really feel dizzy and lightheaded and I can't move my body so much. But no matter how I try to fall asleep, trying not to think of anything and relax, I just can't sleep! I decided to open my PC to get more tired so I can probably take a nap. But I doubt I will be able to do so. I need to start work at 8:00 so I have 4 hours left from the time I am starting this discussion. Do you have any advices on how I could get better sleep? I always had this problem since I was a child. My brain would not stop thinking.

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24 responses

@fabsprecious (1565)

• United States

12 Jul 11

Wow, have you considered maybe taking a sleeping aid or maybe a stronger pain killer. I don't know if you are seeing a physician, but this is something you should consider discussing with them. Not sleeping isn't good especially when you are in that much pain. Fortunately I don't have problems sleeping so I personally don't know what you are going through, but there have been nights in which it has been difficult to fall asleep and in that case I have taken a sleep aid such as Tylenol PM. But in your case it is a lot different. I have heard that Vitamin B, is also a vitamin to boost up energy, so that is probably another reason why you are having a difficulty falling asleep. I would consider maybe taking another type of pain killer or atleast talking to your physician about changing it. I do however hope you feel better and have a good day at work, even though it might be difficult.

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@fabsprecious (1565)

• United States

13 Jul 11

I am glad to hear that at least the pain was relieved, but I would definitely consider another remedy during the evening hours, so you don't run into the same situation. At least you were able to take a nap before going to work. What sucks is that you woke up sick. I hope you have a good night sleep today!!!

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

Hi! Yes I was able to take a nap.. but guess what.. ? I was not able to work.. LOL.. I got sick with flu.. But I'm fine now.. Thanks!

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

13 Jul 11

Hi! Thank you! Yeah, I thought it was the vitamin B that made me not sleep.. but it improved my extremity pain so still good.. I am so happy I was able to sleep finally though just for three hours.. Unfortunately, I wake up sick.. LOL.. Thanks and happy day!

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@cher913 (25782)

• Canada

12 Jul 11

go see your doctor. that is the best advice i can give. you need to figure a way out that you can forget everything. i have insomnia and i say a mantra to myself to help myself get to sleep. it really does help.

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

12 Jul 11

Oh dear.. I hope I have the time. This has resolved before but now it's coming back... I have a terrible headache now..

@magtibaygom (4858)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

I guess your body is accumulated with toxins. Many kinds of toxins, including chemicals from the food you eat. The best solution for your problem is not to only consult a physician but also to do some cleansing of your body. Take a lot of fluids like water and natural fruit juices. Have a good lifestyle and your body will be back in good condition.

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

Oh yeah.. That's another problem.. I really drink very few water.. and I do not have a healthy lifestyle either.. now I really need to work on those.. Thanks!

@celticeagle (168721)

• Boise, Idaho

13 Jul 11

It's not normal or natural but, yes, it is fine. Sometimes I stay up until time for my grandson to be catching his bus. Around 8ish in the a.m. . Then I sleep until 1p or 2p. and this goes on for several weeks. Then I go on to start going to sleep around 9 or 10 and sleep for 3 or 4 hours and then up for several and sleep for 3 or 4 again. This goes on for several days. Have you tried taking Osteo Bi-flex. It may be that you have osteoporosis or arthritis or even both. And if your body aches all over it could be fybromyalgia. They say that people with rambling thoughts like this should not listen to tv, music or radio several hours before bedtime. Its a good idea to take a walk in the late evening to tire yourself. Or atleast to get some good exercise daily. Taking St. Johns Wort, Valerian, or melatonin will help. Melatonin is something naturally made by the body. You can take up to four tablets nightly and it should help. Hope some of this helps. Happy dreams.

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@celticeagle (168721)

• Boise, Idaho

15 Jul 11

So you had the flu? Ugh! There is alot of information online about RA. I have osteoarthritis. Sweet dreams to you as well.

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

Hi! Thanks for your suggestions.. Yes, I noticed that when I watch TV or use computer a few hours before I sleep, it makes sleeping harder for me. I'm trying to avoid doing those now. Apparently, the aches were from flu. I really have painful joints when I have fever as I was diagnosed before with RA, which another doctor said I did not really have but is near to that. I do feel better now! Good night (well if it is night) and sweet dreams!

