Insomnia

[Suiko]

Insomnia.

   Everyone has nights when they can't sleep; when no matter what they do, their mind just cannot stop working away, or they can't get comfy, an so they won't rift off to sleep 'till the early hours the next day. That's all fine and normal, but what do you do when it happens regularly? To a more extreme effect?

   Often, whenever I go to bed, I get extremely anxious; I'm a frantic worrier about every little thing. I worry that I left the door unlocked, the oven on, whatever... They're irrational and silly, I know, but they're almost always there and as such I often simply never sleep until exhaustion overpowers me and I just shut down for 12+ hours at a time. I have no idea what to do about this; I've tried taking calming pills (oddly enough called Calms) they're a herbal remedy that do nothing for me; you're supposed to take three and Ive in the past taken seven or eight, an nothing. I've taken sleeping pills (they're called Nightol, if you heard of them} you take one and they're supposed to make you sleep; I've taken three and nothing.

   I thought about maybe mediation or breathing techniques, but I don't know any, and I don't really trust the internet about these things, so I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or tips that have worked for them if they suffer from insomnia also? Anything would be helpful..

   You might think that going for four days with no sleep is great, but sleep deprivation is a torture method for good reason; it plays absolute havoc with your mind and body and I hate it with a passion... Sp please if anyonehas any ideas, I'm all ears.

[Gensokian]

I honestly see no problem with no sleep. Well, it helps that I haven't slept in a very long time, but I take a bit of caffeine to keep me from getting tired. You might want to do that if you find yourself tired, but just unable to go to sleep. It might be a bit unhealthy if you're not used to it, but it works for me.

[Suiko]

I agree; the not sleeping is in itself fine, but after four or five days of none, I get terrible headaches and I can't seem to do anything at all, which is where the problem lies... Caffeine is also fine for a little while, but too much is dreadfully unhealthy.

[Gensokian]

Well, like I said, if you're not used to it, it is. However, I've been taking a caffeine regimen for quite the number of years, and my body's become acclimated to it. However, I started at a young age, so that's probably the reason why it doesn't kill me. Still, since you need sleep, maybe you should invest in sleep-aids.

[Suiko]

Mmm, I probably will have to see my doctor maybe... I hate doctors though; difficult for me. I have also tried medical intervention before with tablets and they didn't work... Just try again, I suppose.

[Gensokian]

Yeah, I hate going to the doctor, as well, but it must be done sometimes. Who knows; he/she just might be able to fix your problem, though. You may need some anxiety pills to go along with the sleep-aid. I really have no idea; that's why I'll leave it to the doctor~.

[Suiko]

I'm already on anxiety medication... Hmm... I wonder if I can have both at the same time? I don't know... I suppose I'll have to have a look and see.

[Gensokian]

Well, you should go to the doctor, at least. I'm not too sure if being on a sleep-aid and anxiety meds are a good idea, either, but it seems logical to me. I wouldn't try it until you get a yea or nay from a doctor, though.

[Suiko]

Indeed. I shall have to make an appointment...

*Sighs*

Oh how I hate doctors...

[Gensokian]

C'mon, Angel, you're a big boy now~. =3

[Suiko]

<<; I'm really not. I'm little and meek and need help at every turn.

[Gensokian]

Would you go if I promised to give you lots of snuggles and huggles and cuddles if you do it?

[Suiko]

*Ponders for a moment*

...

...

Yes.

[Gensokian]

Then go make that appointment and go to it, then you get your fill of straight-guy lovin'~! ^o^

[Suiko]

Ha ha! I actually laughed out loud right then.

<3

[Gensokian]

*bows*

Thank you, thank you~. I aim to entertain the masses~.  ;D

[Suiko]

*Huggles and such*

And you do! He he. I'm totally cheered up now.

[Gensokian]

*huggles Angel back*

Only a taste until you actually get that appointment, m'kay~? =3

[Suiko]

You're a tease, you are!

*Huffs and goes to call*

[Gensokian]

Well, I'll admit, I had some teasing lessons from somebody...>.>

*unwraps a grape-flavored Tootsie Pop and sticks it in his mouth* ^o^

[Suiko]

...You're terrible...!

[Gensokian]

No...well, maybe a little...want one?

[Oniya]

A few things you can try without doctors or pharmaceuticals:  warm milk, or chamomile tea before bed.  Cut out all caffeine at least 3 hours before bed - the earlier, the better.  Take a warm bath or shower to relax yourself, but set your room temperature to be cool (but not uncomfortably cold).  If you aren't allergic, try a lavender-scented air freshener.

While in bed, try slow-breathing.  It's not exactly meditation, but it can help your body hit some of the same triggers.  Inhale slowly for a count of 3, hold for 3, then out for 3.  If you're a side-sleeper, put a pillow between your knees, or under them if you're a back-sleeper (helps with spine stress).

