I can't fall asleep

[Kidman]

Hi,
latley I have a problem falling asleep. Sometimes I just lay in my bed wide awake but I have to get up early so I'm usually really tired in the morning and can't concentrate on anything. I don't know what to do... usually before I go to bed I'm on my computer... I don't know how that affects my sleeping but maybe you know

I have to say I work out 3 times a week and even on the day I work out I can't fall asleep... it's just crazy...

Does it really work to drink warm milk? I heard that should help to fall asleep...I hope you guys could help me a little bit :>

Greetz Kidman

[Mitja]

Chinese used to eat chocolate/sugar to help them fall asleep.
If everything else fails, try polyphasic sleeping, you'll crash in no time.

[Cron]

2 years ago I developed severe sleep problems. This book kept me from being yet another person hooked on sleep medications. The first few chapters are written in a goofy tone, but the advice is rock solid. Make sure you read the reviews if you want to know what I a mean:

Amazon.com: Say Good Night to Insomnia: The Six-Week, Drug-Free Program Developed At Harvard Medical School: Books: Gregg Jacobs,Herbert Benson

[TheHulaQueen]

Maybe skipping a night of sleep entirely will reset you too. I know from experimenting with polyphasic sleep you start to appreciate sleep and fall asleep quickly fast!

[escapee]

One key nutrient that helps me beat insomina is Methycobalamin B12.

B12 Methylcobalamin from Natural Factors. Methylcobalamin is the body's active form of vitamin B12. Methylcobalamin has been shown to help some people suffering from what is referred to as sleep-wake disorder. This disorder is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, restless nights, and frequent nighttime awakenings. It is very common in shift workers and the elderly. In people with sleep wake disorders, taking methylcobalamin (3 mg daily) has often led to improved sleep quality, increased day time alertness and concentration, and improved mood. Much of the benefit appears to be a result of methylcobalamin influencing melatonin secretion. Low levels of melatonin in the elderly may be a result of low vitamin B12 status - one of the most common nutrient deficiencies, especially in the elderly.

To highlight the superiority of methylcobalamin, let's take a look at one study specifically evaluating the effects of methylcobalamin versus cyanocobalamin on circadian rhythms, well-being, alertness, and concentration in healthy subjects. The twenty subjects (mean age 36 years) were randomly assigned to treatment for 14 days with 3 mg cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin after 9 days. The results indicated a significant advantage for methylcobalamin. Methylcobalamin supplementation led to a significantly improved sleep quality, shorter sleep cycles, increased feelings of alertness, better concentration, and a feeling of waking up refreshed in the morning. Some of the interesting findings included the fact that methylcobalamin was significantly more effective even though blood levels of cobalamin increased more significantly in the cyanocobalamin than the methylcobalamin group.

[Dating Specialist]

Originally Posted by TheHulaQueen

Maybe skipping a night of sleep entirely will reset you too. I know from experimenting with polyphasic sleep you start to appreciate sleep and fall asleep quickly fast!

I'm in the exact same situation as Kidman now.

Told my boyfriend I'm suffering from sleep disorder, and he told me "you can't think that way" because if I do, then I won't be able to sleep no matter what.

Instead, ask yourself "When was the last time I just drifted into sleep so easily?" and go back to that state. Hmm, I shall test this out tonight.

The Hula Queen, I did that too. Skipped one night, not on purpose though, ended up the same.

[TheHulaQueen]

Dare I say lots of sex? *grin* Works for many people.

I've never had a problem falling asleep... so my apologies if any suggestions are not valid. Maybe someone else here that has had sleep challenges can help? I know Steve did and said trying Polyphasic sleep helped alot.