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@garson (884)

• United States

25 Jul 11

Like other advice here, I would do whatever is necessary. Someone may have asked you this, but how often do you exercise. Does drinking herbal tea help or ever try?

trouble sleeping

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

25 Jul 11

I exercise like... never..? No I don't really exercise. Not at all. So I think I must work on this.

@annavi23 (6522)

• Philippines

13 Jul 11

WHAT???

I can't imagine myself if ever I am in that situation where I can't even have sleep for 36 hours. In a day, I have to sleep during the night and afternoons cause my mind seems twirling around and feels really dizzy can't even focus what's in front of me if I didn't make a sleep. I can't handle that 36 hours of no sleep at all. Maybe the problem why you can't sleep is you don't try to relax. It is good that you think of nothing when trying to sleep. Or if you can't help not to empty your mind, try to think happy thoughts or something that will make you feel sleepy while resting your eyes. Relax your body and don't think of any problems or anything that you do in your daily life. Be sure that you have ate for the whole day at the right time. May I ask do you always experience this? Maybe you should have a check up with your doctor for yourself to find out what really is the right thing to do.

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@annavi23 (6522)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

hehe, so how are you today? have you gained sleep already? what did the doctor said anyway? i hope you didn't forget what he said huh!

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

Hi! Well, I try to relax as much as I can but my brain would not stop functioning.. LOL.. And yes, this is like every single night of my life.. I just checked with my doctor but forgot to say this..

I'm so forgetful... Anyways, Thanks!

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@CTHanum (8234)

• Malaysia

18 Jul 11

can't stop thinking! - I can't stop thinking ans this make me get less sleep hour!!!

Hi Banny?? Why not?? I think you can do it! I did it before stay awake for more than 24 hours because I really need to finish the work so I need to sacrifice my sleeping hours. Once I finish it , I take a revenge and get enough sleep on that day! Since you already settle the problem so I don't think I need to say more about you pain. In fact I am not good in advising people to take this pills and that because whenever I feel pain, get fever or flu I just let it cure by itself. About your brain advice it to stop thinking when it is time to go to sleep! Hehe..Just kidding!(^^) But you really need to empty your mind in order to have a soundly sleep which means you need to stop thinking for a while. My mom say I will sleep like a doll, not moving at all when I sleep soundly~

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@CTHanum (8234)

• Malaysia

19 Jul 11

If your brain can't stop thinking you will not able to get to sleep at all my friend~ Good to know you are able to sleep well in the past few days and it shows that your brain can stop thinking for a while in order for you to get some sleep~hehe..(^^)

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

19 Jul 11

Hi! HOnestly, i can't stay awake too long. I might be awake, but my body can't move anymore and I feel like the floor is dragging me down..

Well my brain.. is a brain and it just can't stop thinking. But I'm happy because the past few days I'm somewhat able to sleep better! Thanks and have a great day!

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@KrauseHome (36447)

• United States

19 Jul 11

Personally this does not sound good, and something you should have gone to your Doctor or the Emergency room and had checked out, and hope that you have been able to get something for this. This could mean a lot of different things, and is not something you should just act like nothing big. Personally with something like this and acting like it is nothing could be a lot of things, and you are doing yourself a disservice by not worrying or calling and asking questions, or getting checked out as well.

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

20 Jul 11

Hi! Thank you so much for your response and concern. Yes, I've seen a doctor already, two days after this happened. Apparently, I forgot to tell the doctor about me not being able to sleep.. but it's a little better now.. I try to really tire myself before going to bed so I can fall asleep easier.. Thank you and happy mylotting!

