I could use a little help here

[WilliamPitt]

I haven't been able to sleep for about two weeks. I start to drop off, and maybe actually sleep for about 20 minutes, before popping awake. Last night, for about the fifteenth day in a row, I saw the sun come up against my will. This has started to affect my stomach, which makes sleeping harder. I have tried exercise to wear myself out, and have managed to badly strain a muscle in my back.

So, to recap: No sleep since April, rotten stomach, torn up back. I've reached that insomnia point where I am psyching myself out; I got no sleep the night before last, spent yesterday writing a PDA action alert and a 30-minute speech transcript, drove two hours to do the speech, gave the speech, did a three-hour Q&A, talked to people for another hour, drove two more hours to get home, and by the time I got back here I was literally quivering with exhaustion.

But I laid awake until 6:37am (I remember looking at the clock), popped awake an 8, 9, 10 before finally giving up and getting up at 11. I can barely see straight right now, my stomach feels like it has snakes in it, my back is killing me so I can't exercise...and I know for a stone fact that I won't be able to sleep again. Tried a nap an hour or so ago. Came thiiiiiiiis close to dropping of and then popped awake.

Any ideas? I've already heard about taking mela-whatever, but that stuff gave my mother splitting headaches when she tried it. I have drastically cut back on caffiene. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. I've reached that violently, violently, violently frustrated stage of insomnia where sleep is a guaranteed impossibility, and if a routine like yesterday's (while on no sleep) can't get it done, I am at a total loss.

[matcom]

1. scotch

start about 3pm

you'll be out by 9

*or so i've heard*

[WilliamPitt]

8. Tried it

I managed to make myself unconscious, but that isn't sleep. Woke up worse off the next day. Tried it again a few days later, and all that happened was I was drunk and wide awake.

So that one's out.

[progmom]

2. sex?

:shrug:

[WilliamPitt]

10. Unfortunately

not an option these days, unless the cat gets frisky.

[progmom]

19. Will?

Your cat is already frisky.

Stay. Away. From. The. Cat.



:P

[funkybutt]

38. Move the clock...for one thing

Looking at that thing with the blinking : all night can be horrifying. Exercise helps, although i understand it hasn't done the trick for you. About 3 deep breaths..then try some relaxation techniques.

I know you've recently started working for PDA so this is probably related to the new position and stresses related to that. If you're like me, you're overthinking. You need to make yourself realize that hatching out plans for the next day and analyzing work, ect should not interfere with your sleep. Stop yourself and tell yourself that all those thoughts will have to wait. Focus on your body and being physically comfortable and relaxed.

Good Luck WP! Thanks for all your hard work!

[Radio_Lady]

127. Um, so-called "do-it-yourself sex" -- works pretty well, too.

We all have days when a partner is not an option, but our good (right)(left) hand is available.

I see you have had this suggestion, so I'll second it.

[central scrutinizer]

31. yes, sex works

remember, only in fundie land is a monogamous partner of the opposite gender who desires to become pregnant is a requirement for "sex." You have heard of masturbation, I assume. It works for me

[WilliamPitt]

33. Um

That base has been covered. No soap.

[Aristus]

62. No soap?

Try baby oil.

:rofl:

But seriously, Will: see a doctor. Insomnia is a bitch, although I only get it maybe once or twice a month.

[tavalon]

164. Get soap

You can get it at the same store where you pick up your 1 mg melatonin bottles.

[Bonhomme Richard]

3. Ambien seem to work well. n/t

[bertha katzenengel]

4. Well, if you had health insurance...

I don't know if you do, but if you do, see a doc. Unfortunately I have no terrific suggestions.

I'm sorry about this, Will. Good luck ironing it out.

If you have a bathtub, soak in water as hot as you can stand it for as long as you can stand it. At least that will relax your back somewhat.

[sir_captain]

5. Benadryl does the trick for me

knocks me right out. Doesn't work for everyone, but worth a shot...

Take 2.

Edit: if that doesn't work, you might want to go see a doc and get to the root of this. At the very least, he/she could probably give you a script for ambien.

