As I sit here typing it is 4:58 am. I am tired and want to be in bed asleep but instead am WIDE awake. This has been going on for a month now. I go to bed between 10 and 11, sleep for an hour or 2 and then am awake for the day. No soda, coffee, decongestant, daytime napping or other obvious causes. Any ideas on how to fall asleep and stay that way will be greatly appreciated!
Thank you all for your support. Turns out my inability to sleep is from PTSD, due to the near downing of my 4 year old. I found him, I resuscitated him. I don't know why I was unable to see that for myself. Just understanding that has helped.
Dr. Chalmers has tested me when I can't sleep and my gallbladder is usually way off......after a few supplements I am fine again.....stress can cause these imbalances so maybe a supplement for stress would help, like Max Stress B.....I love this office and they have changed the way I look at healthcare and my body and what it is telling me.
Talk to your doctor, there are many things you can do from habitual changes, to dietary changes to medications if needed.
I've not gotten a good night's sleep in over a decade. Last night, I saw the clock at 1am, 3:30am (when I was up with my 4 year-old to go to the bathroom), 5am, 5:45am and every 10 minutes after the 6am hour until I finally had to get up for work before 6:30.
Caution: the jury's out on melatonin. Even though you can purchase it anywhere, the products are NOT FDA approved, and I'd strongly suggest a discussion with your MD/pharmacist before starting. The medical basis is to replace the melatonin hormone to help regulate your circadian rhythms.
In my case, I can't shut my mind off. I do take a medication for it which I'll likely have to remain on long-term because it's a chronic problem for me.
FYI - the active ingredient in Benadryl, diphenhydramine, is the same ingredient in products such as Tylenol/Advil PM, Unisom, etc. It's considered safe and may help as occasionally needed.
Hope you get a good night's sleep.
Do you have a lot of thoughts racing through your head.. Maybe you need to write them down to get the ideas and thoughts out. Also I hate to say this, but watching TV, computers electronic things, do not help you sleep, they can actually keep you awake, Maybe read a boring book or a good book, so at least you can enjoy your awake time..
As we mature this happens a lot more often. Menopause is a real pain.. As it gets closer, this is one of the symptoms..
You may want to step up your exercise program during the day.
Also we have used "Sleepy Time" tea by Celestial Seasons. And a product called "Rescue Remedy." from the health food store. It is a spray that you spray under your tongue and it will help aid in relaxing you to help you sleep..
I am sorry this is happening. It is so frustrating.. I usually do laundry, mop the floor and get a head start at chores so I can have extra time during the day for fun stuff. One of my really good friends started walking early in the morning.. She sets my paper on my porch step most mornings at about 5:00 am. Lets me know she was there and could not sleep.
I have found Melatonin to be a life saver on sleepless nights. You can buy it at a health food store. I get the kind that dissolves under your tongue. Half a tablet and I am asleep within 30 minutes...you need to lay down in a quiet dark room.
The best thing for me is it only stays in your system for an hour...so if one of the kids needs me I can wake up and help them. Also, you are not groggy in the morning like with a sleep aid.
I have the same problem. But I am pregnant, so I know that doesn't help me at all. One thing I do, is DO NOT GET OUT OF BED. yes it is very hard to just lay there for hours, but sometimes, i do manage to fall back asleep. Try to keep your mind clear as well. I will think ab out everything i have to do, and then i won't ever fall alseep, but if i really put it all out of my head, I have a chance of sleep.
The sleepy time tea works. i drink that and LOVE it. if it is really becoming a problem you can talk with your doctor about it. You can always try some advil pm, or something similar and see if that helps you stay sleeping longer. A warm bath or shower can help as well.
actually, if you start doing something that you dont want to do, you will find yourself getting very sleepy. hate to fold laundry..start tackling the nearest pile of clothes that need to be folded up, you will get very sleepy, very fast.
K. h.
I am in the same boat as you , I have tried everything as you did. But I did some research and it is said that you should try to go to bed around the same time at night and rise at the same time everyday. Try to accomplish the things you want to do on a daily basis. You will feel contented and at peace hopfully this helps. I have started to do this and it helps. My doctor even prescribe sleeping pills, it did not help instead it give me anxiety. Do you have problems? Try to see what's keeping you up at night. Personally I have some issues maybe that's my reason.
This has been happening to me the last 2 weeks because I am dealing with a very difficult person and a difficult problem. I have decisions to make and it keeps me thinking, thinking, thinking...
What are you thinking about? I agree about the computers. I've learned not to get on the computer until I am ready to give up. I lay in bed and pray. sometimes I am able to fall asleep praying. Sometimes it's no use.
I've struggled with insomnia since my 20's. It has gotten worse as I've aged and had children. I recently did a saliva test where I provided saliva samples from 4 different times of day. Morning, Noon, Early Evening, Middle of the night. I found that my cortisol is low during the day when it's supposed to be high and high at night when it's supposed to be low. I'm now taking some supplements during the day to help with energy and something at night to "calm" my adrenal glands. It has actually been helping me sleep better. I'm 41 and I'm also beginning to take bio-identical hormones. I've been getting my supplements at Las Colinas Pharmacy. Good luck, I know your frustration!
