Insomnia?/Tips for good sleep

Tar.Aldarion · 29-07-2006 10:07pm #1

Ok, a lot of people have this. I do.
I imagine there are a lot of root causes for insomnia.
Some are too personal to talk about.
However, I'm sure some people who just 'can't sleep' or don't have very personal reasons for it etc, can discuss theirs and how they solved it, if they have.

What do you guys with it, do to help you to get to sleep?
How long do you go without sleep and what would your pattern of sleep for, say a week, be?
How long have you had it?

Tips for good Sleep:

Here are some tips that might help you get better-quality sleep and feel more rested and alert during the day.

*Keep a regular bedtime and wake-up time. Stick to it, even on weekends. That will help your body know when to feel alert and when to feel sleepy.

*Get enough sleep. Adults need at least 8 hours. Teens should get 9 1/2. Kids need even more.

*Of course, your bed and pillow(s) should be comfortable. Different people have different preferences.

*The room should not be too hot or too cold. (If your feet -- or other areas of your body feel cold, wear socks or a comfortable cap.)

*Lighting, if any, should be very dim. (Light can shine through your eyelids and send "wake-up" signals to your brain.) If you can’t get rid of the light, try black curtains, aluminum foil over windowpanes, or sleep masks/eye shades.

*If you don’t want complete silence, listen to a constant "white noise." (Radios and T.V.s are very disruptive to sleep, even if you believe they make you sleep better!) If you can’t get rid of noise, try ear plugs.

*Don’t use stimulants (such as colas, chocolate, tea, coffee, nicotine, and some medications) too close to bed time. Some of these can stay in your body up to 6 hours. Even if you don't think they bother you, scientists say they will make your sleep worse.

*Exercise each day, but no strenuous exercise within 6 hours of bedtime.

*Avoid alcohol, which can cause night time awakenings, nightmares, and headaches.

*A light snack may help you fall asleep, but avoid heavy meals near bedtime.

*Try to avoid lying awake in bed. Only get into bed when you really feel as though you will fall asleep. If you are awake in bed for 20 minutes, get up and do something else until you feel tired.

Rhyme · 29-07-2006 10:18pm

I absolutely can't sleep (save complete exhaustion) without working out any issues in my head, working through what people said that day, anything i forgot to do etc...

With stuff on my head i can't sleep.

whiskeyman · 29-07-2006 10:21pm

I started listening to late night talk shows (on BBC5 live) around 10 years ago. It's got to the stage I nearly can't nod off properly without listening to it.. probably because I need my brain ticking over (similar to Rhyme).
Mind you, I can conk out after a night on the beer or a heavy exercise session.

Ruu_Old · 29-07-2006 10:22pm

Rhyme wrote:

I absolutely can't sleep (save complete exhaustion) without working out any issues in my head, working through what people said that day, anything i forgot to do etc...

With stuff on my head i can't sleep.

I'm the same, too many issues.

Tar.Aldarion · 29-07-2006 10:25pm

This is the same for me, if there is something on my mind, I can not sleep. Ther eis always something on my mind. I am an obsessive thinker.

Should there be a thread for all sleep disorders and their discussion?
There are a lot more than insomnia.
I could edit the title of this one or another could be made later.

mysteria · 30-07-2006 10:37am

Not having enough sleep can affect your whole day, making you tense and irritable. The two most common types of sleep disorder are difficulty in falling asleep, known as Sleep-Onset Insomnia, and waking up frequently or too early, known as Maintenance Insomnia. Approximately 50% of all cases of insomnia are caused by psychological rather than physical reasons. Stress, tension, anxiety and depression can all interfere with our ability to sleep soundly. Some of the other causes of sleep problems include too much caffeine, alcohol or nicotine intake. These are all stimulants which should not be taken from teatime onward if you have trouble sleeping. Sleep Apnea ( breathing problems ), chronic pain, digestive disorders, menopausal discomfort and muscle spasms or cramps, are among the physical ailments which interfere with our nights rest.
Sleep Onset Insomnia: If you find it difficult falling asleep because you're feeling tense and stressed, or your mind is racing, you should try some deep breathing relaxation techniques. A cup a Linden Flower (Lime Blossom), or Camomile tea, is soothing and relaxing and will help you drop off. The traditional cup of cocoa contains stimulants that may stop you from sleeping. Warm milk sweetened with a little honey can help if you like a milky drink at night. Calcium and Magnesium are minerals which are natural tranquillizers and have a calming effect on the body. They help reduce blood pressure, relieve stress, and prepare the body for sleep. Take Calcium 500 mg to 1 gm, and Magnesium 250 mg to 500 mg, half and hour before bedtime.
Maintenance Insomnia: is when you wake up one or more times during the night for no particular reason, or wake very early, unable to get back to sleep. This can happen because of insufficient physical exercise during the day, or too much caffeine (in tea, coffee and fizzy drinks). Avoid taking Aspirin at night as this can interfere with sleep also stress and anxiety are also major contributory factors in maintenance insomnia, so a relaxation techniques are helpful. A relaxing bath using 3-5 drops of Lavender Aromatherapy Oil on the side of your pillowcase helps you inhale its relaxing vapours while you sleep. If all else fails, a supplement containing Passion Flower (Passiflora) or Valerian should do the trick.

