Anyone else have insomnia....?

Question

I do, and it is starting to get worse. I can't go to sleep! I didn't even go to sleep last night... I take medicine, but it isn't really working anymore. Anyone have any ideas as to what I can do to get to sleep, or what I can do instead of sleeping? lol

Thing is, I think I am dependant on the medicine now...

Ok... to better describe it, I can't really clear my mind, I am always thinking of something, and no, I don't fall asleep... I watched 3 movies last night, lol

This whole thing started when I was about 4, and for about a month, I could only sleep for about an hour and then I would wake up, unable to go asleep, then I got the medicine for it. Since then, I have never been able to take a nap. Ever.

Answer 1

First of all, your description is extremely limited; to the point that noone will be able to answer your question with any degree of certainty. Insomnia is complex. Also, realize that insomnia is a symptom of some underlying cause and not a disease per se, and taking a sleep-aid is a bandaid for the problem. Here are some things you should consider:

When did the problem begin? Have there been any major changes in you life? What type of work do you do (shift-work, etc.)? Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? Where do you live? (increased time with a lack of sunlight?). What have you tried other than medication in order to get to sleep? Do you have other illnesses such as congestive heart failure, history of stroke, etc..

In general, you need to give much, much more information. Consider these guidelines:

1. Look up 'sleep hygiene' and do these as much as possible.
2. limit caffeine
3. do not exercise within 3 hours prior to going to bed.
4. try Valerian root supplements or melatonin supplements rather than diphenhydramine (because of half-life issues and daytime drowsiness with the diphen.)
5. Seriously look up No. 1 above, as this is likely the first thing your doc will recommend.
6. give more info. and repost
7. See a doctor

good luck.

Answer 2

Perhaps u r like me, a night person by nature. I function the best at night, while the world revolves around a daylight schedule. I can`t seem to get turned around, so I sleep or nap whenever I can, maybe that would work for u too. U should talk with ur doctor, a medicine change might be helpful in ur case. There r many reasons for insomnia, some people cannot turn off their thoughts, so their minds r racing causing sleeplessness. A tranquilizer at bedtime might help slow u down. U r not alone in ur problem. Many of us r just night owls., while others r early birds. I hope u find some solution.

Answer 3

You probably actually do sleep but just a short time at a time. Actually sleeping in long intervals is not necessary but not sleeping for an hour or more once in a while might be bad for your heart. Not really sure about that one but military research many years ago suggested that 10 min at a time as needed was sufficient for a person to survive for some time. Try not to worry. That will probably help the most. The other answer is good think about good or fun things when trying to sleep.

Answer 4

I would try a good high potency multiple vitamin daily, and take a calcium magnesium zinc pill 3 times daily with each meal. An antioxidant combo with Vitamins E and C might be helpful too. Finally, a good broad spectrum essential fatty acid supplement often helps nerve problems. Avoid stimulants after sundown in any form.
You might check out The Relaxation Response by Benson. Some people do well on a magnetic mattress pad and pillow. Good luck. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Yes, me.
maybe it's not you but something that is keeping you from sleeping (as is my case). You have to get to the root of the problem, maybe you have a stress or something that subconsciously makes your body refuse to sleep. In the mean time, I recommend you take some different kind of medicine but also, try to find out if there is an unresolved issue of emotion that is keeping you from sleeping.

Answer 6

I have a lot of trouble too! I'm 34 weeks pregnant. Tips: Put in a dvd of something you like but have seen before eg: Friends, Sex & The City, Firefly, anything that runs for hours that floats your boat. It clears your head of all of those thoughts you can't get rid of. Try a warm shower or bath just before getting into bed. Use a lavender soap/bubble bath. Have a glass of wine at dinner. Don't have too much to eat at dinner, just enough that you're not hungry but not too full. Don't have too much sugar or carbs. Go for a long walk (or run if you're not pregnant) during the day or late afternoon to really tire you out. Physically relax your body in bed, it's amazing how tense your body can get and you don't realise it. Good luck, sometimes there's nothing that helps, but I try a mix of these everyday. Think of all the others out there who feel the same...going over embarrassing moments in their heads when they just want to SLEEEEEP!

Answer 7

Insomnia (sleeplessness) is due to stress, dietary and medical
problems. By making small lifestyle changes like having a fixed
daily routine, relaxing and eating properly, insomnia can be
cured. I found the information at http://tinyurl.com/jfzpz useful
for getting sleep.

Answer 8

I do, I sit here 24 hours a day clicking away

Answer 9

i used to have insomina but now i dont ill tell u wat i did. i didnt take medicine i just lied there and thought bout things i like. the insomnia is getting worse coz ur worring bout it just lie there and dont think that u'll have a tough time getting to sleep.

Answer 10

Tell your doctor it is not working. Everyone's body chemistry is different. Ask for samples if he has them since scripts are so expensive nowadays