Roommates.... Can not sleep a full nights sleep.

[russianrocket]

As the title already states. I have two room mates. One, doesn't really wake me up, but the other, wakes me up at 5, so when the second one leaves for work at 6, I'm alert enough to be woken up by him as well. I got black out curtains which are also 40% sound deadening. I even put them over the door. Still tho, they wake me up, every single time. I haven't had a full nights sleep in over a year . They are both freaken tall, and it's a two story house with wood floors, so that doesn't help matters at all. I don't know if I can wear ear plugs. They put so much pressure on the inside of my ear. help?

[ssandra]

Which sounds exactly wake you up?

If it is them walking around, you could ask them to only put on their shoes when they are at the door for example.
Or let them know that you'll do the dishes, if they just leave them, so that won't make any noise.


Otherwise you can make it a habit to wake up at 5am as well, and go back to sleep at 6.30 when the second one is gone.

[JSB]

Try silicone earplugs. You can mold them to the shape of your ear, and they'll dampen the sound without putting so much pressure on the inner ear.

Originally Posted by russianrocket

As the title already states. I have two room mates. One, doesn't really wake me up, but the other, wakes me up at 5, so when the second one leaves for work at 6, I'm alert enough to be woken up by him as well. I got black out curtains which are also 40% sound deadening. I even put them over the door. Still tho, they wake me up, every single time. I haven't had a full nights sleep in over a year . They are both freaken tall, and it's a two story house with wood floors, so that doesn't help matters at all. I don't know if I can wear ear plugs. They put so much pressure on the inside of my ear. help?

[scorpio1980]

I feel sorry for anyone who has to wake up at 5am, I don't even go to sleep until after that.

[firenexx]

Solution: Get up at 5 am. The systems in your body that regulate all aspects of sleep work better when you go to bed when it's dark and wake up when it's light. Why waste daylight by going to bed at 2am and getting up when half the day's already gone? Plus, you will be happier since the presence of natural light raises melatonin levels. If 1/2 to 3/4 of your day lacks natural light, you will be a gloomier person.

But you may have to experiment with some earplugs, which will take a little getting used to - and perhaps take a trip to your local discount store and pick up some area rugs to reduce noise. A white noise device works well - try a humidifier, since it may be winter where you live so the air will be extremely dry anyways. Just don't put unfiltered city water in the humidifier; no one wants to be inhaling chlorine.

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by firenexx

Solution: Get up at 5 am. The systems in your body that regulate all aspects of sleep work better when you go to bed when it's dark and wake up when it's light. Why waste daylight by going to bed at 2am and getting up when half the day's already gone? Plus, you will be happier since the presence of natural light raises melatonin levels. If 1/2 to 3/4 of your day lacks natural light, you will be a gloomier person.

But you may have to experiment with some earplugs, which will take a little getting used to - and perhaps take a trip to your local discount store and pick up some area rugs to reduce noise. A white noise device works well - try a humidifier, since it may be winter where you live so the air will be extremely dry anyways. Just don't put unfiltered city water in the humidifier; no one wants to be inhaling chlorine.

right now, sunrise is at 7 and sunset is at 5:34. Don't think i can go to sleep when dark and wake up when light. 5 am would still be dark and probably screw with me even more. It's 86% humidity so also not dry. I wake up at about 7, but that's also with very poor sleep from 5-7. I really just want to wake up naturally like I used to. With out an alarm and with out room mates.

Guess i gotta wait a year and fix the room mate situation...

[Aryeh Enoch]

I have a roommate at boarding school. Ear plugs aren't that big of a deal and they do work. Give them a try before giving up. You may end up liking them.

[firenexx]

I gave the other suggestions in case the whole natural sleep schedule thing didn't take, which I was assuming it wouldn't. Try earplugs and white noise, as well as investing in some area rugs and having a nice old chat with the roomies about how much noise they make in the morning.

[Aryeh Enoch]

Originally Posted by firenexx

I gave the other suggestions in case the whole natural sleep schedule thing didn't take, which I was assuming it wouldn't. Try earplugs and white noise, as well as investing in some area rugs and having a nice old chat with the roomies about how much noise they make in the morning.

The information provided by RR would imply that area rugs wouldn't do much to help his situation. Them walking around upstairs is a large contributor to his problem. Area rugs wouldn't be much of a help there.

[Leesah]

You don't know if you can wear ear plugs - have you tried or are you assuming? I always thought they would be soo uncomfortable but they're not. When I had to use them for a while they worked amazingly well, I couldn't even hear my fingers rubbed together right next to my ear. They did occassionally fall out because I move around a lottt, but for the most part they do a great job. The ones I got, you squeeze, put them in your ear, and then they expand to fit the shape of your ear. I recommend at least trying them for a few nights before writing them off.