ST* · 30-07-2006 10:51am

Everyone experiences sleeplessness at some point or other throughout their lives. It is when it becomes an on-going problem that it should be looked into.

It is not so for all cases, but sleeplessness is experienced by some who suffer from depression. A radox bath and a sprinkle of lavendar on your pillow is not likely to fix the problem alone.

mysteria · 30-07-2006 10:57am

ST* wrote:

Nice copy and past job there Listeria.

Everyone experiences sleeplessness at some point or other throughout their lives. It is when it becomes an on-going problem that it should be looked into.

It is not so for all cases, but sleeplessness is experienced by some who suffer from depression. A radox bath and a sprinkle of lavendar on your pillow is not likely to fix the problem alone.

I wrote it, it's my copyright, just trying to help ok? ( yawns)

Black Swan · 30-07-2006 11:33am

Tar, you are the king of insomnia. I reviewed your list, which seemed reasonable, but be honest, it doesn't work much for you. Hey, while I often stumble through the night, you are almost always there in the darkness stumbling too.

pH · 30-07-2006 11:47am

ST* wrote:

Nice copy and past job there Listeria.

I'm not a fan of Sandra by any means but that ('Listeria') is personal abuse.

Also could you post a link to where the copy and paste is from? Sandra says she wrote it, you say she's copied and pasted if from somewhere, so please back up your accusation with some proof.

ST* · 30-07-2006 12:00pm

mysteria wrote:

I wrote it, it's my copyright, just trying to help ok?

Perfectly. I have nothing to back my post up with, it came across as a C&P. My apologies if I have offended you.

mysteria · 30-07-2006 12:08pm

No problem.

DonkeyStyle \o/ · 30-07-2006 12:15pm

For the last few days I've been spending 25 hours awake, 10/11 hours asleep... people say there's not enough hours in the day, but I think I've cracked it

Wishbone Ash · 30-07-2006 12:21pm

whiskeyman wrote:

I started listening to late night talk shows

My wife likes to listen to that low grade skanger crap talk show on FM104 at night (sorry I don't know it's name). It drives me nuts. Even when she uses ear phones I can still hear those morons.

I find it very difficult to sleep in advance of requiring it. Some people can do it. I occasionally start work at 4am which means getting up at 3am but I can only go to bed at the regular time the night before.

mysteria · 30-07-2006 12:30pm

Wishbone Ash wrote:

My wife likes to listen to that low grade skanger crap talk show on FM104 at night (sorry I don't know it's name). It drives me nuts. Even when she uses ear phones I can still hear those morons.

I find it very difficult to sleep in advance of requiring it. Some people can do it. I occasionally start work at 4am which means getting up at 3am but I can only go to bed at the regular time the night before.

Thats Adrian & Jeremy I know what you mean

is_that_so · 30-07-2006 2:18pm

My tuppence worth

Warm drink (Milk based for me) - works some of the time.

Visualisation - imagine yourself sleeping for 8 hours.

Empty Mind - shut your mind down as if you were closing doors on each of the voices. This can is good for overactive minds but you need to train yourself to do it.

Music - Baroque is very good. Lyric late night is also good or any other kind of chill out music. Nice and low.

Reading - as long as it's not too much of page turner. Interesting but not overly exciting.

In this sticky weather cold water on wrists, ankles or if you feel brave the neck.

honru · 30-07-2006 3:07pm

If you're a crap sleeper, then it could be lack of the following:

● Sunlight (for the melatonin)
● Exercise

Also, make sure your body clock isn't out of whack... try waking up and going to bed at the same time every day. Yes, there might be the temptation to sleep in or stay up late at the weekend, but this will seriously hamper your ability to sleep deeply throughout the week.