Cheers,
Sheryl

[Jae]

I'd recommend having a read around some insomnia sites/books that have a good rep. If you have trouble falling asleep occasionally it's fairly normal but on a regular basis it's no fun (which I'm sure you know). Is there something that could be bothering you? Stress can do horrible things to your sleep patterns and if that's the case, if possible try to resolve that. Meditation can be a big help, it's worthwhile learning. If you are using your bed as a an area to read/write stuff for work, I'd probably drop that as well and move it to a desk somewhere else. I'd probably stay away from suger and chocolate before bed personally, neither the caffine or suger is likely to be particularly conductive to you getting to sleep. Just a few suggestions hope there's something there that helps

[Matthew Shea]

What's your caffeine intake like, Kidman? Personally, I find I have to avoid any caffeinated drinks after noon or I'll have trouble sleeping later. Everyone's different, though, but it's something to think about. I'd suggest that if you're using caffeine to stay awake during the day that you consider a change. It might not be easy in the short run, but better sleep will make up for it in the long run.

[rene_stpierre]

Hi Kidman,

I must admit I have never had your problem, however I will give my comments based on books I read and what I do to fall asleep quickly at night.

I think the first thing you need to do, before taking any pills, is to recognize what's on your mind when you go to bed and thus prevents you from falling asleep. What do you think about? Is it your work (since you were on your computer right before going to bed) ? Are you concerned about something (financial, personal or other) ? Are you stressed because you are afraid you won't be able to fall asleep again ?

Once you know, you must find ways to replace these thoughts by others more relaxing, more positive. Here are a few ideas:

- Don't go to bed immediately after leaving your computer. Try to do something relaxing before. Like meditation, reading motivating books or biographies, go for a walk or other light exercice. DO NOT watch late night news on TV. They are full of negative news.

- When you are in bed, try to think of positive things like, events or circumstances when you felt great and relaxed, vizualize your ideal future (living in your dream house, driving your dream car, your next vacation, your next trip, etc). This is what I do every night and I always fall asleep quickly.

Bottom line, when you go to bed, you must be relaxed and have positive thoughts. This does not guarantee to solve your problem but, I believe it should be tried before thinking of using pills or seeking profesional advice.

Good luck!
René

[stellabeam]

I had really bad insomnia 9 years. I finally cured it forever by running on the treadmill and saying "8 hours sleep. Up at 5 am" in time with my footsteps and breathing. As I did this I visualised waking up feeling great. I ran for 45 minutes about three times a week. I chose 4 goals and rotated in 5 minute slots. After a couple of weeks I was cured. That was 3 years ago.

Other things I did at the same time were:

1. I put special energy into making the bed each morning. I would make it with tons of love. Love and nuturing like we are used to doing for others. Gratitude for having the bed, the space to sleep which so many do not have. I made it in an unhurried way, anticpating the peace I would feel that evening getting into it. I made my room beautiful to walk into and paid attention to the air, fresh and sweet smelling (oils or flowers).

2. No sugar after 4pm. ( I have since cut it out of my diet completely)

3. Developed a bedtime routine which involved preparing for the morning. Clean the kitchen (10 mins). Glass of water by the bed. Set the alarm. Gym clothes laid out ready to put on. Meditation spot ready. Towel, water bottle and workout record book in the car. Have a shower. Go to bed.

I am sure I implemineted the above activities because of the "Treadmill Goal Focussing". I put out the intention and the way came to me.

Also during the insomnia years, various things worked at different times when I could not sleep. They were.
Get up and have a bath or
Get up and meditate or
Take slow deep breaths, counting in and out making each one a bit longer, or
Get up and do your bedtime routine all over again.

Hope this helps

[Cron]

Saved my health a few summers back
Amazon.com: Say Good Night to Insomnia: The Six-Week, Drug-Free Program Developed At Harvard Medical School: Books: Gregg Jacobs,Herbert Benson

[BettyBoo]

I've never had trouble sleeping, and I too have it lately. (meaning last 2 weeks maybe). Maybe it's the weather....

[Dusty]

http://www.mercola.com/article/sleep.htm

[denverchiro]

Hi,

I do a lot of work with patients with this problem. A good place to start is with an adrenal stress profile. This basically involves a series of saliva tests to determine your cortisol and DHEA ratios.

People with sleep problems often have high night time cortisol levels (stress hormones). This can be treated naturally. A natrually oriented doctor should be able to help you. I'd start there.

Glenn Hyman, DC