Is there anything that can help me go to sleep??

Question

I need something to help me go to sleep...im only 13 so no pills i need something tea doesnt work
My moms worried
I think im homesick because I live with my dad and I ahte it here and I want to be with my mom
Im sooo tired for school

Im not sure i haent been able to sleep for 4 years
well I do sleep just im lucky to get 6 or 7 hours of sleep
PLEASE HELP ME

Answer 1

Oh sweetie, this is a hard one because you are still young. I don't think it is an organic problem, but does anyone in your family have thyroid problems? It would be usual at your age, but hyperthyroidism can make sleep difficult.

I think yours is something else though and thats why your Mom is worried. You sound like you're having a rough time adjusting to missing your Mom and you don't like where you live. That kind of weight makes it hard to clear your mind to sleep because the moments of quiet can be moments where it is hard to shut off your brain to sleep. Especially if your situation makes you feel angry or frustrated sometimes.

Do you have trouble falling asleep, called type 1 insomina, or do you sleep and wake up all the time (type 2) or both? At your age you need more sleep; your brain is still growing. I am happy to hear you are not looking for pills, but tea is more of a comfort routine than medical. Some people find the ritual relaxing.

Do you have something you can do at night to create a ritual preparing yourself for sleep, like drinking tea, reading a favorite book? How about your room? Do you feel comfortable in it? Sometimes adding something luxurious like a nice new set of pillow cases in your favorite color, a blanket you love, or your favorite pictures. Anything that makes your room a sanctuary. If you don't feel calm or comfortable it is hard to fall asleep. If you feel tired during the day, you aren't getting the sleep you need and that can lead to anxiety about having to face another night of insomnia. If you absolutely can't fall asleep get out of bed and do something very low key and calming. I found that giving myself an hour to write about my fears, worries, happiness, stress has been helpful. Routine is extremely important because your body is triggered to prepare for sleep mentally by the actions prior to sleeping. I read each night for an hour or so. Sometime I get hit with insomnia and reading has helped me pass the time. It can be a lonely feeling to be awake all night, but you are young enough to work on this now and that is a really great thing.

Do you spend too much time in your bedroom? Sometimes that can make your room hard to wind down in.

Can you talk to your dad about getting some help? It is perfectly ok to take exactly what you wrote above and ask a nurse, doctor, counselor for their opinions. They can support you through this. You won't have this problem forever, even though you probably feel like you will. Eventually, you will learn and your body will learn to sleep properly, but it is a habit you sometimes need to learn. I think working on your homesickness might help, looking into whether you feel depressed and anxious during certain times of the day might help.

You can and will find the help you need. You are a smart and strong and you will overcome this. If you have a rough night, go easy on yourself and stay healthy. Exercice is very good if you do it at the right time of day. Most people get sleepy as their body temp drops during the evening. Exercise can help you cool down at the right time.

Visit the internet with an adult you trust and see if you can find the right support group. Sometimes that can help get through some really rough spots. Since you are in school, it would be great if you were able to talk to your school nurse about the physical and emotional issues you are dealng with about sleep. Learning to sleep is important and sometimes it is easy to pick up bad sleep habits. I've had insomnia for awhile, but it didn't start until I got older.

Are you getting enough to eat? Certain foods may help. The most important thing is to pay attention to what is keeping you from sleeping and maybe write a list. If it is anxiety or depression, that can be helped as well. Eventually you will learn how to sleep better, but because of your age I really hope you talk to a medical person just to make sure you are ok physically. From there it is a matter of working on it and finding people to help you through this time.

Keep asking and learning about sleeping better, so you can feel better. I wish I could help you more, but there are others who will. I really feel for this since I had insomnia for quite awhile and when I am especially stressed it can come back, but I have learned not to be afraid of it.

Answer 2

Poor thing. I'm sorry.

Other than "pills" if you're allowed to take Benadryl for allergies, just one will make you sleepy. The Antihistamine used in it to unstop your nose makes you extremely sleepy. You don't need more than 1! 2 at the MOST. Especially at 13.

If Benadryl qualifies as pills for you that you don't want to take read an uninteresting book. Especially a super boring book like something from school like Science or History. Those probably almost make you fall asleep in class, anyways! The plus? You might get a little learning out of the way, too.

Answer 3

Science has proved the two most relaxing sounds to have a deep, restful sleep are -

Rain (on a roof, or splashing onto water)
Ocean surf (crashing onto the shore line)

I suggest you try locating and purchasing one of these sound machines to get the deep sleep you need.

Stay away from Tea!! Many brands have Caffeine; you do want to sleep?

Answer 4

um, well try drinking warm milk before you go to sleep, and dont watch tv when you want to sleep because it stimulates your brain. If nothing works, you might have insomnia and should consult a doctor. But 6 to 7 hours is pretty good amount of sleep so I doubt you have insomnia. Try taking some Tylenol PM it will really help you sleep.

Answer 5

dont try to make yourself go to sleep, it just puts pressure on your mind, and make anxiety worse..you'll start counting how many hours of sleep you can still get and never fall asleep.
just try to clear your mind, distract it by watching a movie or reading a book...being on the comp is a bad idea....also if living with your dad is making you homesick and anxious you need to try to find a way of moving home with your mom...you cant do well in school on only 6 hours of sleep.

Answer 6

benadryl, its a pill , but is usually recommended by docs if you cant sleep. In fact my roomie just took one and she is knocked out. It can be a temporary solution until you find a better one. You are young and need that sleep and there is no prob with an allergy medicine to help it along for a bit.

Answer 7

I myself have been diagnosed with insomniaso hereare a couple quick tips.....a nice HOT bath, camomile tea (it is all herbs) there ia actually one called sleepy time. and i have also heard not to associate your bedroom with anything but sleep, then your body will automatically adjust, then of cousre i say a little prayer and i can never remember ending that prayer. good luck and God Bless You

Answer 8

See site below for foods the U.S. Dept of Agriculture has found to help people get to sleep and help with other health challenges.

http://www.phifoundation.org/cure.html

Answer 9

Are You Getting Enough Sleep?
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20030322/article_01.htm

Sleep Debt---Are You a Victim?
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20040208/article_01.htm
.

Answer 10

Try reading a book or a magazine. Even listen to music, nothing loud something soft and soothing.