[shesemsmom]

7. That is what my Mom takes and works fine for her

[NewJeffCT]

98. Benadryl has worked for me, too

And, it is supposed to be non-addictive.

[leftofthedial]

148. Benadryl knocks me out too

also, if you can, try rearranging your sleeping accommodations. Sleep in a chair or on the couch or move your bed or move all the other stuff (clocks, electronic devices, computers, etc.) out of the room.

Try elevating your feet (even more than just horizontal. Raise the temperature in your bedroom.

Have you tried herbal remedies? Many herbal teas are sleep-inducing. (Sorry, I can't read the usual 200 replies to Will Pitt threads to see if you've done this.)

Otherwise, I think it's resort to the medical profession.

[shesemsmom]

6. This sounds like a case for sleeping pills though I

ordinarily wouldn't recommend them. You can get something over the counter.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

9. Benadryl

But don't take it every night, as you can become addicted (as per my physician husband).

[BikeWriter]

11. Eat lots of turkey! Turkey has natural sleep inducers in it.

[sir_captain]

14. Probably easier to get some L-tryptophan

over the counter, but yes, that might help too.

[BikeWriter]

70. A stomach full of warm turkey and dressing is a good inducement. :-)

[amazona]

102. L-trypotophan hasn't been legal for years in the U.S.

Where do you live, Sir Captain? (me being snoopy)

We had a big scandal and this supplement was yanked way back in the way back in 1990. Here's a link to the story:

http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/FoodSafety/foodtryptophan.php

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[HysteryDiagnosis]

114. 5-Hydroxy Tryptophan is in every health food store, Walmart, and

Walgreens across the country.

If you want the best prices.... goto ....

www.vitaminshoppe.com

http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/search/query.jhtml;$sessionid$M0SH1UKE4Y3GUCQUAOYCM4QKCQB00GXK?q=5-hydroxytryptophan&x=0&y=0&intsource=main

[amazona]

119. ok cool!

And close enough for government work!

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[kmla]

12. Dude, you need to see a doc....

For your health. Please go.

You don't know me from Adam, but I think you should see a doctor.

Hope you get some rest. You sound like you could use some.

[TheProphetess]

13. Seek medical attention

Seriously, this is a person's worst nightmare and sometimes home remedies can make things worse. A good friend of mine has persistant insomnia and she's taking sleeping meds and still can't sleep.

Are you taking any medications right now? If so, you should consider them as the potential culprit.

Good luck - I know it's very difficult. :hug:

[WilliamPitt]

20. None, and I don't want to

Benadryl, Ambien, not so interested but appreciate the suggestions.

[sir_captain]

26. I understand the urge not to medicate

but at a certain point, you have to make a cost-benefit analysis. Benadryl, for instance, taken rarely, is very benign stuff. The drowsiness is a side-effect of its anti-histamine properties. In any case, I think a trip to the internist is probably in order.

[WilliamPitt]

30. My problem

is that I have bad physical reactions to anti-histamine stuff. I had raging bad allergies as a kid, and was always loaded up on the stuff. After a few years it just messed me up, and still does whenever I touch it.

[sir_captain]

34. Ah, well, that's certainly a good reason not to take it

and benadryl in particular.

You know, the turkey idea is not that bad--tryptophan really does make you sleepy. Perhaps a big turkey sandwich and a glass of warm milk?

[WilliamPitt]

Tonight I will do turkey, warm milk and the tub

If I come into the Lounge a gibbering freak at 4am, you know Plan XXXXXVI(c) failed.

[Radio_Lady]

126. Plan XXXXXVI(c) --- wasn't that the one where Bush flees the WH?

They tried it today. It didn't work...

[RubyDuby in GA]

36. Hi Will

I suggest Tylenol PM. It always knocks me out and it has pain medicine for your back.

I hope you get some rest soon. It's miserable to walk around in a fog. :hug:

[Bunny]

83. Yes - I like Tylenol PM myself.

It usually does the trick for me when I can't drop off. For Will: see a doctor. Seriously. The insomnia, back and stomach issues are all going to come together in some cosmic collision, and you will be in a world of hurt when it does.

