How do I get a sound sleep?

Question

I fall asleep fairly easily but for some unknown reason, I wake up at least five-ten times during the night. I can usually fall asleep again quite quickly, but this constant waking is making me feel like I'm not getting enough rest during the night. My sleep is not replenishing and I am very, very tired during the day. If given the chance, I can nap in the afternoon for usually about 2-3 hours straight. Any ideas what's going on and how I can prevent it. Has anyone ever tried sleeping pills?

Answer 1

I have had chronic sleep deficiencies my whole life. Interestingly enough, the cause is multi fold.

I experienced sever trauma as a young child while asleep. This is why I have a hard time actually falling asleep. The trauma may not be replaying that I am aware of but just as I drift off, I wake with a start and have to calm down or try to sleep again. I usually handle this by waiting until I am really ready to fall asleep before getting into bed. I found the longer I lay there trying to sleep, the more often this happens.

Another reason is Restless Leg Syndrom. I have been dealing with that as a genetic disorder for about 15 years. The medications are dangerous for me personally so I deal with that by sleeping in a cold room with no covers over my feet. The cool air seems to sooth them.

Lastly, and this might be where I can help you, the waking up issue. I used to wake frequently due to childhood trauma (being physically attacked while sleeping). Now, I wear earplugs and it has all but stopped. I had a sleep study done and damned if that isn't expencive!!! The study found that I was waking 149 times a night on average due to sleep apnea. I lost 39 pounds and started wearing the earplugs and now sleep soundly though the night for the first time in 35+ years.

The plugs help because I am hyper aware of my surroundings, even when asleep so the smallest sound like a bubble popping in the aquarium, the furnace kicking on or the house settling would bring me out of REM sleep. Makes ya feel like hell all the next day!


I hope you stop taking naps longer than 20 mins. in the daytime. Any longer than that and you will interfere with your bodies sleep cycle.

I have tried both Ambien and Lunesta and like all drugs, eventually you have to take stronger and stronger versions. The Ambien made me have nightmares just like the natural Melatonin (what your body produces a few seconds right before sleep is achieved). The Lunesta works great but a side effect is dizzy spells in mid day after taking it for a few weeks. I also have done Amnitriptiline to "keep" me asleep. It works well but again, nightmares and having to up the dose as times goes by is an issue.

I am the Queen of sleep trouble..LOL. I wish I could be dethroned!

Good luck and let me know what you decide. Try the cheepest and easiest first, the soft squishy earplugs (like foam) you get from Walmart is what I suggest.

Answer 2

Try Tylenol PM, it works great.