[sb129]

Wondered if anyone had any ideas on how to cope with insomnia.
I have tried nearly everything over the years. When I have alot going on in my life, sleep eludes me.
I usually can't get to sleep before midnight, and at the moment am waking up at 5am and can't get back to sleep.

As a result I am exhausted and stressed throughout the day, but as soon as I get home and try to relax, the cycle starts again, and I get so stressed about not getting enough sleep that it contributes to the insomnia.

At the moment, WB and I are living in a flatshare with 7 other people, and its noisy at the best of times. Its a matter of economics- the rent is cheap, so we are saving money in preparation for our move back to our home country in August.

Things on my mind-
Work. Working 2 very busy, stressful jobs, trying to meet targets before I leave in July. Is physically demanding and causes me pain in my neck quite often, which also stops me sleeping.
Money. Worried we won't reach our savings goal before we leave. Is dependent on me reaching above targets and then some.
Moving. Have one million and one things to do before we go, such as packing up all our stuff and shipping it, filing tax returns, sorting out all my professional registration etc. Also have to spend time with people we are leaving behind.
Wedding. We are planning our wedding which is in Jan, although this isn't our top priority it requires attention at times.

I just can't seem to shut off my mind at night time, and its getting me down and making all the stuff above harder to cope with.

[sb129]

Sigh.

I don't start threads very often. I feel a bit deflated that not one person replied.
I guess relationship dramas are more interesting.

[underpants]

Awe SB,

Rock a bye baby, in the tree top....

It sounds like you are stressed out.

Rest and sleep are important for your well being. Just as important as all those other things you mentioned.

Have you tried to stretch and meditate daily? Give your mind a forced relaxation time.

As tired as you are from working 2 jobs, maybe a short daily walk can free your mind a bit. A walk to just walk and enjoy the sights, not to achieve a destination.

How about getting a plant or two and tending to that. Just to throw off focus the other worries that keep you up.

You are welcome to come and help me do yard work. That will tire you out and having you sleeping like a baby.

It will all work out SB. You got your wonderboy, and that is all that matters. Needless worrying is just that.

Relax girl...or try to.

[blind_otter]

I second the "Stretch and meditate daily" advice.

I used to have horrible insomnia. Being pregnant sorta knocks that one out, though. I pass out if I sit still for longer than 10 minutes now.

But I started a daily yoga practice and meditated regularly. It helps create a tranquil mindstate that facilitates restful sleep.

And of course - cut out caffiene. Don't drink alcohol close to bedtime, it interrupts the sleep cycle. Avoid processed sugar. take the holistic approach. Everything is interconnected.

The thing about caffiene is that different people process it differently. Some people can process caffiene in 6 hours or so (that's the norm), others have a sensitivity that causes them to be effected more by caffiene over a longer period of time.

[ZenSilk]

Sorry you're faced with a sleeping problem... these are some of the things I try when I'm too nervous to sleep:


Walking in the evening, not too close before you go to bed (otherwise your body and mind are so active again). Just make sure you spend as much time outside as you can, which can tire you enough physically.

Drinking a relaxing tea before going to bed. This is one I always try, and if you find the right mix it might do wonders.

Not drinking too much coffee, especially if you feel stressed and nervous throughout the day. Try to figure out how much you can take, and when your last cup should be so that it doesn't interfere with your sleep. Actually, if you feel so nervous that your heart beats too fast in the evening, I'd recommend switching completely to tea (e.g. green tea) if you need some sort of energy boost throughout the day.

Some natural oils help relax. If I'm feeling really stressed, I rub some lavender oil on my temples and my pillow. If I'm really really nervous, also on my chest.

Meditation at night can help you concentrate on your breathing and keep your mind off thoughts. There are some CDs available with relaxing music, also I bet some free downloads, podcasts or radio online.

Reading a book. This one can really help. Instead of watching TV or using your computer at night, which make your brain go all active and crazy, read a book. You'll notice how your eyelids weight more and more...

And finally, in case none of these things work: just don't try to sleep. When we try to hard, it just doesn't work. And then we get all nervous, worked up, etc. It's easier to just accept that maybe tonight isn't the time to sleep, and just enjoy being in bed or, if you're way too active, reading something. I read that after 3 days, your body automatically needs to recover and gets the sleep it needs. This is also the experience I've made...

So good luck, hope these things work for you!

[blind_otter]

Oh another thing - sleep hygiene. Don't do anything in your bed, but sleep and have sex. You don't want to associate the place where you rest and relax with work or studying or planning or anything like that.

[sb129]

Thanks guys for the suggestions. I don't really drink much caffeine or alcohol, but I am definitely guilty of doing stuff on my laptop in bed, I don't think that helps.

Wonderboy is great, but he sleeps like a snoring ogre, which makes me jealous!

Unders, I would love to come and do yard work. I already walk to and from work 4 days a week (about a 3.5 mile round trip) but think doing something else is a good idea. Usually when I go to the gym I try to work out hard, but maybe yoga would be better.
I am not very good at sitting still and doing nothing, I think I need to practise that more.

[hotgurl]

I second what everyone said.

YOga, meditation, exercise, cut back on caffine and alcohol.

I used to have problems with insomnia and one thing that helped me is journalling.

and also organizing. It sounds weird but when I am super busy I have to have everything clean and organized. it is almost if my palce is quiet than my mind can be.

also with having so much going on I make plans and mini goals. ie with the wediing you have to have certain things done in certain time. So if I have a plan and get things done I know I am ok and I don't have to worry.

It stop the storm in my mind so to speak. It sounds weird I know.

Also my therapist suggested instead of trying to sleep when you can't it is better to get up out of bed and read instead of just lying there.

And I don't know if you have problem swith light or nosi but egg plugs and a sleeping mask filled with lavender can help.

Also if you get into a sleep routine it can help.

ie. before bed take a warm bath, dink some hot milk or herbal tea. Make sure the lights are lower and read ina quiet place. It helps calm you down before sleep.

[Art_Critic]

I had terrible insomnia when my Step Mom was dying of cancer..
I had to cut out the caffeine and the sugar..

I changed the way I fall asleep.. moved to my stomach with my leg raised.. don't ask.. I have no idea why but it helps me relax and get rid of my day..

I also used Melatonin ( you can get it in the vitamin section of the drug store ).. Melatonin in your body produces the sleepy effect.. so taking Melatonin at night can help put you back into your sleep cycle.

The cool thing about Melatonin is that a hour after you take it if you want to wake up and stay up for whatever reason you can do that.. you just push yourself to wake up and you do...

[Kamille]

I struggle with insomnia too, so reading all these answers is very helpful.

One of the things that really works for me when I'm tossing and turning is to get up, get out of the bedroom and do something low key like reading or watching tv. Taking pressure off having to fall asleep now now now usually helps calm down my thoughts at least a little bit.

I also will do a few relaxing yoga poses when I feel the stress physically (usually a ball in the pit of my stomach): the child's pose, the cobra and the corpse pose help me most.

[ZenSilk]

Yeah! I forgot about the milk! Warm milk with honey... it's a natural hypnotic