Trouble Sleeping

LegacyUser

Hi Everyone,
Last night it took me 3 hours to get to sleep.
Normally it takes me 1-2. I don't know how normal that is but its really starting to irritate me.

I have a feeling its to do with my erratic sleeping pattern. Because of varying college starts and nights out during the week my time going to bed can vary between 11pm - 5am. The time I get up at can vary from 7.30am - 12am. The only time it seems I fall asleep straight away is after a night out...I'm sure this is fairly common.

I'm sure it doesn't seem like a big problem but its starting to affect me during the day.
I compare it to my brother, who falls asleep almost instantly, and my dad who is similar.

Anyone have and problems sleeping or anyone with a cure?
Thanks a lot.

Mr. Incognito

Simple tips

Avoid coffee/tea/all caffine at least 4 hours before bed.
Avoid TV/ heavy computer use at least 2 hours before bed. Try and get into a routine (though I know this can be hard)

And- My missus swears by warm milk before bedtime. I can usually just knock off but try it.

TequilaMockingBird

I think the routine is your best bet, try for a week getting up early, then your body clock should adjust.

BigBenRoeth

Now ive the same problem,and ive read online about getting into a routing and not drinking coffee and tea and i find its all a load of my bollox.....no help at all....so i dunno if thats just me.

Zorba

Could try learning how to meditate or maybe take up yoga, these would help u relax your mind thus improving your chances of getting to sleep quicker and staying asleep. If u can't wait that long try taking 2 or 3 calcium magnesium and zinc tablets half an hr or so before u go to bed because they calm u down and help u relax and really do work.

watna

I used to have trouble sleeping in college because of the lack of routine. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night and be awake watching crap on tv til 3/4 so I'd skip lectures in the morning because I couldn't get up and it became a cycle. Once I started working and had to get up at 7.30 every morning I mostly stopped having trouble sleeping at night. Now I'm out for the count at 11pm most nights.

Seriously, try getting up at 8 every morning, no matter what and go to bed at a reasonable hour. I really do think you'll see a difference.

LegacyUser

Thanks for all the replies guys.
I dont drink tea or coffee so thats not the reason.
I'm gonna start to go to bed/ get up at a reasonable hour in future and see how it goes.

Out of interest does anyone else think tv/pc before going to bed affects sleep? Cos Id certainly admit to doing that..

Fletch123

OP- when you're trying to get to sleep are you worrying or thinking about things a lot? Sometimes I find it difficult to switch off my brain and so can't go to sleep for hours.

The reasonable bed times might work, but if they don't start looking into a bed time routine- having a shower before bed or reading a chapter from a book or even tidying your room. It gives your brain and body an indication that the next thing on the list is sleep!

I too have varying bedtimes, but I only have difficulty getting to sleep when somethings bothering me.

finbarrk

You could try reading a book in bed for an hour, it will make you sleepy.

Overheal

Yep PC will definitely keep you up to the point of exhaustion. Keeps your brain wired and thinking. Best honestly to shut it down in favor of a stereo if anything. Cant be tempted to check the latest boards posts or anything.