[PraetorianX]

Maybe you should try going to bed a couple hours earlier than you are used to? Then when they wake you up at 5, you will have those extra hours you seem to need. For me, if I sleep more than 7 hours at a time, I am more tired than if I slept less than 7. Of course, my sleep apnea doesn't help when I wake up at least two times a night.

[James81]

I'm not really sure why the most obvious solution wasn't suggested, but...

Talk to them. Tell them what is happening. You don't have to be a dick about it, but you can ask them if there is anything they can do in the morning to be quieter. If you ask them in a reasonable manner (i.e. not making it about them), and they are reasonable people, I bet they'd take a few measures to be quieter in the morning.

You can solve the hardwood floor problem by getting some rugs laid down in the most common walk paths of the house.

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by james81

i'm not really sure why the most obvious solution wasn't suggested, but...

Originally Posted by ssandra

if it is them walking around, you could ask them to only put on their shoes when they are at the door for example.
Or let them know that you'll do the dishes, if they just leave them, so that won't make any noise.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by ssandra

Oop -- Chopped Liver Syndrome (CLS)!

[James81]

Also a little Broken Forum Syndrome in there too!

And me, the great prophet in the wilderness, crying out to the masses "I have the solution to that particular brokenness...just listen to meeeeee!"

[firenexx]

Originally Posted by Aryeh Enoch

The information provided by RR would imply that area rugs wouldn't do much to help his situation. Them walking around upstairs is a large contributor to his problem. Area rugs wouldn't be much of a help there.

I swear this will help! Think about it. Foot on hard floor = noise. Foot on soft floor = still noise, but less noise. James81 knows what's up:

Originally Posted by James81

You can solve the hardwood floor problem by getting some rugs laid down in the most common walk paths of the house.

[James81]

Originally Posted by firenexx

I swear this will help! Think about it. Foot on hard floor = noise. Foot on soft floor = still noise, but less noise. James81 knows what's up:

The real solution would be to put carpet over the floors because hardwood floors, while asthetically pleasing, are functionally ridiculous.

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by James81

The real solution would be to put carpet over the floors because hardwood floors, while asthetically pleasing, are functionally ridiculous.

Or ask them to walk on their socks until they are at the front door....

But; RussianRocket, we cannot really help you here until and unless you let us know what exactly are the noises that wake you up?

If it is the shower running, putting carpet will not help.

If it is a slamming of doors, walking on socks will do nothing...

So what noises exactly are waking you up?

Have you discussed this with your roommates yet?

[russianrocket]

lol thanks guys.. I had a dream last night about talking to my room mates about putting in some rugs upstairs. How long do they even make rugs? It's a long hallway. Don't think carpet will really work, and it is a rental.

I'm not sure about what is actually waking me up, and what knows I'm hearing once I'm woken up already. It MIGHT be the walking. And I think he wears shoes upstairs. It used to be the shower till I talked to him and asked him to not let the bottom faucet run before he turns on the shower head, which was VERY loud. So that helped. Only recently have I started waking up to him again tho.

Maybe it's psychological?

I have tried ear plugs, so that I can read. But I have not tried them at night. They have been very uncomfortable while awake so i always thought it wouldn't work at night. Maybe I need to look for better or thinner ones. i've heard bad things about silicone tho.

and yes, obviously, one big thing about me is that I can't express how I feel for fear that it will be taken the wrong way. I pretty much feel bad about discussing anything. Like, I'm being an imposition on them. After all, he gets up at 5 to work, and I have no real reason to get up or sleep late.

o_O Jewish family pass on a tradition of guilty feelings

[ssandra]

[QUOTE=russianrocket;783475]

It MIGHT be the walking. And I think he wears shoes upstairs.

Ask them to wear socks for a week to see if it makes a difference before investing in a rug.

Maybe it's psychological?

It could be. I used to wake up as well whenever someone in my house would be awake, cause of a feeling of "unsafely". Not feeling safe to be asleep when others are awake.

I had this same issue with falling asleep. I usually could only sleep once everyone else was asleep as well.

It is a matter of convincing yourself that you are safe.

and yes, obviously, one big thing about me is that I can't express how I feel for fear that it will be taken the wrong way.

Forgive my ignorance... but how could this possibly be taken the wrong way?

"He guys; it seems that lately I've been waking up in the morning because of some sounds. Not saying that you make a lot of noise, but I'm sleeping very lightly. Is there any chance you could help me out here and only put on your shoes once you are downstairs? It would really help me out. Thanks."

[russianrocket]

[QUOTE=ssandra;783479]

Originally Posted by russianrocket

Ask them to wear socks for a week to see if it makes a difference before investing in a rug.



It could be. I used to wake up as well whenever someone in my house would be awake, cause of a feeling of "unsafely". Not feeling safe to be asleep when others are awake.