Important thing to remember, once you are asleep:  Do not turn on an overhead light until it's actually time to wake up.  Invest in a night-light (15w bulb) for the bathroom if you worry about running into things.  If you turn on a 'daytime' level light, it shocks your system into 'wake up' mode.

[Suiko]

Hmm, I knew about the warm milk business and not drinking caffeine, but the pillow between the knees or beneath is new to me, so I will certainly try that...

It's a good idea to by a night light as well, I think it would be a good thing to buy...

Thank you very much for your ideas Oniya; I appreciate them :-)

[Gensokian]

A few things you can try without doctors or pharmaceuticals:  warm milk, or chamomile tea before bed.  Cut out all caffeine at least 3 hours before bed - the earlier, the better.  Take a warm bath or shower to relax yourself, but set your room temperature to be cool (but not uncomfortably cold).  If you aren't allergic, try a lavender-scented air freshener.

While in bed, try slow-breathing.  It's not exactly meditation, but it can help your body hit some of the same triggers.  Inhale slowly for a count of 3, hold for 3, then out for 3.  If you're a side-sleeper, put a pillow between your knees, or under them if you're a back-sleeper (helps with spine stress).

Important thing to remember, once you are asleep:  Do not turn on an overhead light until it's actually time to wake up.  Invest in a night-light (15w bulb) for the bathroom if you worry about running into things.  If you turn on a 'daytime' level light, it shocks your system into 'wake up' mode.

....Why do you have to sound so much smarter than me~? =w=

[Oniya]

I have a roommate who is on many pain meds, and still gets insomnia, so I've been keeping track of various remedies that won't interfere or react badly with those.  It's amazing how much simply being comfortable will help with falling and staying asleep.

....Why do you have to sound so much smarter than me~? =w=

I am the Store House Of Useless Trivia. :D 

[Suiko]

Genso, I won't comment...

And I see, well thanks very much Oniya! :-) Clearly your knowledge isn't useless since you just helped me.

You're the Store House Of Sometimes-Useful Trivia!

[Gensokian]

I am the Store House Of Useless Trivia. :D

........................................Ha, that's your title~! *took waaaaay too long to realise that* =w=

Genso, I won't comment...

..........Meanie. =w=

[Serephino]

You can also try synthetic melatonin.  Melatonin is the hormone your body makes to tell it to go to sleep, and you can get it in pill form.  It should be safe to take since it's just more of what your body already produces.  Also, don't have any bright lights on before you go to bed.  Like when it wakes you up in the middle of the night, it can also trick your body into not making enough melatonin.

Something else that's been suggested to me is marjoram essential oil on your pillow.  I've never tried it, but it's supposed to be another one of those scents that relaxes you.

I don't know what kind of anxiety medication you're taking, but it might be worth your while to talk to your doctor about benzodiazipenes (sp?).  They're a kind of sedative, and I take one.  Some people only take them as needed, others every day long term.  Supposedly they aren't meant for long term, but if you have trouble every day and it helps....  The only issue is that they're addictive.  I've been taking one for three years and haven't had an issue with needing to up the dose or abusing it.  Others do, so it's up to you and your doctor.  I started taking them after having really bad anxiety and insomnia for 3 days.  Worked like a charm.  It sounds like what you're taking isn't working that well anyway.   

If you'd like to get into a more detailed discussion add me on yim or pm me.     

[Suiko]

You can also try synthetic melatonin.  Melatonin is the hormone your body makes to tell it to go to sleep, and you can get it in pill form.  It should be safe to take since it's just more of what your body already produces.  Also, don't have any bright lights on before you go to bed.  Like when it wakes you up in the middle of the night, it can also trick your body into not making enough melatonin. 

Ah, that sounds like a great idea... Do you have to go to your doctors to get a hold of it? i assume so, but I have little to no idea in this area...

[Serephino]

No, that's an over the counter thing.  I got some at Wal Mart. 

[Oniya]

*nods*  We were able to pick up melatonin at a dollar-store type thing.

[Gensokian]

Hmm...would that stuff make me fall asleep, as well? I have always wondered what a dream is like...

[Suiko]

Ahh, I see... I just hope I can get it in Britain.

*Crosses his fingers*

I'll certainly look and see tomorrow!

[Serephino]

Hmm...would that stuff make me fall asleep, as well? I have always wondered what a dream is like...

It might, depending on why you're not sleeping.  It doesn't do anything for me when having a massive panic attack, but other than that I usually pass out about 15 minutes after taking it.  You also have to figure out what the right dose for you is.  I take a single 3mg tablet, but I'm really sensitive to stuff.     

[Gensokian]

Well, I'm a chronic insomniac; I haven't slept in many a year now. I don't even remember the last time I slept. That's why I'm on a caffeine regimin; my body seems unable to sleep, yet I still get tired. I haven't really tried a sleep-aid, as I actually like the time I have over those who do sleep, but it would be nice to have at least one dream...