How do you know if you have insomnia?

Question

I've gotten only about 6 hours of sleep in the past week. I'ts not that I don't go to bed. I just can't go to sleep even though I'm exhausted.

Answer 1

Yes, if you're lying there & can't sleep, that's insomnia. If you're exhausted & yet can't fall asleep, that's insomnia. Just try something different. Lying there worrying about not falling asleep makes it harder to fall asleep! Try to relax before bed by reading or watching tv (preferably something not too stimulating, maybe something really boring!) or exercise strenuously earlier in the day. Physical exhaustion makes it easier to sleep & is a great stress reliever. Or you could try yoga, meditation, breathing techniques. What is keeping you up at night? Is there something you're worried about? Getting your feelings out by talking to someone may help. Also, watch what you eat & drink. Some people say warm milk before bed helps. Watch your caffeine intake. I wouldn't recommend cola or coffee before bed.

Good luck.

I'm an insomniac myself. I work shiftwork & it's hard for me to get out of nightshift mode on my days off (& on dayshifts which I hate). Plus I'm naturally a nightowl. When I can't sleep I get up & do something (like playing guitar, writing songs). I figure I might as well do something constructive with my time since I'm not sleeping anyway. It's rough. I feel your pain!

Answer 2

If you are exhausted and have insomnia this maybe the signs of depression.

There are two different ways people are affected by depression. Some people sleep and sleep and eat and eat. The others can't sleep and don't eat much. It just depends on the person. Both are symptoms of depression.

Get to a doctor and have a full check up make sure you tell them what you are going through and your problems with sleep and how you feel. Make a list and be descriptive if possible. The more you share, the easier it is for the doctor to get you the correct treatment.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Well in my case I was diagnosed a severe manic depressant which contributed to insomnia and addiction. I finally asked for help and was prescribed Zoloft and Trazadone. The longest I ever stayed up without drugs or alcohol was 12 days straight. If your anything like me take prescribed drugs but I am a pretty severe case.

Answer 4

It sounds like you have insomnia, it's when you have long periods, a week maybe, of taking more than hour to get to sleep, or go back to sleep once you've woken up.

Answer 5

Has something in your life changed that maybe attributing to the problem. New diet, extra stress etc.
If you can pin down what may be causing the problem it will be easier to treat so you can get some sleep. Also herbal supplements work very well.

Answer 6

There are 2 series of articles about sleep problems you can find on the following Web site. At least one of the articles is about determining if you have such problems. Included are recommendations on improving the situation ...

Health Index
http://watchtower.org/archives/index.htm#medical :

"Sleep Debt---Are You a Victim?"

"Are You Getting Enough Sleep?"

Answer 7

Sounds like you have all the symptoms. Go see a doctor (and get somebody else to drive you!)

Answer 8

we got the same problem... Ihope you could get a very relevant answer so I could also benefit from it.

Answer 9

if ur awake..and all u can think of is logging back into yahoo answers

Answer 10

If you cannot sleep..