How Can I Deal With Insomnia. I Can't Tolerate The Lack Of Sleep Any More?

Question

I have tried pills from my doctor
Herbal Remedies/pills
Excersising before bed
Relaxing before bed
Lavender Oil
Been active trying to tire myself all day
Even when I am really shattered and dropping of as soon as I hit the sack I am wide awake again

I have tried tonnes of things but at stupid hours when Everrybody else is sleeping I am wide eyed and begging for a decent nights sleep. Any Advice ideas I can' take it any more

I have tried to get drunk to get some sleep no luck
I have cut down Massive on my cafine intake
I have never drunk coffee only tea

I have tried the reading and herbal teas
I do not have a TV in my bedroom

Answer 1

Maybe you have an underlying problem that needs to be investigated. I would suggest that you speak to your doctor and ask for a referal either to the hospital for an MRI scan or to a counsellor who maybe able to get to the bottom of your concerns. Lack of sleep is usually cause by stress or anxiaty even if you feel in control during the day.

Sleep deprivation is a horrible thing I know i have been there but after some time talking through problems with others I soon found i was sleeping more.. One thing though.. it's not going to get better over night. It could take time... Just try and stay positive and when you are going to bed, try not to think about sleep. consentrate on positive thoughts with your eyes shut.

Answer 2

I've been through what you're going through, and it's no fun. I have been driving my car and had blackout periods where I couldn't remember how I got from one place to another.

You say you tried pills from your doctor. I think you need to go back to your doctor and experiment with different sleep aids until you find the one that works for you. There is a new Ambian that works both as a fast acting sleep aid, plus has a sustained release element that will help you stay asleep. It is non addictive. I'm not saying this is the answer for you, but it's an example of what's out there.

You might want to ask your doctor to refer you to a sleep clinic for a consultation. There are professionals there who can help you--not just with medicines, but with bio feedback techniques that can allow you to feel more in control of your situation..

These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg. There are lots of solutions out there. You just have to find the right one for you.

Also (and you've probably heard this before) if you think you are not going to be able to sleep, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Stop fighting so hard. Try going to bed at a regular time each night with the attitude, "If I sleep, I sleep; if I don't, I don't. Regardless, I'll lie here and relax."

Keep the faith; this eventually will pass.

Answer 3

I have done the same before- I read a book on overcoming stress and anxiety, that helped a lot. Ya know thinking positive instead of seeing the negatives in everything. The internet would keep me awake as I would be talkin with people online like an escape from reality.
I read mens health mag regularly, they say the minimal sleep to aim for is 6 hours per night. Just go to bed a little earlier if you can say around 00.30.
Also I recommend if your diet isn't full of nutrition I would look at eating more fresh food, but also to take a multi vitamin supplement to give the body the nutrition it needs. drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. These simply pointers will no doubt help- its not an overnight thing- its guna take several weeks so just pursevere and you'll come good and alert!!:-)

Answer 4

There's nothing worse and I have every sympathy for you. I have had problems sleeping all my life, off and on - usually when I'm stressed or unhappy. I would advise you to go back to your doctor again and have a good heart to heart with him/her. There may be some underlying stress in your life which you're not acknowledging. He/she may be able to refer you for counselling which should help you deal with these unresolved issues.

You also sound like you're getting het up about going to sleep and worrying about whether you're going to be able to nod off - it's perfectly understandable. You've tried all the things I would have recommended and they haven't worked. All I can say is keep at it. Have you tried a relaxation CD? They worked well for me and helped me focus on something other than going to sleep.

And one more thing - sex (!) if not with someone else, then on your own - an orgasm is great for inducing sleep.

Best of luck and I hope you find the rest you deserve.

Answer 5

There is nothing worse than Insomnia. I suffered from it a few years ago when I was depressed after my parents splitting up and going to live with my grandparents as neither my mum or dad wanted me to live with them. I would not eat or drink anything after 8pm. I cut anything with caffeine out of my day so no tea, coffee, coka cola etc. Don't think about not being able to sleep. When I got in bed, rather than lie in bed thinking 'I can't sleep' I would close my eyes then think about the lad I fancied and in my head I would picture us meeting up and kissing etc and I soon found myself drifting off. Everytime I woke up, I would continue my little made up sceneario and after a few nights I was sleeping again, although it took a while to sleep though the entire night.

Answer 6

I would see a doctor really, however sometimes I think worrying about whether you'll get a good night's sleep is half the problem - the worry is something that keeps your stress levels up and hence keeps you awake. It looks like you need to break the cycle. See your doctor and get proper advice - you never know what could be causing it.... But first of all - don't worry about it.... (easier said than done I know but it's advice anyway...)

Answer 7

I agree with prayer, ask god to give you peace so you can sleep.
I've alsofound affirmations very powerful. But you need to repeat them often, try it for a month. This is the affirmation for insomnia:

" I Lovingly release the day & slip into peaceful sleep, knowing tomorrow will take care of itself".

I hope this doesn't sound too new age!

Answer 8

Tea actually has a higher concentration of caffiene in it.

I have the same problem.

Milky drinks do release chemicals that help you relax.

Try counting backwards for a while to focus on nothing then start at the very top of your body, focus on one part, say your forehead think about it for a moment an breathe deepley. Relax it then go lower, say your nose, keep going like this.

I've never managed to get to my toes yet.

Pecefull mental vibes to ya, hope you get a good rest soon.

Answer 9

I have the same problem. My eyes are burning now. And my headaches/Migraines are a killer. I've always been an insomniac and have underlying reasons. Wot I can suggest is listening to the radio, writing everything that comes into your mind onto paper, reading a spiritual/poetry book. Meditation, recite some prayers, drink some warm milk with honey or massage oil into the soles of your feet.

Answer 10

I suppose your ready to try anything, so try this. Make sure the Headboard of your bed is against the North Wall! - It has been proved that sleeping with the Magnetic Pull - (North pole), invites sleep! Put a TV in your room, and burn "Lavender" incense! The "oil" is only good in the bath. Do not smoke for 30-min prior to wanting to sleep and do not drink tea/coffee or any beverage with "caffeine". Have a "snack", something that you really like, about 20-30 min. before you want to sleep. Scientists have noted that "eating" before bed, makes the "brain" jump into "burn off" that "food" mode! and while the brain is working at the nice snack you just eat, and that snack makes you happy, lay back, watch the TV and turn off the lights, turn down the volume and next thing you'll see - MORNING - try this, it worked and is working still for me. I now get about 4-5 straight hours of sleep. Good Luck, and a very Merry Christmas to you.