A deeply serious request here.... Does anyone have some good, helpful tips for combatting insomnia? I'm not talking mild sleeplessness or feeling drowsy, I'm talking full on mental anxiety, staring at the ceiling, grabbing a couple of hours in the early hours, only falling asleep due to pure exhaustion? This has caused me to miss a day's work today, being phoned by work at 10.30 well after my 8am alarms (clock and phone) had been, bleeped and gone...
I've tried everything from warm showers to reading a dull book, to listening to whale song to taking herbal tablets. I've done relaxation exercises, counted sheep (which isn't relaxing for a Welshman) and changed the sheets more often than some hotels. I've blacked out light sources, tried different rooms and changed the room temperature. Nothing seems to definitively work.
I don't have any major worries at the moment; finances and health are fine. Going on holiday in a few weeks. Really can't pinpoint it. Driving me nuts.
As an example, tomorrow I start a 10hr shift at 9.20 so have to leave the house by 8:30. That's less than 6 hrs away, and I'm wide awake.
Due to my job I can't drink too much alcohol; so none of that. Has anyone used Nytol or any of the other products? What about various teas / cocoas? Anyone got anything at all I can try?
Insomnia
Have you tried melatonin? It's not approved for sale in the UK, but it's available in drugstores in the US and Canada and most likely available from websites of various degrees of dodgyness.
Your body should produce it naturally anyway, and I don't believe there are any health risks to taking it in moderation. My missus swears by it - though the one time I tried it to get over some night shifts, it just made me feel sick. YMMV.
Your body should produce it naturally anyway, and I don't believe there are any health risks to taking it in moderation. My missus swears by it - though the one time I tried it to get over some night shifts, it just made me feel sick. YMMV.
-
tillyoshea
- Posts: 371
- Joined: Sun 23 Nov, 2003 14.34
- Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
- Contact:
My initial advice would be to concentrate on good sleep hygeine (this leaflet's as good as any). Though, admittedly, it sounds like you are doing many of those things anyway.
Your GP will be able to help, too. Medication is rarely the best solution, as it may treat the symptoms in the short term, but won't treat the underlying problem - so you may mind that as soon as you stop the medication, the problem recurs.
Your GP will be able to help, too. Medication is rarely the best solution, as it may treat the symptoms in the short term, but won't treat the underlying problem - so you may mind that as soon as you stop the medication, the problem recurs.
If you work shifts (I seem to recall Alexia working for/on the railway?) it may be as simple as swapping all your shifts so you only work one type
EDIT: Obviously this isn't always possible but it may help to add some routine into your sleeping rhythm
EDIT: Obviously this isn't always possible but it may help to add some routine into your sleeping rhythm
-
scottishtv
- Posts: 763
- Joined: Thu 01 Apr, 2004 15.36
- Location: Edinburgh
I can't really relate as I don't suffer insomnia, although I often stay up far too late for my own good. I'm also guilty of eating meals later in the evening, and even doing household chores much later than I should although my neighbours never complain. Another bad habit I have is watching an episode of something on Netflix on my tablet in bed before sleeping - which I know I shouldn't.Alexia wrote:What about various teas / cocoas? Anyone got anything at all I can try?
However, if I know I need a proper rest, I find a really hot bath relaxing (it's the only time I ever have a bath), then a mug of Ovaltime made with milk and 5-6 heaped spoons of the stuff. It's not scientific at all but I'm still surprised at how well it works for me.
-
all new Phil
- Posts: 2020
- Joined: Sun 13 Feb, 2005 00.04
- Location: Next door to Hell
Sorry if it sounds obvious, but I personally find I sleep best if I tire myself out during the day. If I'm not working, I'll go to the gym or for a swim or something. I also find it helps to make sure I'm awake at a decent time, again so I'm tired by the time I go to bed that night.
Seriously wouldn't recommend taking anything for it. I do feel your pain however, I'm forever doing shifts that end at midnight and then having to be back in for 9am the following morning.
When you say that you have no major worries at the moment by the way... do you not think that this in itself is a major worry? Vicious circle and all that.
Seriously wouldn't recommend taking anything for it. I do feel your pain however, I'm forever doing shifts that end at midnight and then having to be back in for 9am the following morning.
When you say that you have no major worries at the moment by the way... do you not think that this in itself is a major worry? Vicious circle and all that.
I suffer from it too, granted some of it is because I am in pain most of the time, but other times I get into that thought cycle where I think oh I am nearly asleep now, oh no I just woke myself up. The only thing I do can't really work for I donn't work, but someone who did work told me this advice. I think to myself so what if can't sleep and it takes away that pressure. I also give up trying if I can't sleep within 20 minutes else I get stressed about not sleeping. I think the going to the GP advise is a good one, I know sleeping pills get a negative press but they do help and don't have to be on going.
I will pray you get some sleep
PJ
I will pray you get some sleep
PJ