I can't sleep.....What do i do?

Question

Shall i take up smoking? In the mornings i drink coffee to shake off the sleep. at night i have strange dream like visual images its like im half conscious. I dont even know if i am asleep or i am awake. and i get hypnic jerks and jolts if get too tired and feel sleepy. I feel like taking sleeping tablets what do i do?

And i have a son too look after...

hey thanks shu for the info on the us government but...not quite what i was looking for....

NO IHAVE NOT BEEN TAKING DRUGS

Answer 1

go and see the doctor as stress can interfere with you sleep pattern you need to be diagnosed by a professional

Answer 2

Sorry to hear you are having a hard time sleeping.

I am pretty sure you will have heard this before, but cutting down/out all stimulants such as smoking, caffeine and alcohol will really help you not only go to sleep but get good quality sleep. If you can't stop drinking tea or coffee, cut down and try not to drink any after about 4/5pm.

Also, looking at your nutrition and digestion will help too.

And, being gentle with yourself, not getting tense or angry with yourself as this will stop you from sleeping well. When we go to sleep our bodies relax and our muscles heal and repair and grow (that is why babies sleep so much!)...When we are having a lot of thoughts and worries during the day our brain has more to do at night and doesn't slow down in the same way, preventing us from restful sleep. So allow yourself times to relax during the day (through meditation or guided autogenic relaxation) and that should help too.

Also, do try to get up and go to bed at a set routine time. Oversleep is as bad as undersleeping so test out what works for you (should be between 6-8 hours).

During the winter months, try to get some midday direct light/sunlight by being outside, even if it is only for 10 minutes or so, it really helps your body's biological rhythms and helps your brain recognise day to night shifts. If you are ill or cannot because you are working too much during the day then maybe consider buying a SAD lightbox. It may help.

Hope that works for you. Also, if you are still struggling, then maybe look at the Learn to Relax CDs or the Sleep Inducer CDs as featured on the Optimum Health Clinic Website: www.theoptimumhealthclinic.com.

Restful Nights!
:-)

Answer 3

Don't take up smoking . That solves nothing . Try only drinking chamomile tea after 8 pm . Also a warm bath and settle down with a good book . Sleeping tablets are pointless and will leave you feeling dull and lifeless the next day . You should also consult your doctor who may be able to get to the source of your affliction .

Answer 4

Don't take up smoking as that won't make you sleep better. Try doing some physical exercise daily such as swimming, running, or going to a gym. Sometimes insomnia is caused by habit so try to get up at the same time each morning even if you haven't slept well, and try to go to bed before you get overtired. (When I'm overtired I also get hypnotic jerks in my legs) Eat your last meal of the day at about 6 and don't drink tea or coffee after this time but drink something milky before bed.

Answer 5

You should really try the cd's that are out. You listen to them with earphones in as you lie down to sleep. They are to help you go into a deep sleep every night. They are like a self-hypnosis type of thing but its a natural safe way to try when you find you lie down and can't sleep. Find them on line or in a cd store, in the new-age section. It seems to me you are stressed, not just in the mind, but your body is so stressed to it can't even relax at night and remains half awake. If natural measures don't work then head to the doctor. You may have a medical condition. Forgoodness sake, don't take up smoking as it won't help you or your child. Neither will sleeping pills on a long term basis. Try natural first.

Answer 6

I can sympathise - I've not been sleeping well recently - its about 4am before I can doze off and then I'm awake after about an hour. I know the experts say the temperature of the room has to be right - you have to be relaxed and calm etc. I think how most of us live today, its not easy to be calm, most of us are worried either about someone - or money worries etc.
I think sleeping tablets are just a crutch..... try listening to some nice music - calming stuff - make sure the room you are in is dark, make yourself warm and comfortable, and decide to relax, forget about trying to get off to sleep.. You might find that you fall into a deep sleep.
I hope you do................but only in bed and not at a wheel

Answer 7

Smoking will add to your problem. Please refrain from taking any stimulants after sunset including nicotine, caffeine etc. A bedtime cold shower may help you. Take your dinner a little earlier and a little less. When you have gone to your bed, close your eyes and feel relaxed and lighter starting from your foot upwards to your head; start counting reverse like 100, 99, 98, 97. Sleep pills are not bad provided the medication has been prescribed by a doctor.

Answer 8

Hi.
Don't take up smoking- it's a stimulant.
I don't know how old your son is,but make sure that you've worn him out so that he sleeps and doesn't get you up in the night.
Make sure that your curtains block out any light from outside (passing car headlights,etc.)
Your bedroom should be a welcoming place to be (no piles of laundry,junk,etc.)
Don't drink coffee/alcohol more than two hours before bedtime.
Try and locate a shop that sells a lavender spray/pot-pourri refill that you can spray over your pillow before you hit the sack- I swear by it.
One of those ambient new age CD's with gentle music and white noise is ideal for background music.
If you have any major worries or issues giving you grief,write them on a piece of paper and put it under your pillow; the piece of paper can handle the worries for the night,and let you get on with sleeping.
Oh,and make sure that your room is at a cosy temperature with no bright illumination.
A large,cuddly teddy bear will probably help,too- if not,call me!
Sweet dreams,
Mister Viv x

Answer 9

Dont take pills like all these other retards suggested. I hate it when America just takes a pill for everything. Dont you people realize that you're all being duped and lied to by the government and the pill corps? Wake up people !!! Dont give in the societies stupid way of thinking that all we have to do is take a pill and it will be fine. It's all in your mind, it's a powerful thing. That's what's keeping you up at night. You need to quit thinking so much while lying in bed. Put your troubles away til the next day.

Answer 10

Try hot chocolate, warm milk, warm tub or something called melatonin. Not sure about spelling on that. But it is natural for inducing sleep. Also, Hyland puts out something they call Calms Forte. In the drug store. All natural ingredients. I have used and is excellent. Try to avoid sleeping medications usually they create like a hangover effect. Or have someone give you massage to relax you. And also they have these cds you can get, like at Target, which is environmental sounds and relaxation music. Have things like sound of the ocean or woods. Or just soft music. Or just listen to classical music on radio or cd when you go to bed. Works!

Answer 11

It's insomnia and we all go through it at some point. Just recently I was experiencing the same thing. Simply Sleep by the makers of Tylenol is good. That's what I used, if something over the counter doesn't help, then check with your doctor, there are many things that will help, there's no point in going on like this..it makes you a zombie! Good Luck.
PS. Stay away from caffeine. Tea, only if it's decaf or chamomile...will help.