HELP! I have a serious Insomnia probelm!?

Question

Lately I've been going to sleep at around 12am, and I'm still 14. I don't know if it's stress or something, but it's definately not caffiene. I only drink that stuff with my tea in the morning. I was thinking about seeing a doctor, but would it be better if I saw like a head doc like a psychologist? I need some advice on what kind of help I should get to solve this problem

Answer 1

Hi Alby

Here are some ideas to use fo your issue.

Quick Action Plan for Sleep Disorders


1 Avoid caffeine, sugar, salt, refined carbohydrates and unhealthy partially hydrogenated fats.

2. Emphasize a diet high in fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, as well as easily digested protein foods and whole-grain, complex carbohydrates.

3. Avoid eating late in the evening, which can unsettle your stomach and make sleep difficult.

4. Supplement with B-complex vitamins, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin E, calcium, chromium, copper (taken away from zinc), magnesium, and the amino acids phosphatidyl-serine and L-tryptophan.

5. Melatonin supplements taken for short periods of time can help relieve insomnia, as well as advanced and delayed phase syndromes and REM behavior disorder. Start with a small dose (0.5 to 2.0 mg) taken one hour before bedtime.

6. Useful herbs include chamomile, hops, linden flower, lime blossom, passionflower, skullcap, and valerian root.

7. Try meditating before you retire for the night to ease your mind of worries and promote relaxation.

8. Sleep at least six feet away from all electric appliances and devices, unplugging them before you go to sleep. Also avoid using electric blankets and electric heating pads, as well as waterbeds.

9. Avoid lying in bed for other activities, such as reading or watching television. Make your bedroom a place devoted solely to sleeping.

10. If you can't fall asleep, get out of bed and go to another room to engage in a relaxing activity. When you start to feel drowsy, return to your bedroom and go to sleep.

Best of health to you

Answer 2

Insomnia. I have a friend with the exact same problem, except that person was going to bed around 4 or 5. sometimes 6. I suggest getting away from distractions througout the day. Make sure your diet is good. If you are having a lot of junk food, then try to cut down and eat more fruits as snacks instead of chips and cookies etc. When you get home from school, eat a snack and do an activity. If you have siblings then it is best. Try playing a sport you like outside a little. Maybe basketball? Or you can just play a game. Or just have fun. If you have younger siblings help them do their homework. Then maybe watch tv for half an hour or go on the computer for half an hour. If that is too distracting, then just start your homework. Finish and try to have fun a little. Maybe go hang out with your friends? Or you can read if you like reading a lot. Or drawing. Have dinner and just hangout with your family or do something else. Also add in your chores there too. This way, you will really drain the energy out of during the day and also give you a health diet. Also if you keep this up, your body will get used to it and you will be able to fall asleep easily at 9-10ish. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

It sounds like you may have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. One of the potential signs of PTSD is a sort of emotional numbing and inability to feel anything. However, you will need to get a more thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist to determine if this what the problem is. You say you didn't experience any traumatic events but then you describe events that would be traumatic to anyone. You should seek treatment at a Veterans Administration hospital. You say that you don't feel guilt or remorse which could indicate a personality disorder unrelated to your combat but you also say that you cry when you when you think of something bad happening to someone. This seems to indicate that you are capable of empathizing with others and maybe you are just suppressing your feelings about these events. . A qualified psychiatrist will be able to help you identify your problem and treat it.

Answer 4

You are right insomnia can be serious. Try talking to your doctor first. If you don't find that helpful ask for a referral to a psychologist. The psychologist should know some nonmedicinal tecniques that should be helpful. Hopefully this is just a short term problem but if you are experiencing really difficult problems in your life right now the psychologist could also help you with those.

Answer 5

I would try things on your own first and if you get no relief then go to the doctor. Make sure you aren't getting caffeine close to bedtime. I know that you said you stay away from it but caffeine is found in other sources besides coffee and tea. I know my husband has the same problem and what he has been trying to do is get his mind to relax about an hour before bedtime. Could you try to read a book and see if you just Drift off to sleep. We try to have a cup of hot tea (decaf) before bed to get relaxed. Just sit quietly by yourself (no TV) before bed and pray or if you don't pray then just sit there and let all of the thoughts and cares of the day go away. If nothing works for you then I would see a dr cause not getting enough sleep can lead to medical problems down the road. Good luck sweety and I hope you can find the relief you need.

Answer 6

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 7

You could try some meletonin, it's a natural sleep aid around the vitamin section in wal-mart but check the lable to make sure it is okay for someone your age to take it. If that doesn't work then go see your doctor for some advice and for something that a person of your age can take.

Answer 8

Your family doctor might be able to help, and if he feels you need a psychologist, will say so. Try setting a time you want to go to bed, then start relaxing and unwinding an hour before that time. Sometimes, lying in bed, breathing deeply and regularly, and concentrating on your breathing can help you get to sleep.