Insomniacs Unite!
By brownie2227
@brownie2227 (137)
United States
February 28, 2007 11:35pm CST
Well it's closing in on 1 AM and I can't sleep again! I've been having this problem for about 6 months now. I find myself not crawling into bed until 2 or 3 AM on most weeknights. If I try to sleep any earlier my mind just runs a million miles a minute and I lay awake staring at the ceiling. I've been a bit stressed lately and I'm sure that has something to do with it although as a sidebar my mind is always going a million miles a minute. I am always doing two things at once although I don't know why. I suppose it's some type of aversion to actually relaxing, like I might miss something or not accomplish enough for the day. But at this point it's affecting my life. I have trouble waking up in the morning and am groggy all day. I've tried all sorts of things like a cool bath before bed, warm milk, relaxation cd's, no caffeine after noon...nothing seems to make a difference. So I was hoping you all might have some suggestions. I'm open to trying new things...my goal is really just to avoid any type of medicinal solutions. I'm sleepily awaiting your suggestions and look forward to continuing this discussion! *yawn* lol
1 person likes this
6 responses
@brownie2227 (137)
• United States
3 Mar 07
Thanks for responding! Just to make sure I follow, you recommend I take a hot shower, massage my feet and hands, and drink a cup of mint tea? I didn't know mint tea was a sleep inducer...I drink peppermint tea to soothe my stomach.
@Anakata2007 (1785)
• Canada
2 Mar 07
I'v had insomnia all my life. Most nights I sleep only 4 hours but I rarely am groggy in the morning. My body has learned to survive on so little sleep. What helps me is doing crossword puzzles in bed, especially boring ones, but tell yourself "I'm not closing my eyes until this is done"
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@brownie2227 (137)
• United States
2 Mar 07
I've read articles that say there a number of adults who can survive on on 4-5 hours a night...you must be one of them! I've tried the crosswords but they seem to stimulate me rather than relax me. It's good that they work for you though and may help others who haven't tried this tactic yet! Thanks for sharing!
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
1 Mar 07
I am in the same situation as you. In fact, I would say that 1-2am is not that bad... seriously.
If I sleep at 1-2am, I would say I am sleeping pretty early already. I typically turn in about 3am and there are days when I forced myself to sleep at 6am.
Sometimes it could be the sleep cycle. If you can't sleep, it could be (but not necessarily) that you are not tired enough.
@brownie2227 (137)
• United States
2 Mar 07
Thanks for replying. 1-2 AM is when I usually force myself to get into bed and make an attempt to sleep. I usually end up staring into space until 4 or so. I'm not sure how you manage to function if you can't sleep until 6AM. I can't imagine. I make sure that I get plenty of exercise everyday, so being not being tired is not part of my issue...it's mostly the fact that I can't turn my brain off so to speak. Hopefully we'll find a solution!
@kimberlymarie (203)
• United States
1 Mar 07
I wish I could help you, but I've had insomnia all my life (diagnosed as a child, actually), and I've never found anything that helps. Well, prescription medicine (not over the counter - that stuff gives you the feeling that you've been hit by a truck all the next day), but I don't like being on them long-term. Nothing else has ever, ever worked.
It's 6:30 am, and I've not slept. Just so you know you're not alone.
1 person likes this
@brownie2227 (137)
• United States
2 Mar 07
I'm sorry to hear you've been suffering with this for such a long time. I understand about the prescription medicine, I don't care to go that route myself. I hope some type of solution presents itself to you and that you're able to get the rest you need. Thank you for sharing your story!
@Angelika1972 (189)
• United States
1 Mar 07
Oh how I feel for you!
I've had bad insomnia for about a year now. I think it's related to my medical condition and the meds I have to take.
I haven't found a satisfactory solution. Some stuff works once, some works for a week, and some just makes it so I don't get any sleep for 2 days.
The plus for me is that I don't have to get up to go to work, LOL. I only have to make sure my son catches the bus at 7am. :-)
I'll be interested in hearing if other people have suggestions! I'm desperate enough to try almost anything at this point.
1 person likes this
@brownie2227 (137)
• United States
2 Mar 07
I'm looking forward to those suggestions as well! Isn't it interesting the side effects medicines have on our body. It is good that you don't have to get up for work because the sleeplessness sure does make it hard to survive the work day. I'll be seeing you around in search of a solution!
@brownie2227 (137)
• United States
1 Mar 07
Thanks for responding! Check and check to the book and crossword...I've found I actually get involved in both of these activities and stay up even later to finish them. Hmmm...perhaps I need to find some extremely boring books to peruse! lol Thanks for the suggestions though!
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