@munhozmib (3836)

• Sao Paulo, Brazil

13 Jul 11

Hello! Wow, you have a problem there! Starting with the pain, which is completely strange. Why the pain, since you have not done any kind of heavy work? And taking the vitamin helped it. I am not a doctor, I couldn't tell if the pain is something from your head or some kind of symptom from another problem. Anyway, I'd suggest you put a calm song in a really low volume, so you can barely listen to it. Then take a hot shower, it will relax your body. And then make sure you go to bed. I'm almost sure that you will sleep if you do this, since your body will relax with the shower and your mind will get calm with the songs you are listening to. Being awake for 36 hours is not good for your body, nor for your mind. But if it happens only once in a long, long time, you will feel better when you sleep. Now, if it something that is happening everyday, you will have to go see a doctor. Tell us what happened! Respectfully, Munhozmib.

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

Hi! Well I'm no doctor but my work is somehow related to medicine.. I noticed the pain was like tingling thing and numbness but it's really painful so I thought there may be problems with my nerves so I took vitamin B complex which helps the nerves and helps with feeling weak. Thanks for your advice. I'll try those combined with other mylotter's advice I think I can get a better sleep now. Well, the next day after sleeping for three hours I had really bad fever then the next day (today) I went to see the doctor and she said it was flu..

Great I'm fine now! Thanks and take care!

@Hatley (163776)

• Garden Grove, California

16 Jul 11

hi bannybanzie the last two nights i have had the same problem not sleeping insomnia then yesterday morning I did sleep after I went down for 7 am breakfast for maybe two hours. this morning I did go back to sleep around four and woke up at six thirty so I did eventually get about four hours sleep. with me its allergies to dust and dust mites . so if I have benadryl to take a bedtime I will sleep. if not insomnia.My doctor refuses to prescribe sleeping pills as he said they have too many side effects for me as a diabetic but he said use your benadryl as it will promote sleep. so thats what I must do buy some benadryl.see your doctor as insomnia can be helped.

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

17 Jul 11

Hi! Thanks for your advice. Well, I don't have allergies. THough one time I had an acute allergy attack, it never happened again and I never knew what caused it. But I think my problem is more with insomnia. I also don't want to take medications. Most of them are addicting... Thanks and hope the best for our health!

@rameshchow (4426)

• India

14 Jul 11

It is not good to ones health that she/he awake for long time like you said... But it will necessary in many cases suppose coming to below one year old child mothers. They have to monitor the sleep, they have to wake up and see their child... That is why the mother's love is ultimate... in the universe...

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

15 Jul 11

Hi! I see your point. HOwever, I noticed you did not really read the whole discussion. Anyways, thank you for sharing your thoughts!

@EdnaReyes (2622)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

I think you need some medical help the way you describe your condition of not sleeping for almost 36 hours. By the meantime relaxing your mind can help you. Don't tired your brain and relax it by just closing your eyes and thinking of nothing. Some meditation would help and try to find some. Sleepless for 36 hours can really be frustrating and dangerous!

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

Hi! Yep, it's so frustrating.. and gives me terrible headache... I saw a doctor just this morning.. but forgot to mention this..

I'm so forgetful...

I hope I can sleep better tonight using our fellow mylotters' advices.. Good night and sweet dreams!

@bhabycatch013 (9150)

• Philippines

13 Jul 11

hi BB, I encountered same problem with you in fact yesterday I slept 4 am then woke up at 8 am until now I can't sleep though I wanted too......... I also feel pains on my muscles I am taking some medicines if I take it for sure I will be sleeping for 12 hours

. Maybe you can try to put some incense or scented oil in your room to makes you relax because that is what I am doing sometimes. happy mylotting

sleeping problem

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

Hi! Oh yeah, my room smells like sweat..

Just kidding. Yeah, unfortunately the time this happened I'm out of stock of pain medicines.. But great the vitamin helped with the pain, but not with the sleep. Thanks and have a great day!

@bouncybug (614)

• South Africa

13 Jul 11

It does sound like the pains you are having could be from a deficiency of Vitamin B, so keep on taking those pills to help relieve that pain. As for how to sleep better - the best thing to do is not just lie in bed trying to sleep, because then you begin to think too much and are unable to sleep. If you cannot sleep after half an hour or so, you should get up and start reading a book or watching something on tv or just walking around, until you begin to feel tired again. Then you can try and go back to sleep. Otherwise, you can also try doing something like taking a hot bath or drinking a warm drink. Doing some sort of exercise during the day can also help you to sleep better at night! Good luck, I hope you have a better night tonight.

