Bedtime question please?

Question

I've been suffering from insomnia (lack of sleep) for three weeks. Sometimes I don't sleep the whole night. I need a cure and quick. Done all usual stuff, hot drinks, books, warm bath, etc. No improvement. Don't want to resort to drugs or herbal stuff. No smart mouth answers please. I really need help. Can't go to work because of this.Anyone?

Answer 1

Ok. First, insomnia is really common. Almost everyone will suffer it at some time in their lives.
I'd really recommend you talking to your GP: there are so many, many causes of insomnia. Don't panic and think the doctor will just palm you off with drugs! Three weeks is the point where a doctor would start to consider this as 'chronic insomnia' rather than a brief episode. Doctors are very reluctant to prescribe drugs for chronic insomnia, because they don't treat any underlying problem.
I'm attaching the link to the NHS's page on prevention of insomnia: it's all about creating a strict sleep regime and sticking to it. Some things you're already doing right -- but it may well give you extra ideas.

Good luck, from a fellower sufferer!

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=216§ionId=18197

Answer 2

I used to get insomnia, and what I do is have a routine. I don't have to go to bed at a specific time or anything restrictive like that but my own routine is to take my Pill, put Carmex on my lips and make sure I have a glass of water by the bed. When I went on a long distance flight last year, I did all this and still managed to sleep, I suppose because I've associated doing these things with sleep, and as long as I do them now I never ever have a problem. Obviously you can do your own things.

If you're going to give this a go, and I know I'd try anything, you'll need to give it a few nights before you get into your routine- you said you want something quick but in my experience it is only drugs or herbal stuff that will work quickly. You need to reset your clock, which can't be rushed. In the meantime, don't lie there if you can't sleep because that induces anxiety, get up and do something, but I imagine you know all that stuff. Your body will get to a point where it literally has to sleep, and you will get to sleep eventually.

My insomnia was a symptom of depression so maybe it's worth seeing the doctor? I hope you sort this out.

Answer 3

Have you tried using a clearcut routine? The routine may help you stress less about falling asleep. Let's say your target bedtime is 10:30. At around 9, set out an outfit (including underwear, shoes, jewelry, coats, gloves, scarves, etc.) to wear for the next day. Wash your dishes, set the coffeemaker up, and double-check the locks on your doors.

Turn down the covers on your bed, make some sleep tea, get into your pjs, wash your face, brush your teeth. While doing ALL of these things, move slowly so that you're not racing around. Get a light, pleasant book to read, and curl up.

Aside from this, consider your bedroom environment. Do you need heavier curtains to block light? Are your mattress and pillows supporting you correctly? Is it too hot/too cold/too wet/too dry in your bedroom? Is it clean and uncluttered? Is the bedroom just for rest? Do you maybe need a light fan or humidifier to create white noise?

Answer 4

They say you should stick to a routine. I.E go to bed @ 10pm & get up at 7am. If you are still awake an hour after going to bed, get up & do somthing like read a book for half an hour then go back to bed. Do not have a lie in even if you are tired, it just gets your body clock confused. After a little while of this your body is supposed to get back into a good sleep pattern. Don't cat nap on days off etc. Hope this helps

Answer 5

You've tried all the at-home stuff.
I think its time to check with your doc and maybe look into getting a sleep study.
I take alot of meds (in order to live!) that keep me awake. It was causing havoc with my blood pressure, so I now take a sleeping pill and a muscle relaxer through my doc.
My dad had a sleep study a couple of years ago and now my 10 year old son needs one too. Insomnia and sleep apnea seem to run in the family.
Hang in there!

Answer 6

insomnia is usually a symptom of underlying depression or the result of a poor diet and malnutrition/dehydration. do you eat healthly and drink at least 2 ltrs of water a day? if not and you usually have lots of deep fried food and like to gorge yourself on junk food this could be the problem. try to steadily increase the amount of fresh fruit and veg u eat and drink AT LEAST two ltrs of water a day and quit smoking.
if u lead an alreadily healthy lifestyle it could be depression or a mental disorder that will need treating medically. although you may not want to persue this line of action, you may be able to save yourself a whole load of bother later when u become seriosly depressed.
in summary: go to the doctor

Answer 7

I cant think of anything worse than being awake all night like that. You say you dont want to resort to drugs but surely they're worth a try. Maybe relaxation techniques of some sort. Wish i could help more, sorry.

Answer 8

I read about a special light available for this - can't remember the name of it, sorry, but apparently you shouldn't have any light at all in your room during the night, even a light-up alarm clock, so the room is completely dark. then this light will start to simulate natural dawn light in the morning before you have to get up, and wake you up easily. After using this for a few days people have reported great improvements in their sleep patterns.

Answer 9

are you sleeping during the day when you should be at work don't think anyone could last 3 wks without sleep
are you stressed about work & using this as a reason not to go
if so talk to your doctor you may be suffering from stress or depression

Answer 10

Try getting up a little bit earlier and take a little bit of exercise during the day. That will help tire you out. An ex-girlfriend used to use scented candlesas a de-stresser to help as well.

Hope this helps.