okay, so for some reason i can't sleep. at all. i either forget to go to bed at my regular time because i don't get tired, or i DO get tired and i just can't sleep. i always have too many thoughts, and they're not even stress-related. i'll just be laying down and a steady supply of stupid irrelevant things pop into my head. for instance, i couldn't sleep last night because i couldn't stop thinking about popcorn. don't laugh, i'm totally serious. whenever i try to clear my mind, new thoughts pop up in my head,constantly, so i can't sleep. do you think i have ADHD or something? should i be taking pills for something? or am i just stressing really weirdly? this is starting to really be a problem, because i only get about 4 hours of sleep a night, and i'm 13, so i keep falling asleep in school. what do i do?
2007-05-21 14:49:19 · 10 answers · asked by katty claire 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
It's perfectly normal to go through this phase. I went through it right before I started my menstrual cycle.
Play some Bach or Mozart while lying in bed. You might be just stressing out and not really knowing...thirteen is a tough age, and with summer right around the corner, you could be just getting totally excited about summer.
Also, how often do you exercise? If you exercise in the evenings, like taking a brisk walk right after supper, you can get all that pent up energy out of your system. Lay off the caffeine, and don't drink any soda/pop or eat any chocolate (which contains caffeine as well) after 5 p.m. Try not to snack before bedtime too.
I don't think you need any medication to fall asleep, just a slight change in your lifestyle.
:)
2007-05-21 14:57:29 · answer #1 · answered by futureteacher0613 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't think you have ADHD. i think the problem is very common in people your age. the first problem is forgetting your regular bedtime. i know it sounds stupid to "have a bedtime", but you must keep reminding yourself when you need to be in bed. no exceptions. as for when you're in bed, clearing your mind odviously doesn't work. sometimes, thinking about not sleeping just stresses you out and makes it worse. make sure you are extremely comfortable, including things like temperature, pillow fluffiness, pajamas, blanket texture, everything. if you don't already, try watching TV when you go to sleep. it keeps your thoughts organized and less chaotic. if you already do that, turn off the TV and either listen to nothing or turn on the radio and think about that back of you eyelids.
hope i helped!
:D
2007-05-21 15:10:40 · answer #2 · answered by Marlo♥ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a sound machine in your room. Don't watch TV in bed or listen to music when you are trying to sleep.
Listen to the sound machine, it has like rain sounds and waves and stuff.
Dab some lavender oil on your pillow, it will help you sleep.
It's normal for teens to go through this. So many changes happening and it can be overwhelming and your mind tries to cope it by distraction.
Sit and talk to your parents about your day to day activities. If you get things off your chest, it will be out of your mind.
2007-05-21 14:54:25 · answer #3 · answered by Himiko 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't jump in to concluding that you have ADHD. It can be due to your hormones. It's in your age group that hormone changes and physical changes occur at a rapid phase. This means your metabolish is at hyperdrive too, especially at night. You do need sleep. Try to ease off TV or internet and try a book or relaxing music. Yoga helps clear off your mind off unnecessary things. Also try to think of happy thoughts (so you can fly like Pan!) Kidding... Just try relaxation. It'll pass..
2007-05-21 14:58:36 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. Doom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as though you have a self discipline problem. At your age you should be getting over 8 hours of sleep per night. I am not a sleep therapist but have had trouble with sleeping in my life and know of a book that can help. It has in it an entire chapter on "Sleep sabotage" The book is an old one but can still be purchased, used, at Amazon.com. Here is the bibliography for it:
Abraham A. Low MD; "Mental health through will training"; Willet Pub. Co,, Glencoe IL, 1997 pp 347-357
Good luck, Good health, peace and love!
2007-05-21 16:30:34 · answer #5 · answered by Mad Mac 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get some activity and fresh air into your daily routine. That means soccer, or running, riding bikes uphill - or pitch hay bales something where you get bushed.
Work in a warehouse handbombing (unloading) the semi trucks 2000 odd pieces. Then you will sleep.
Otherwise you got to kick the sleep clock into gear by stay awake all night and the next day....no napping or resting - do this starting Friday.
Stay off coffee, and chocolate, and tea and those "energy drinks".
Do not drink any liquids after 6 pm.
2007-05-21 14:59:40 · answer #6 · answered by ButwhatdoIno? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One thing is your not alone. I have serious sleep issues also where i can't sleep or only sleep four hours. I suggest talking to your doctor. And stay away from sleep meds, i have tried them, they don't work.
2007-05-22 02:14:07 · answer #7 · answered by angels7113 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow this has happened to me before. it is probably normal i have no idea. i just know it always happens to me if i just watched a movie or was listening to music. if you drink a lot of caffeine that could also be a problem. but the popcorn is the problem that concerns me. if all else fails you could sleep with popcorn next to your bed lol.
2007-05-21 14:56:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same exact problem!
Try warm milk, or eating something sugary before going to bed.
Sometimes eating something works for me.
2007-05-21 14:55:15 · answer #9 · answered by Daniel G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try getting a lot of exercise, and eating early
2007-05-21 14:54:37 · answer #10 · answered by mel s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