What do you do when you can't sleep?

**CagneyDog** · 01-04-2006, 11:34 PM

I don't really want to resort to that but I guess I might have to.

I just don't understand, I've been extremely stressed out before and I have been able to sleep fine. I'm kind of worried....

**slleipnir** · 01-05-2006, 12:07 AM

I'm the same way. Lately I've been having the same problem. I don't know the cause, but sometimes I get so tired that I sleep during the day. I find that I sleep to late in the evening, that it affects me sleeping at night. So I bare with it, nearly die, but I sleep really well. (although I'm tired anywya....)

However, I don't know what to do in your case. Stupid idea, but when I was really stressed, I had these CDs that would relax you. It was a person talking about different calming things. I find it relaxed me and helped me sleep.....

**slleipnir** · 01-05-2006, 12:09 AM

Originally Posted by CagneyDog

No, i don't think it is restlessness. Benadryl works..I've tried it once, but I agree it's unhealthy.

Bahhh, I need to take my mind off it before I go lay down else I obsses over the fact that I can't sleep

Edit- Do you think there is anything a doctor could do about this. Sleeping Pills I guess?

I've never been able to take sleeping pills. They gave me a REALLY gross after taste in my mouth the next day. Like, EVERYTHING I ate or drank tasted SO BAD. It was awful. I'd rather not sleep! But then again, they work for my mom....They do work though. I only took it once, and I felt like I was drunk or something...they can be dangerous though. My mom took one, and got up to do stuff, and she passed out and hit her head on the floor! (they might not ALL be like this. I'm not expert)

**Daisy and Delilah** · 01-05-2006, 05:05 AM

I hope I'm not out of line by asking......when you're trying to sleep is your mind racing about things that either just happened or are going to happen? I find when I have too much on my mind or one thing that's worrying me, I can't sleep. I have always believed that you will sleep better if your mind is clear. In effect, you are unable to relax if this is the case, so you're not going to be able to sleep. Extreme stress in one's life might possibly cause the body to react differently so sleep comes easier. Believe me, I've been there and done that. I still do it as a matter of fact. The only thing I try to do is to try to keep my mind clear and/or think of something real pleasant. Have you tried those relaxation tapes, discs, etc.? How about some aromatherapy like lavender? Good luck. I hope you get some sleep soon because sleep deprivation is awful

The mere thought of school re-starting could be the culprit.

**CagneyDog** · 01-05-2006, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by Daisy and Delilah

I hope I'm not out of line by asking......when you're trying to sleep is your mind racing about things that either just happened or are going to happen? I find when I have too much on my mind or one thing that's worrying me, I can't sleep.

That's exactly it. It's as soon as I lay down that it happens, I'll dose off during the day, while I"m on the computer or something. Last night I fell asleep for awhile petting Cagney in his dog bed.

It's just whenever I have time to think about stuff.

I haven't tried tapes or aromatherapy. I'll have to try the tapes. Where can you get them? Are they just sounds of the ocean and those kinds of things?

**slleipnir** · 01-05-2006, 01:08 PM

http://www.meditainment.com/

That is what I have. I believe they have demo clips on the site.

**CagneyDog** · 01-05-2006, 04:50 PM

Thanks, I'll check it out

I managed to get a couple hours of sleep today, so I'm feeling a bit better

**RICHARD** · 01-05-2006, 05:05 PM

You can always tune into CSpan and wait until Barbara Boxer, Dianne Feinstein or pretty much any California politician comes on..

But you want to be put to sleep, not bored to death....

Find a copy of Patricia Garfield's Creative Dreaming.

It's a great book, I read it years ago and still can put myself to sleep in minutes.

**moosmom** · 01-05-2006, 06:11 PM

I get out of bed and go read. Reading usually makes me sleepy very quickly. Either that or I'll knit a little.

I have trouble sleeping too. They say it's got something to do with menopause. Like Karen said, using Benadryl to sleep or using sleep aids is really not a good thing to do. Do you drink soda with caffeine in it at night with dinner or anything?? That could be it. Chocolate too, that has caffeine in it. You might want to check with your doctor.

**cali** · 01-05-2006, 08:11 PM

I watch TV lol I have a TV in my room, so I can watch TV, while in a dark room, laying down under warm covers, I just watch TV till I fall asleep, for me laying down in dim light while specifly TRYING to stay awake will make me fall asleep.

**Flatcoatluver** · 01-05-2006, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by cali

I watch TV lol I have a TV in my room, so I can watch TV, while in a dark room, laying down under warm covers, I just watch TV till I fall asleep, for me laying down in dim light while specifly TRYING to stay awake will make me fall asleep.

that's what i do, and that does help me I put the t.v on a timer for like a hour and then it will turn off.

**Flatcoatluver** · 01-05-2006, 10:31 PM

Originally Posted by moosmom

Like Karen said, using Benadryl to sleep or using sleep aids is really not a good thing to do. Do you drink soda with caffeine in it at night with dinner or anything?? That could be it. Chocolate too, that has caffeine in it. You might want to check with your doctor.

I never thought of it I will have caffene in the afternoon. I will try and just drink a sprite and see how I feel the next day thanks

**CagneyDog** · 01-05-2006, 10:39 PM

Has anyone had Nyquil before?

It was awful. I'd rather not sleep! But then again, they work for my mom....They do work though. I only took it once, and I felt like I was drunk or something...they can be dangerous though. My mom took one, and got up to do stuff, and she passed out and hit her head on the floor!

Is this how you feel when you take any kind of sleeping pill?

**Daisy and Delilah** · 01-06-2006, 05:58 AM

I've seen those relaxation tapes/discs at Target and Walgreen's. I have one of those Febreeze Scent Story thingies that emits a scent according to the disc you put in it. They have a relaxation disc you can get. I have that one. It's lavender and a few other things. Nyquil is for colds, flu, etc. and it has alot of alcohol in it supposedly. Most people get knocked out with it right away but using it just for sleep might not be a good idea. I don't know too much about it. The most important thing is to get your mind cleared as much as you can. Pleasant thoughts will usually allow you to sleep very comfortably. Anything you can do to get your mind in a calmed state will be the best route to take. I can't tell you how much I sympathize with you and again, good luck in conquering this problem. I'll be cheering for you

**Nomilynn** · 01-06-2006, 06:41 AM

Apparently when I can't sleep I go on PT

It is 4:30am here and I am wide awake. I did the same thing last night and ended up having to take Benedryl. My doctor told me that Benedryl is a safe *occasional* sleep aid but I can't get my mind to shut off. I've just made lists of all the things I have to do tomorrow, I've emailed the people I have to be in touch with, etc etc but now my mind wants it to hurry up and be tomorrow so I can get all these things done. The stupid part is I will be so tired that I'll fall asleep and get nothing done during the day.. :S I wish I knew how to break this pattern.