I had this same issue with falling asleep. I usually could only sleep once everyone else was asleep as well.

It is a matter of convincing yourself that you are safe.




Forgive my ignorance... but how could this possibly be taken the wrong way?

"He guys; it seems that lately I've been waking up in the morning because of some sounds. Not saying that you make a lot of noise, but I'm sleeping very lightly. Is there any chance you could help me out here and only put on your shoes once you are downstairs? It would really help me out. Thanks."

I don't think I have fear of them. But who knows, seeing how many unconscious beliefs we all hold.

The reason I think and feel ( not claiming it's rational) that they would take it the wrong way, is because I feel like I have no right to make them change themselves for me. I don't value myself enough.

He's been doing it for a year, and why should I deserve for him to change? Ya know what I mean? Just because I'M a light sleeper and choose to sleep till 7 am.

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by russianrocket

The reason I think and feel ( not claiming it's rational) that they would take it the wrong way, is because I feel like I have no right to make them change themselves for me. I don't value myself enough.

He's been doing it for a year, and why should I deserve for him to change? Ya know what I mean? Just because I'M a light sleeper and choose to sleep till 7 am.

You are not asking him to change who he is... You are asking him to put on his shoes a bit later than usual...

If one of them would ask that of you (at night, instead of in the morning, for example) what would you think?

Pretty much everyone I know would go "sure, no problem".

And... you are not telling him to do something. You are asking. A simple request and he can say yes or no...

[restless]

I'm sorry you can't sleep. I know how that is.

However, there are excellent foam earplugs which with you can sleep very well. Or, I can. Try many different types and find one that suits you.

Often, I sleep even better with good earplugs than without.

[lifeforce]

I understand you want to be nice and not bother them. But, by being a wuss, you´re actually just making it worse, cause you build up resentments over time. You´re not being honest. And you have no idea what other people are thinking, so why bother thinking about what other people are thinking? If you think about it, it´s kind of silly to think about what other people are thinking. Because the only thing they´re thinking is what other people are thinking about.

Earplugs, get a place of your own, or ask him nicely if its okey to make an effort to be quiet.

[Piercetheveil]

I am a big fan of complete awareness and no B.S.

You are not going to talk to them. You are not going to move out. You will do nothing that involves much outside of your own head.

The form fitting earplugs is one idea to experiment. They make great ones.

Attempt more sleep hacking to get to bed earlier. http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com...amit-Sleep.pdf (Tim ferriss Four Hour Body sample chapter on sleep)

Your demeaner on this forum might very well be more useful in your face to face life.

You won't do it. Not yet. But become aware of your own courage (0r brashness) in confrontation.

The simple solution is the following:

I know sleep is crucial and I must have 8.5 hours uninterrupted to function at an optimal level (I test I know I do).

My living situation does not allow for that at this time.

I adjust my person first (ear plugs, hacks, whatever)

I talk to my roomates next noting hey here is what I have tried suggestions? No? Here are mine for you if you would not mind helping me out.

They mind helping out or won't comply? I check the lease. They are not on it they go. If they are I go.

Simple.

[givejonadollar]

Been here, done this, and I "should" have a whole lot of T-shirts.

Earplugs are not bad, but they are a pain. The best thing that worked for me was sleeping with a fan on at high speed. Even in the winter, I like having a fan on, because of the extra air.

It's hard to completely soundproof a room, it's costly, and you are renting anyway. Your roomates will probably NOT be understanding in my experience.

So, just keep thinking of ways to drown them out while still being able to sleep at the same time. As stated, the fan worked wonders for me.

[ginkgo]

I guess this is the cost of living with others. If you were to live alone then you would not have to worry about this. There is going to be some inconvenience living with others.

Of course you know that you can go to bed earlier and wake up earlier but it is also an inconvenience to you.

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by ginkgo

I guess this is the cost of living with others. If you were to live alone then you would not have to worry about this. There is going to be some inconvenience living with others.

Of course you know that you can go to bed earlier and wake up earlier but it is also an inconvenience to you.

It's not so much an inconvenience. It's just. 5 am, is way before the sun is up and would be even more unnatural then what I'm doing now. Lesser of two evils, being, not sleeping well.

[russianrocket]

don't worry, not ignoring the rest of ya guys. I'll get to you tomorrow .

[AndrewJen]

I'm a light sleeper too (very light sleeper), and live with 4 roommates, two of whom are very loud and noisy.

I've learned to deal with it, but it took getting used to, probably a little bit more than a year. Also my sleep habits have improved in general. Try valerian root extract maybe, its supposed to help you have more sound rest. The rest is psychological.

Also caffeine is a huge culprit for bad sleep cycles so be weary of how much you're consuming.