Can't sleep... ever.

[littl3red]

Does anyone else have serious trouble falling/staying asleep? I get so, so, SO tired (it's hard to keep my eyes open as I type this) but I'll get in bed and close my eyes and wait... and wait... and wait... and never fall asleep. Eventually I'll just pick up my phone and mess around on the internet until my brain finally shuts down. And then I wake up all through the night, because of nightmares, and boy, am I a restless sleeper! A lot of times I'll wake up and the sheets will be completely off of my bed, with the blanket still covering me but tangled around my legs. How? HOW does that happen?!? It's gotten to the point where trying to go to sleep isn't even worth the trouble for me. I usually go to bed about 10:30 or 11, but I've been staying up so much later lately, because even if I did go to bed at 10:30, I wouldn't fall asleep until 1. Does anyone else have problems like this? I don't understand it, but it's making me a zombie and so grumpy and short-tempered. I wish I could just sit still and stop thinking for just a little bit. I just want to sleep for 8 hours straight, just one time, is that too much to ask? :grumpy:

 

[luvthempigs]

I used to have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, it was horrible. I got a prescription for Ambien CR and it worked wonders

 

[Blue eyes]

It can also help to have an established routine before going to bed. That may sound over simplistic, but it is a way to tell your body it is time to sleep. Go through a regular ritual, so to speak.

Also, I've read that the lights from a computer screen can interfere somehow with allowing your brain to relax and sleep. (can't remember details of where I saw this) But the gist of it said that one should not be on a computer for 1 1/2 - 2 hours before attempting to go to sleep.

Scented candles or lotion of lavender, can also help you sleep.

 

[littl3red]

I'm allergic to most scented things, unfortunately. I have heard the computer thing but this is really the only time I get to be on the computer. And Maria, I try not to take too many medications. I have very severe asthma and allergies and have to take massive amounts of medication for those, and ANOTHER medication would just be too much for me. I just realized my asthma medication is probably exactly what's doing it; the stuff in my rescue inhaler and nebulizer, Albuterol, is a stimulant. It's made me permanently shaky (like a chihuahua) over years of use.

 

[luvthempigs]

I understand about the medication thing. I don't normally take stuff to help with sleep but at the time I was using it I was having trouble sleeping for many months (during a divorce and financial issues) I was about ready to do anything just to sleep and feel normal

Thank goodness those days are behind me

 

[LakeCondo]

One of the factors might be that you are rewarding yourself by getting on the computer when you can't sleep. Instead do something boring or that you don't want to do.

Do you sleep in over the weekend? This might be a problem, too. Staying in bed an hour or so longer is ok, but more than that just upsets our sleep patterns.

And do the nightmares have any content that can deal with? I think usually people with insomnia sleep too shallowly to have dreams, so I;m surprised you have them.

Some kind of meditation/guided imagery may help.

 

[Ellie]

A friend of mine had the same problem. She was told not to be look at the computer/tv, etc. for 2 hours before going to bed. (It triggers something in your brain that keeps you awake at night.)

Also, try drinking chamomile tea. (Or most teas that say sleepy time or anything on them.) Those knock me right out!
I also have something called "sleep balm" - Badger brand. I've had it for probably 8 years and it still smells amazing. You're supposed to put it under your nose, but I just hold it up to my nose and I fall asleep within minutes. And it's all natural oils so you won't be allergic to it (I have allergies to scents too)

 

[qtipthebun]

If it's really severe, acupuncture can help...
I haven't had it done for sleep, but I have a friend who did (and for her allergies), and she said it worked terrifically.

My rule is I get in bed (no phone, no computer) and if I'm not asleep within 30 minutes, I get up for a few, and then go back.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

I tested really low on neuro transmitters and was able to sleep with no problems after taking an anti depressant.

 

[bethepoet]

I'm like this too. One of the things I learned was to train your body to know that bed is ONLY for sleep. Don't do anything stimulating in that bed, because then all of a sudden your brain thinks that's a fun place to be awake. If you're struggling to sleep, go to a different room and do something boring, like a puzzle. Come back and try again in twenty minutes, and keep repeating it until your brain gets the idea.

 

[MiniLopHop]

If it is really bad you might want to look into getting a sleep study. I was starting to fall asleep at stop lights I was so tired. I had a sleep study done and they found that I have severe restless legs syndrome. I would jerk myself awake (if I knew it or not) on average of 14 times an hour. I never made it to REM sleep. Before my husband would complain that I flopped like a fish out of water all night. He would have bruises from where I kicked him. Now I sleep peacefully through the night and feel so much better! The medication is technically for Parkonson's, but it works really well to calm my nerves so they behave at night.

 

[whitelop]

Its your albuterol. I also have asthma and use a nebulizer and sometimes an inhaler. It does make you shaky. I'm shaky 24/7 because of years and years of use. Add a cup of coffee to it and it looks like I have tremors.
I also have a hard time sleeping, you're only a few years younger than I am. I've had a hard time sleeping since I was a teenager. I will be so tired during the day and then at night at about 9 I will perk up and feel the need to clean a rabbit cage or do the dishes. I stopped fighting it a while ago, but since you're still in school probably, you need the sleep.
Someone once told me to try melatonin, its just an herbal supplement that you can get from walmart. I've never tried it, but my friend with sleep issues uses and she said that it works pretty well.
I hope that helps. I know how it feels when you can't sleep, it happens to me every night. hahaha. Hopefully it gets better for you.

 

[caustin4]

I used to take melatonin occasionally if I had trouble sleeping. I turn off all my lights, take it and wait 15 min for it to kick in then I fall right asleep. If you take it but keep using the computer/phone it will wear off before it does any good. It's a chemical that's already in your body that tells you it's time to fall asleep. It's especially good if you travel a lot like I used to. It seems to reset your brains sleeping clock.

Do you exercise regularly? I find that going running, biking, playing sports, etc. for at least an hour a day really helps with sleeping at night. Plus exercise is always good for you. Good luck!

 

[dungeonbunnies]

I have trouble staying asleep, I'm up every few hours. My best solution for not being dead tired is to catnap when I can. 2 hour break between college classes? Naptime, I get roughly an hour.
Toddler is taking a nap? Naptime.
Fiancé is up and around with wide awake toddler? Naptime. Thankfully he understands that I have trouble sleeping.
It's amazing the difference that an hour nap makes