Have to say, after knowing and applying this, the quality of my sleep has improved ten-fold.

Tar.Aldarion · 30-07-2006 3:27pm

Blue_Lagoon wrote:

Tar, you are the king of insomnia. I reviewed your list, which seemed reasonable, but be honest, it doesn't work much for you. Hey, while I often stumble through the night, you are almost always there in the darkness stumbling too.

I am well aware of that.

Not sleeping for days is not such an uncommon thing on my part.
I'm afraid no 'tips' help me as it is my obsessive thinking that is the cause.

Tar.Aldarion · 30-07-2006 3:36pm

Merge this to the insomnia thread.

Chinafoot · 30-07-2006 3:37pm

Yep this and the insomnia thread will hopefully be stickified

We just needs mods first

honru · 30-07-2006 4:09pm

Whoops, just saw the insomnia thread now.

Really though, getting enough sunlight throughout the day is the key.

However, I disagree with needing eight hours sleep... it's quality, not quantity. If you master getting to the deep sleep stage early then you can rest for six hours or even four hours and still feel normal the following day.

Tar.Aldarion · 30-07-2006 4:13pm

Feeling normal does not mean you are fine, you only notice after doing it for long periods.

honru · 30-07-2006 4:15pm

Tar.Aldarion · 30-07-2006 4:17pm

If you consistently sleep at 4-6 hours a night, you will start to feel the effects.

honru · 30-07-2006 4:20pm

Yeah, if you don't stay at the REM or deep sleep stages consistantly.

Black Swan · 30-07-2006 5:02pm

f®eak s&#169 wrote: »

If you're a crap sleeper, then it could be lack of the following:

● Sunlight (for the melatonin)
● Exercise

Also, make sure your body clock isn't out of whack... try waking up and going to bed at the same time every day. Yes, there might be the temptation to sleep in or stay up late at the weekend, but this will seriously hamper your ability to sleep deeply throughout the week.

Have to say, after knowing and applying this, the quality of my sleep has improved ten-fold.

I am a sleepless creature of the night...
1. Sunlight? Get plenty on the So Cal beaches and have a tan to prove it.
2. Exercise? Am a Black Belt in taekwondo, workout daily, part-time teach, and frequently compete, all very strenuous in terms of exercise.
3. Body clock? Have to go to work more or less about the same time during weekdays.
4. Diet? Eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, stay away from junk foods, don't eat desserts or other sugary foods (except chocolate once in awhile).
5. Recreational drugs? Don't drink much alcohol, and keep it to a glass if I do, don't do drugs, and don't smoke (pretty boring eh?).
6. My only vice is a couple of cups of java a day on average. Rarely more than 2 and sometimes none.
7. I do have an occasional nightmare, which obviously affects my sleep patterns. Have had counseling way back when about them... Didn't help.

honru · 30-07-2006 5:17pm

Are you stressed? Are you sleeping comfortably?

There could be other reasons why you aren't sleeping well.

Black Swan · 30-07-2006 6:19pm

f®eak s&#169 wrote: »

Are you stressed? Are you sleeping comfortably?

There could be other reasons why you aren't sleeping well.

Stressed? Overseas, young, and alone since just before Christmas. Make quite a bit of money(with plenty going into savings and investments), but in an occupation that can be very demanding. Others in this line of work seem to get their sleep, so I do not know what would make me different.

Sleeping comfortably? When I sleep, sometimes, sometimes not. I sleep alone, so someone is not snoring or otherwise disturbing me. Near the beach the air is cool, clean, and the nights are quite pleasant, so the environment is not a factor. My bed is medium firm, gives good support, and I am not uncomfortable. My flat is in a very quiet area, away from cars or noisey neighbors.

Black Swan · 30-07-2006 6:27pm

Tar.Aldarion wrote:

If you consistently sleep at 4-6 hours a night, you will start to feel the effects.

Yes. We both know this, don't we Tar?

Ruu_Old · 30-07-2006 6:47pm

I guess this belongs here. A few years ago I manufactured bedding and furniture so I am pretty certain of the whole sleeping terminology. Heres a few suggestions (maybe can be stickied when a mod is decided). I'll try and dig up more later.