[mzmolly]

48. I agree with the "turkey" poster. Pears and Bananas also contain

l-tryptophan which can help aid sleep.

[warrens]

104. Try sleeping during the day

It's backwards, but once you can actually sleep at all, it will be easier to sleep at night.

[SharonRB]

160. Will -- I agree with the above posters

Maybe it's time for a trip to the doctor. I've been taking Melatonin and it seems to help. And it hasn't given me headaches.

[underpants]

23. That's the best advice

Let me say this-be weary of Ambien if you use it as little as possible if prescribed and stop using it as soon as possible.

Either that or watch PAX TV.

[Shell Beau]

15. Go to the doc and get some Ambien, it should help you sleep. Go to the

doc anyway just to make sure everything's all right. :)

[amazona]

100. plus you can get two Ambien free as a sample

Agh. I'm having trouble linking but please go to Ambien.com and do a search for their free trial sample. You print the coupon on your own computer and bring it to the doctor's office. When she checks you out, she can write a script or provide you with an Rx card so you can get the free pills and give it a try.

Most people I know who have tried it for jet lag have raved about it. I haven't tried it myself because for other reasons I am concerned I would be in the tiny minority who experience confusion rather than sleep and I don't want to be any more confused than I usually am on an airplane.

But I bet it would perfectly safe to try at home for insomnia.

I don't think going without sleep for 2 weeks is safe. It affects judgment and makes you a hazard on the road. Please see a doctor ASAP. One or two sleeping pills won't make you an addict.

Good luck. P.S. Melatonin doesn't work, nor does valerian, at least not for me, I wouldn't even waste the money. My best "home cure" is to read a very difficult, very technical book or article at bedtime.

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[Hugin]

16. This'll sound silly...

Have you tried some warm milk with a tiny amount
of sugar in it.

Works every time for someone I know.

[youthere]

71. along the same lines..

chamomile tea.

[bridgit]

17. empty your mind, grasshopper...

and then fill it with nothing; the boredom alone may be seen as a contributor to the occurance of a sleep phase :shrug:

[Hugin]

24. Biofeedback type thing...

Good thinking.

[Radio_Lady]

125. Oh, Bridgit! I love looking at your Slinky!

It's so nimble and AQUA! My favorite color!

[skygazer]

18. Insomnia sucks

I suffered terribly for years. I don't really know any tricks to get to sleep but one thing I discovered is that it makes no sense to just lay there willing yourself to do it - the more you try, the less likely it is that it will happen.

So when I couldn't sleep, I'd get up. I'd tidy the house, I'd do laundry, I'd go for a walk, I'd read, I'd write, I'd work. Eventually, I'd get very, very tired and I'd lay down again. If I didn't get to sleep within a reasonable time, I'd get up again.

Try a hot bath before bed. Valerian is a natural sleep aid and I found it helped somewhat but you may want to try something stronger like Ambien. And don't do other things in bed (mind out of the gutter please - I mean things like read, write, work, etc.). Use the bed only for sleeping and that thing that gets Lounge threads locked.

I don't know if any of that is useful but I tried. Good luck.

[chickenscratching]

21. take this for what you will

but marijuana for some is a great sleep inducer.
on edit: i'd try melatonin

[MuseRider]

22. I agree with those above

who said Benedryl. Start with 25 mg and go to 50 if 25 does not work. Do that while you are waiting for your Dr.'s appointment. He will probably give you something.

No sleep not only feels terrible it is not good for you. Call for an appointment and go get some Benedryl.

[Salviati]

25. Have you tried making soap?

Or perhaps starting an underground fight club?

I sometimes have troble falling asleep, but once I have I'm usually out cold, so I don't have too many suggestions. Maybe NyQuill or some other super drowsifying medication would help keep you sleeping...

[hyphenate]

27. Will, try taking 2 Benadryl

(or equivalent) about an hour before you want to sleep. It makes you drowsy enough to doze off.