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

Hi! Yeah I guess the pain was from vitamin B deficiency. I am trying to take it more regularly now.. I was able to sleep after an hour of starting this discussion and slept for three hours then wake up with fever. This is why it's only now I am able to respond back and come here again at mylot.. Thanks and good night and sweet dreams!

@satyaa2011 (72)

• India

13 Jul 11

to stay awake for 36 hours is just too much . person can only awake continously for 20 to 24 hours at peak in normal conditions . but in case of insomania which is asleep disorder a person can wake upto 48 hours and sometimes even more but then that is a medical condition and for that person has to undergo medical treatment. In my view to stay awake for 36 hours is absolutely not fine.

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

Hi! Yeah, 36 hours would definitely be too much. But never had to stay awake cause I was able to take a nap for three hours but wake up with fever.. Great I'm feeling better now! Thanks and have a healthy life!

@dodo19 (47338)

• Beaconsfield, Quebec

13 Jul 11

I think that the best thing to do is to try and go see a doctor. A doctor is in a good position to help you with your sleeping problem. It might certainly you out to do so. I think that it's the only suggestion that I can give you.

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

Hi! Yeah, I've seen the doctor already. My pain is now gone and the doctor said I just have a flu. Just need some rest and fluids. Thank you and take care!

@maezee (41988)

• United States

12 Jul 11

No, not really, not for me anyway. I need my beauty sleep. Sometimes I can't sleep though, have little bouts of insomnia, and don't end up sleeping for quite a few hours, etc. It really messes with your system, not sleeping - it's almsot like being intoxicated - it just messes with your mind and doesn't allow you to function normally.

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

Hi! Great you can sleep.. I think though you didn't read the whole post... Thanks for sharing anyway and happy mylotting!

@jaiho2009 (39141)

• Philippines

13 Jul 11

hello Banny, I am also born with less sleep (hehehe) I mean,I am late sleeper and still can get up early. A 3 hours is enough for me to keep the day alive. There are times that i want to sleep as long as 12 hours,yes i did it. When I started working for graveyard shift ,that gives me good reason to stay awake the whole night till 11am or 1pm and got to bed by 2pm and sleep for 6 hours. For the first month,I can't really sleep and I am having trouble having lighthead when going to work. So,i asks my team mates what could the best and effective way to have a good sleep and they had given me this tip. a banana and a glass of warm milk. Yes,the best downer ,i hope it works for you

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

Hi! Wow.. Three hours of sleep would never be enough for me.. I need at least six.. And about the banana... I've never heard of that advice before! BUt since it worked for you and some friends have also suggested it which means it worked for them, I think it'd work for me too! I'll try that tonight! Thank you and have a blessed day!

@Cactus2010 (167)

• India

13 Jul 11

It is certainly not fine to stay awake for 36 hours. You can try deep breathing exercises to get sleep. Take some 27 deep breaths. Also try not to take coffee after 4 pm. It is better to take some pain killer if body aches become too much.

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

Hi! Thanks for your advice. I'll definitely try that tonight..Well about the pain, the doctor said it's from flu.. Thanks!

RajeshBandivadekar79

@RajeshBandivadekar79 (6)

• India

13 Jul 11

no its certainly not good to stretch yourself so so much....maybe try adding a bit of a exercise in your schedule...it should most probably help

do a bit of physical stretching

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

Hi! Yeah, maybe I need some more exercise.. Thanks! Enjoy your stay here in mylot!

• United States

12 Jul 11

I can stay awake for quite a long time but I say up past 2am I really feel it in the morning. When my sleep schedule gets off balance my mood just sinks on average. It's very important to get plenty of REM sleep in order to be refreshed mentally. If you don't get any REM sleep (which you need to sleep for at least 5 or so hours in order to get) you will basically be pointlessly unconscious with no benefits.

@Bannybanzie (1397)

• Philippines

14 Jul 11

Hi! Thanks for the info.. Happy mylotting..