*The quality of your sleep
While sleeping, our bodies turn continuously and in doing so interrupts our sleep. The reason we continuously turn is that our bodies undergo counter pressure from our beds. The more contact our bodies have with our mattresses, the more evenly our weight is distributed and the less we turn during our sleep at night.

*What is good support during sleep?
While sleeping, our beds need to support our bodies, in order for the vertebral discs in our neck and back not to be crushed. To prevent this, sleeping on sagging or hard surfaces should be avoided.
Talalay Latex mattresses offer maximum support, whereby the shoulders and pelvis of the person lying on the mattress can sink more deeply into its surface, therefore simultaneously supporting a straight spine.

*Contrary to some popular opinion a hard bed is not the best way to ease the pain of a bad back. In addition, beds classed as "orthopaedic" are not considered to be best for bad backs.

*look for a mattress that is;

-Designed to conform to the spine's natural curves and to keep the spine in alignment
when you lay down.

-Designed to distribute pressure evenly across the body to help circulation, decrease body movement and enhance sleep quality.

-Designed to minimize the transfer of movement from one sleeping partner to the other.

-Designed with perimeter edge support.

Tree · 30-07-2006 10:05pm

Happens from time to time to me (well, bit more often than time to time) to varying degrees, ive taken sleeping tablets for it before, and it helped for a few weeks.

tbh, at teh moment, i just get utterly exhausted adn then i crash, tis much easier than workin out all them issues in teh brain

Tar.Aldarion · 31-07-2006 9:48am

/falls forward on to keyboard.
I had 2 hours sleep every night last summer and I was working...Not cool.

Ruu_Old · 31-07-2006 1:11pm

Well my problem is stress right now, has been for sometime and I'm trying to deal with it right now. Its been so long since I got the feeling of a full nights sleep.

31-07-2006 4:16pm

I joined a gym so i'd be tired enough at night to sleep, its laeving me feel more exhausted during the day and only aids sleep sometimes!

molypiper · 02-08-2006 3:54am

a warm bath, warm milk and a soothing music will do the magic..so does a warm hug!:)

Aard · 02-08-2006 4:03am

The only sleep problem I have is that it usually takes ages to fall asleep. It's not uncommon for me to be lying there for an hour before nodding off. I'm pretty sure it's because I just can't switch off my mind; usually even though I'm really tired I still can't fall asleep because of thinking too much. That's a problem that no amount of excersise, healthy eating, no rec-drugs, darkness, silence, you name it will have an effect on. I've always been like this, and I've always thought it was weird; especially when there's somebody else in the room, I can always hear them snoring/breathing deeply after a few minutes and there I am lying awake trying to think how to fall asleep faster ... vicious circle. It's very not cool ;_;

Nevyn · 02-08-2006 4:06am

Strenous sex and lots of it.

Aard · 02-08-2006 4:31am

Thaedydal wrote:

Strenous sex and lots of it.

It's helped before, but I'm not in a, um, position to do that every night of the week.

murrayeel · 02-08-2006 2:14pm

a good exercise will do! tired muscles usually rules down the brains to sleep..;)

Tar.Aldarion · 02-08-2006 6:01pm

My thread, she is edited!

I got rather drunk and slept for hours and hours last night, woo.
Can't remember my dream though.

Black Swan · 05-08-2006 4:01am

I find that Asti sometimes help, but not every night. Strenuous exercise helps.

Lust4Life · 05-08-2006 4:32am

Blue_Lagoon, has your insomnia only affected you since moving to the US?
Perhaps it is the extreme difference in time zones that your body is fighting? I'll bet that is difficult to adjust to!

Wish I had suggestions to offer, but it sounds like everyone has mentioned some very good ones.

Working at a hospital, I can tell you that they do have "Sleep Labs" where you can check in at your normal sleeping time and they monitor you and give you pointers on how to make adjustments to what you are doing when you sleep so that it is a better quality sleep.

Does it work? I have no idea. I just check in the patients. I don't get feedback. But I do see plenty of them coming for just that.

Tar, in your case, this may be a very good suggestion. Surely you can't continue running on no fuel! something has to change!

But be open and honest with the doctors about your personal ideas as to why you can't sleep. I totally understand you not wanting to put that on display here, but at the doctor, confidentiality is utmost.

Hugs,

L4L

Tar.Aldarion · 11-08-2006 12:19pm

I think I have moved on from teh not beiong able to sleep to the waking up all the time insomnia. I *think* that is a step forward. Nightmares are annoying though.

