Sleep Disorders Forum - Insomnia advice and treatments

Mental Health > Sleep Disorders Forum > Insomnia advice and treatments

Q: Insomnia advice and treatments

asked by: sleepless1 on April 16th, 2008

New User

I'm posting here to get advice about some insomnia I have been having for the past 3 months. I try to go to bed around 11 at night, but end up laying awake for hours with my mind racing, thinking about all kinds of things. I don't nap during the day and then once I finally do fall asleep in the early morning, my eyes snap open again at 7 a.m. I could sleep in a little bit because I don't go into work until 11, but I wake up anyway. A

lot of times, I will move to the couch after staying awake and it is sometimes easier to fall asleep on the couch. It's not that the bed is uncomfortable, it's very comfortable, it's just somehow easier for me to sleep on the couch because then my mind calms down.

I have tried all of the little tricks and nothing works - taking a warm shower before bed, drinking warm milk, doing low-key activities before bed, etc. I am healthy and active otherwise, just need to get some sleep! I have tried going to bed at 8:30 some nights because my body is so exhausted, but then I still lay awake for hours and hours and eventually around 2 am I just get up because I cannot sleep.

There's not anything in particular I am worrying about. There aren't any stresses in my life that set this off. It's just that I am busy interacting with people all day and now my brain thinks bedtime is the perfect time to go into overdrive thinking about stuff.

Replies(7)

CarolDiane

replied on April 16th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

First of all, welcome to our community. We are glad you found us.
I must say stress is one of the top insigators of insomnia. Your day may be just to full for you. Have you tried any over the counter sleep aids? Of course read the drug interations first. You may not realize it is stress but, I'm willing to gamble on it.

sleepless1

replied on April 16th, 2008

New User

I have tried Tylenol PM a few times and it helps, but I do not want to become dependent on anything. If it is stress like you say, then what kind of things can I try to help myself fall asleep?

CarolDiane

replied on April 16th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

Sleepless1

Believe it or not, you might want to try some home yoga theropy. Get yourself a nice bid soft pillow, walkman or Ipod with a CD of music of nature. Meaning sounds of earth. Waterfalls, birds etc. Personally, I listen to music by Yanni and his instrumentals are so soothing, it can't help but relax you. I'm sure there are more out there. I have a couple of Sounds Of Nature kinda thing. Then just set and meditate. Let you mind control your body. Feel yoursef relaxing thinking of one part of your body till you reach your feet. Once you have reached this part of you chakra then try and take yourself away, far away. Visualize yoursef sitting on a cliff with a waterfall ahead of you, or in a park wit the birds. It is truly a wonderful feeling when you reach that state of mind over body. Just remember, you control you thoughts, they do not control you. Try it and let me know how you like it. I have no doubt after you have tried it, it will have you. Now, it may take a few times to learn how to reach your ultimate state of mind. But, don't give up. It is there waiting to come out. You release all that negitive energy and let that positive energy just flow through your body.

Long enough post for now. Keep in touch,

Hugs and well wishes,
Carrie

sleepless1

replied on April 17th, 2008

New User

OK, I put some relaxing music on my ipod of waves on the beach set to music and tried listening to it last night while falling asleep. It was very peaceful music, but still I was worrying and found it hard to concentrate on relaxing for very long before my mind would wander. But I think it would have helped me get to sleep faster, except everytime I would feel myself start to fall asleep, the music would keep me up and so finally I pulled the earphone off and fell asleep. I think it still took just as long to fall asleep and I woke up at 7 again this morning. Although the music made me feel like I was at a spa and I wasn't quite as anxious.

I was thinking of trying some yoga, but using a dvd and doing it before bed. Does anyone have any yoga dvds they would recommend? I have no idea where to start. I was thinking of making a long routine I go through at night to help myself relax before bed and that's something I could do. I already take a warm shower and brush my teeth/floss for a long time (that's very relaxing to me for some reason)... and then I could do some yoga.

CarolDiane

replied on April 17th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

Don't give up! Your mind is so use to wondering all over the world, it is going to take time to challange and make your mind do what you tell it to. You will get better results after you have done it a few times. I really does help release all that negitive tension your mind suffers in everyday life. And yes, make this a routine for yourself every night. Give yourself some solitude, maybe a candle or two burning and also insense is always a nice topping for the cake. Lavender is for relaxation. You will do fine. I did not take me over night to learn to relax. I had been a twisted dounut for years. But, I did it.
I hope you can find some music that will help. Like I said, Yanni and I have a good full night sleep now that I have my medications changed and I have him to relax to.

I wish you the best

skmike

replied on April 18th, 2008

New User

Hello sleepless1! I agree with the the lavender candle recommendation. I also periodically suffer from some hardcore insomnia. I developed a whole routine to successfully bypass it:

weightlifting in the evening
jasmine tea before sleep
aromatic candles
yoga

ambient music while asleep. I also suggest listening to one song while preparing to go to bed. A lot of people make turn on the muic player while already in bed; I personally find it works better when your mind is already in the ready state when you lay down.

Also, I chose one specific song that I listen to when going to sleep. I've used this song so many times that hearing this song automatically triggers complete relaxation inside of me. It took my mind a while to get there, but it was worth it.

eeyore46

replied on April 18th, 2008

Experienced User

I have suffered with insomnia for years. I have taken Benadry, Tylenol PM, Valerian Root, etc. and it would help, but then I would feel sluggish the next day at work. I do not know if you are interested in this sort of thing, but I have heard that acupuncture can help with insomnia as well as many other disorders. I have had one treatment and will have 5 more for insomnia, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. I do not know if it will help, but I am willing to try it at this point. My body and mind are exhausted. I have also heard that Kava and Melatonin alternative medications help with insomnia, as well.

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