[Stratovarius]

I've been having serious trouble sleeping lately and me not getting sleep = domino effect (on weekdays). I usually get really pissed off and frustrated because then I'm not allowed to have my morning exercise unless I want 2 hours of sleep with it. Also I end up nodding off in class...not a good thing since I need all A's otherwise I'm a failure (I'm of Asian descent).

What kind of tips does everyone have so I can get my 7-8 hours of sleep?

[jasonraymondson]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Stratovarius', 'I')'ve been having serious trouble sleeping lately and me not getting sleep = domino effect (on weekdays). I usually get really pissed off and frustrated because then I'm not allowed to have my morning exercise unless I want 2 hours of sleep with it. Also I end up nodding off in class...not a good thing since I need all A's otherwise I'm a failure (I'm of Asian descent).

What kind of tips does everyone have so I can get my 7-8 hours of sleep?

[Stratovarius]

Well damn I figured people who aren't insomniacs wouldn't need any strategies of getting to sleep since they already do!

[jasonraymondson]

Jack daniels before I quit drinking

[Nicholai]

Yeah I usually have a couple of beer to dumb me down. Then I sleep like a baby....

[Ayame]

Cod liver oil - it will make your brain happy.

Seriously if I take too much I go into a dopey spin, it really calms you down.

[Stratovarius]

Hmm, everyone post stuff I can buy at the grocery store.

[CrudeAwakening]

Stratovarius, didn't you answer your own question with your "masturbation" thread? That should get you off...to sleep, I mean.

[Stratovarius]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('CrudeAwakening', 'S')tratovarius, didn't you answer your own question with your "masturbation" thread? That should get you off...to sleep, I mean.

[uNkNowN ElEmEnt]

The first time I used to work night shift I tried sleeping pills, but after a while they stopped working. So my doctor told me to try taking gravol. it actually works. and if it doesn't I try a couple beer and a bunch of ibuprophen... at the same time.

Now-a-days, I use a white noise machine and relaxation techniques and if that doesn't work, I have a couple beer and about 1000mg of tylenol. but really ibuprophen is better cause it fights inflamation which a lot of people suffer from but don't know it.

[jesus_of_suburbia_old]

I usually work the 4p-1am shift at an natural/organic grocery store. Our truck gets in at 9pm, so we spend the next four hours stocking the shelves and getting the store ready for the morning crew. It's a very physical job.

When I get home I am usually physically tired, but all those endorphines keep my mind racing. I usually don't end up falling asleep until 4/5am. It can even be later if I hang out with some of my co-workers after our shift is over.

Most of my classes are in the afternoon. But on those days when I have to wake up b/f noon, it can be a real bitch.

Unfortunately, melatonin and Valerian root haven't worked out all that well. I've had to take the OTC stuff. It's usually generic diphenhydramine. However, sometimes that shit works a little too well, and I end up sleeping until 2pm.

Ugh.

[The_Toecutter]

I have difficulty sleeping at night because my thoughts keep me awake all the time. I can't stop thinking about the things I'd like to build. Sometimes, I have a problem with shutting off the computer because I can't stop researching something I'm interested in. Sometimes, it's a matter of not being able to put down a book.

And even with getting all that out of the way, my circadian rythm is all fucked up, just as it has been since childhood.

Strategies to get to sleep? I don't have any worth mentioning. Speaking of which, I'm going to go lay in bed for at least an hour trying to fall asleep again...

[FourOfSwords]

In my 'former life', when I was plugged into the system, I was a Registered Polysomnographic Technician. In laymans terms I diagnosed people with sleep disorders. By the sounds of it(going to school) you're in your late teens /early twenties. As such you require more along the line of 9-10 hrs of sleep. Our society and lifestyles being what they are, it is mighty difficult to get in that much sleep.
I would suggest go see your GP and get a referal to a Dr. specializing in sleep medicine. I can also give you a few tips to help you out in the meantime, but without a proper study, it is difficult to give concrete advice.
As such here are a few things you can do to help out:
1)Firstly, understand 70%+ of the population has insomnia at one or more times in their lives...so don't worry, you're in good company.
2)No caffiene at least 2 hrs before bed. Caffiene prolongs sleep latency for most people.
3)No vigorous physical activities just before bed. Many chemicals are released into your body from exercise that inhibit sleep.
4)As much as you can, try to go to bed at the same time each evening...your brain needs that routine to initialize sleep.
5) Also most people have a ritual they do before they go to sleep, like reading listening to music. This ritual signals the brain that 'it is now time to initiate the sleep process'.
6)If you can, no TV befire bed. TV generally stimulates the brain and that's not what you want just before sleep.
7)No alcohol before bed. Although 1 or 2 drinks will temporarily help you fall asleep, it REALLY screws up your sleep for the rest of the night.
There are a few other suggestions, but seeing a specialist is the way to go, if this persists for a longer period(weeks and weeks)
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Alex

[MD]

I sleep easily ten hours a day. Sometimes twelve. There have been times that I'd welcome a little insomnia, until I talk to an insomniac and realize what a burden it can be. I wish I could share my "luck" with you.

I think I'll have a nap now...

[Ferretlover]

If you suspect it may be related to the stress of what's happening, try watching "Faux News."
That should dispel your fears and allow you to sleep!

Remember, you are not alone. At least once a week, I sit in the dark (so I won't wake my husband) until 4 or 5 am, worrying about what is happening, worrying because I can't get past it and figure what to do fix all the problems...

[sittinguy]

Ambien,, Yes its habit forming,, but it works great. And you can get it online. I use them 2-3 times a week. You just know when you aren't going to be able to fall asleep. 5mg is usually plenty. 10 is nice also

[Bas]

some outdoor excersize a couple times a week might help if you don't already do that. Melatonin is great for falling asleep but it wears off after an hour or so, so you might wake up again....

imsonia sucks and can drive you to the edge in severe cases. Having a regular sleeping pattern also helps I've found; try to go to bed at more or less the same time, at least during weekdays. Good luck!

[The_Toecutter]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'I')n my 'former life', when I was plugged into the system, I was a Registered Polysomnographic Technician.

[BigTex]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('sittinguy', 'A')mbien,, Yes its habit forming,, but it works great. And you can get it online. I use them 2-3 times a week. You just know when you aren't going to be able to fall asleep. 5mg is usually plenty. 10 is nice also

[FourOfSwords]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('The_Toecutter', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'I')n my 'former life', when I was plugged into the system, I was a Registered Polysomnographic Technician.