Also, you are going to need to accept the fact that until you get a regular and consistent schedule, that you are going to suffer from insomnia.

Stop taking in caffeinated drinks after 2 in the afternoon. It should help. Also, sorry, but cut down any kind of alcoholic beverages to a max. of 2 a day. It may be a sedative in some cases, but it interferes with the normal production of melatonin (the natural kind) and other chemicals in your body and affects your sleep drastically.

Another point you might want to consider: if you are getting any sleep whatsoever, but are finding your sleep to be very light, you might want to have a doctor check you for sleep apnea. If you snore loudly, it's a sure bet, and there are ways to counter that.

I'm an insomniac myself, but find myself tired a lot during the day. I understand completely. My doctor finally told me not to think about it and stop worrying about it. She said that eventually the stressors in my life would calm down, and I should eventually adapt again to sleeping relatively normally.

Good luck!

[Guaranteed]

28. Sounds like serious hypertension. nt

[GalleryGod]

29. GG's Big Three: Flexeril, Ambien, or Benadryl !

:boring: A "Flexie" and a whimsical zinfandel will put you away like Mike Tyson in his prime, Sir William !:kick: :boring:

[SharonRB]

161. Watch out for that Flexeril

I was taking it as a muscle relaxant for my sciatica last fall and blacked out in the shower and dislocated my shoulder!

[tavalon]

165. For three days!

IME, the hangover for flexeril is awful.

[dave29]

32. stop doing crystal meth

that's what I had to do.

:hi:

worked like a charm.

[MissB]

35. After two weeks,

the only idea I have is to go see a doctor. Of course, you say you've "drastically cut back" on caffeine. Cut it out, take the headache for a day or two and use the over-the-counter tylenol or motrin to attack the headache. Caffeine is a stimulant, silly. You don't need that right now.

As far as the back muscle is concerned- have you seen a doctor for that? I pulled a back muscle last year, and since I have reasonably great insurance, I was able to take care of it pronto. I had something like 10 sessions with a physical therapist.

Before I went to see the pt, I babied my back. I learned that stretching it was actually the cure. They also used some really nice warming techniques (applied heat) on the muscle - something you could probably mimic with one of those one-time-use heat packs.

[WilliamPitt]

40. The back thing is my own fault

I've been beating the shit out of myself on my weight bench, way overdoing it to try and get sleepy. A muscle in my shoulderblade area finally got tired of it and told me to fuck myself.

[funkybutt]

49. I think you need more cardio

try jogging a mile or two or bicycling about 10 miles.

a good cardio workout is the best thing for my insomnia.

although on edit: you may not be able to do this type of cardio with such a back injury.

GO TO THE DOCTOR, PITT!!

[bridgit]

51. and rightly so absolutely wrong approach...

pumping the cardio system as a means to achieve sleep trends toward the opposite effect in addition to heightening ego, self & body awareness which may be seen as the last things required for a drift into 'the selfless sleep of the righteous' imo

[LynneSin]

63. Wrong! Do not excercize too close to sleep

Exercising can stimulate your brain making it harder to fall asleep. My sleep doctor suggests no exercize or eating after 6-7pm at night (that's based on my necessary sleep schedule so I can get to work at 7am in the morning)

[redqueen]

37. Definitely see a doctor...

there might be a physiological reason you're having trouble sleeping. If that's the case and they address the cause, that might help solve everything.

Most of what I'd suggest has already been mentioned... the only other thing I can offer is try reading a very dry, boring book.

Good luck.

[yvr girl]

39. Don't exercise for about 5 or 6 hours before bed

Your body needs to get back to a relaxed state.

Muscle relaxants might help your back and knock you out. They flatten me.

You might also try getting an hour long massage. Go home, drink some warm milk (vanilla makes it taste better) and go to your room, turn off the lights, get in bed and try some relaxation techniques. (Imagine lying on the beach, the sound of the water, the warmth of the sun etc.)

I think you're a night owl, but I bet your sleeping schedule got out of whack when we were all in Boston, I know mine did.