Lust4Life · 12-08-2006 1:49am

Glad to hear you are making progress!
You know, some colleges/universities have sleep labs as well! you might look into it!

Black Swan · 14-08-2006 9:43pm

Lust4Life wrote:

Blue_Lagoon, has your insomnia only affected you since moving to the US?
Perhaps it is the extreme difference in time zones that your body is fighting? I'll bet that is difficult to adjust.

I exported my troubled sleep with me to the US. Since a child I've had occasional nightmares, sometimes into the relm of night terrors. Picture silly me running around after a "big one" checking windows and doors to ensure they are locked, looking under the bed, in the closet, and bath. Have been counselled, but to no avail.:( It's one of the reasons I'm in martial arts. I generally feel safe when awake, but often fear going to sleep.

Ever see the old Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts film, "Conspiracy Theory?" If so, remember when crazy Mel (and later Julia) balanced a bottle on the front door knob? I tried that in California, and found myself jumping out of bed and running to the door to confront an intruder on several occasions, only later to find out that California is a state with a lot of earthquake tremors (enough to upset the bottle). Talking about feeling foolish! Well, I can laugh about it now...:rolleyes:

Lust4Life · 14-08-2006 9:51pm

Posted by Blue_Lagoon:
Since a child I've had occasional nightmares, sometimes into the relm of night terrors.

Oh, it troubles me to hear that.
My son has had them since a wee baby and still has not grown out of them.
I would hate to think they will follow him into adulthood. It is awful trying to calm him after. It is like he is awake, but still asleep.
Have to give him 30 minutes and just let him scream (Can't touch him, he's like a wild animal during these!). Then, finally he will cuddle and fall back to a peaceful sleep.

L4L

Black Swan · 14-08-2006 10:12pm

Lust4Life wrote:

Oh, it troubles me to hear that.
My son has had them since a wee baby and still has not grown out of them.
I would hate to think they will follow him into adulthood. It is awful trying to calm him after. It is like he is awake, but still asleep.
Have to give him 30 minutes and just let him scream (Can't touch him, he's like a wild animal during these!). Then, finally he will cuddle and fall back to a peaceful sleep.

Screaming? Oh, well that sometimes, too.:o Less frequent than when very young, if that's any consolation.

Lust4Life · 20-08-2006 11:34am

I'm afraid that I am starting to fall into this category lately!
I awaken early for my job, but these days, even when I am not working and stay up late, I still wake up very early and can't drift back to sleep.
Today I was wide awake at 4AM. I tossed and turned and then gave up at 5AM. Here I am!

It sucks! I end up tired through the day!

Guess I'll have to start taking naps!:p

Lust4Life · 05-09-2006 7:01pm

Blue_Lagoon, my young one was having night terrors last night (Today is the first day of school so I'm sure he was anxious).
We actually got him to talk about what his dream was about - first time EVER he would talk about it...

Wowzas! He really has some creepy dreams! (Made the hair on the back of my neck stand up hearing him speak of ghosts and blood and mayhem). Hopefully if we can continue to get him to talk about them maybe we can reduce the frequency of them. Where the hell does a child get such notions? We don't expose him to such things.

Did you have such nightmares at 5? Just curious since we're dealing with this and hope to cure it if possible.

L

Doomspell · 07-10-2006 2:10pm

Lust4Life wrote:

He really has some creepy dreams! (Made the hair on the back of my neck stand up hearing him speak of ghosts and blood and mayhem). Hopefully if we can continue to get him to talk about them maybe we can reduce the frequency of them. Where the hell does a child get such notions? We don't expose him to such things.

While I don't know where they get it, I know what you mean. When my sister was about that age she had the weirdest dreams about witches/warlocks and magic. And we figured that it was from watching scooby-doo!
If you can keep trying to get him to share his dreams and explain them, but don't force him. Thats all he needs really, and talking does alot more than people think, it's just getting started that's hard.

Lust4Life · 09-10-2006 12:28pm

Doom, I think you may have something there. He does love Scooby Doo.
And yes, we keep him talking. I think it's helping. They are a bit less frequent lately. Mostly when he's had a very stimulating day or has exciting plans for the next day.

It also helps a lot if I read to him before bed. Give him warm fuzzy stories to dream about.

Insomnia?/Tips for good sleep

Comments