Most of all, and I know this is hard, try not to stress about it. Being anxious will only exacerbate the issue.

Good luck.

[Book Lover]

41. Will, I'm not a doctor, but I am going to go ahead and

give you medical advice anyway. Your body is telling you to take a break; I suggest you listen. Before you start in on about how you can't possibly stop now, consider this: take a two-week or more break now and give your body and mind a respite, or accept months and months of crappy body performance like this until you collapse on stage or some damn thing.

on edit: If you can, make an appointment with a generalist and tell her/him what you've told us. There of course could be something physiological that is keeping you awake.

[Phentex]

45. I agree. And please don't drive long distances!

[Debi]

42. I vote STRESS

Warm milk 1/2 hour before you're going to bed - NO TV or RADIO - only read mind mush (magazines or fun reading books - no policy or political stuff) - if you're thinking about something write it down and put it away - warm bath or shower 1/2 hour before bed.

Or like the above posts...SEX!!!

[MissMarple]

43. Tylenol PM.

And Ambien is not a bad thing if it's short term. It just gets you to sleep, it won't keep you asleep all night.

Otherwise, until you see an internist, a bit of turkey, milk and a warm bath. Then find something boring, yet educational, to read. I also drink chamomile tea and have been known to read political philosophy at three in the morning. That can really stop the mindspinning. :-)

[mzmolly]

44. Actually, I think you need a vacation.

You sound stressed and that can make you loopy. Stress is not condusive to sleep.

I went for years unable to sleep and drinking can make it worse, not better. I finally took an anti-depressant and slept all the dang time! I'm no longer in need of the meds, but I don't have an issue sleeping anymore.

I was in a stressful job for years, and I think that was part of the equation? Not suggesting a career change but perhaps finding a way to balance job/personal life would be helpful? I can't imagine being involved in politics and getting any sleep myself. ;)

My first suggestion, as I said ... take a vacation to Canada, or simply get out of the country for a while. It's amazing what being in a calm place away from this madness can do!

Good luck,
Mzm

[Bossy Monkey]

46. Quit all caffeine, quit smoking

Ambien comes highly recommended but I seem to see above that you want to avoid medications.

Ummmmmm, steaming hot baths ought to help you sleep, but if they don't they should at least help your back. Earplugs and or an eye shade/ sleep mask could help at least a little. Yoga or meditation might be worth looking into. When all else fails, read Reinhold Niebuhr. (I know it sounds otherwise, but I'm not kidding.)

[xmas74]

47. Ok. I've had problems w/ sleep before.

If you get to go to an actual sleep clinic they will make a lot of suggestions. One of the big ones is clearing out your bedroom. No tv, no books, no radio, no computer-nothing. They told me that I could have my bed and my dresser-not even a lamp. Why? Because you have to train your body. It has to learn that the bedroom is only to be used for two things-sleeping and sex (and that is what they tell you). Secondly, noise levels. Get either a white sound machine or a fan set on low (if you're cheap like I am). Third, window coverings. You can buy the nice room darkening shades but if you are cheap (once again, like myself) you can get some free boxes, break them down flat and glue black posterboard to them. Put these on your windows about an hour before bedtime-they will keep some of the light out of your room. In the daytime, I just slide them under my bed to keep them out of the way. Fourth, no food or drink (except water) for about 2 hours before bedtime. Fifth, make yourself go to the bathroom before bed (sounds silly, but they said that many people wake up repeatedly because they did not empty their bladders before bedtime).
Take it from a long time day sleeper-it takes alot of training to get your body into a regular sleep pattern. They do lots of other things at a clinic (medication, monitoring, journal writing) but one of the biggest differences is behavior modification. One of the top problems (and I have a problem w/ it too): Do not smoke right before bedtime!

[WilliamPitt]

53. OK

One of the big ones is clearing out your bedroom. No tv, no books, no radio, no computer-nothing.

My room is pretty spartan; it has a stereo but no radio and no TV. If I move the books, tho, I'll have to pile them in another room. I am all out of book space.

Secondly, noise levels. Get either a white sound machine or a fan set on low (if you're cheap like I am).

Done.

Third, window coverings. You can buy the nice room darkening shades but if you are cheap (once again, like myself) you can get some free boxes, break them down flat and glue black posterboard to them. Put these on your windows about an hour before bedtime-they will keep some of the light out of your room. In the daytime, I just slide them under my bed to keep them out of the way.

Done.

Fourth, no food or drink (except water) for about 2 hours before bedtime.

A suggestion I will take.

Fifth, make yourself go to the bathroom before bed (sounds silly, but they said that many people wake up repeatedly because they did not empty their bladders before bedtime).

Will do (pun intended).

Do not smoke right before bedtime!

Gotcha.

Thanks!

[xmas74]

54. No problem.

Much cheaper and easier than taking medication. If you ever need any other suggestions, just pm me. I have suffered from insomnia since I was a child and have tried nearly everything.

[Hugin]

57. Looook eeentooo my eyeess...

You are getting very sleepy...

You will do all those things xmas told you...

Think of cool clean sheets and cottony pillows...

They are calling yooooo...

They are saying, "come in and spend some time with usssss".

Think of nothing, but, sleeeep sweeeet sleeeeep.

Your mind is a blank slaaaaaate... Empty.

When you awake you will feel rested and refreshed.

(and also, you'll send $100.00 in small unmarked bills
to: Sleep Away, Inc.) j/k ;)

[barb162]

58. it sounds as if you have a lot of anxiety combined with an exhaustive

schedule going on here (too much on the plate) and maybe you would want to try a sleep clinic.

I remember whenever I had to do plane trips for work I wouldn't ever get the sleep I needed. I would keep going over all the things I had to do the next few days, the work I was leaving back on my desk that was building up, etc.

A friend of mine who went through a divorce said she would drop her jaw down as you would right before you fall asleep and then force herself to COUNT SHEEP. It actually worked for her.

[Hugin]

60. ... also maybe a little acid reflux.

My gut acts up and I can't sleep either.

It's all stress related.

One word solution... PAMPER!

[Ladyhawk]

130. Sleep clinic...good idea.

I found out I had obstructive sleep apnea.

[Scout1071]

103. Will, I would recommend a hot bath with some nice aromatherapy

I know it's not exactly the most masculine thing, but it might really help. Who knows? You may actually come to enjoy it.

All of the above suggestions sound perfect. I had a hard time sleeping last year and started sleeping with either a fan or a humidifier (depending on season) running every night. It has helped tremendously.

My suggestion is to follow the above, try to get a minimum of 15 min cardio each day, and take a hot bath or shower before bed.

If that doesn't work, I would highly recommend seeing a physician. You may ask about St. John's wart. I've known a couple of people who've successfully taken it for insomnia, however one of them had an odd side effect related to her vision. One of her pupils would become freakishly small while the other was large! Very, very odd looking. Your doctor may want to put you on Ambien. I've taken it on long flights before and it will definitely help you sleep.

[Ellipsis]

50. Get an in home massage.

Seriously.


and consider the Ambiem thing... You NEED REM sleep.
I would double check you aren't some how consuming a stimulant of some sort.
Have some blood pulled. Do not put this off. You 'll get bees.

[Nikia]

52. Deep breathe

I do this when I experience anxiety. I have noticed though if I am laying down while I do it and am somewhat fatigued, I get more tired and sometimes go to sleep. I have used it to get to sleep, not only when mentally stressed, but also when I have been in pain.
Breathe in 1...2...3...4...5, Breathe out 1...2...3...4...5. Repeat as much as necessary. Just concentrate on your breathing. You will feel much more relaxed. Perhaps you will be able to do this until you fall asleep.

[Blue Diadem]

90. I took a course in deep breathing techniques. It works!

It is truly a great way to induce sleep and control pain. The trick is to make sure you expand your diaphram..in other words a full belly full of air until you can't get in any more air. Most people breath rather shallow and that creates more stress. They recommend doing just a few every hour during the day to keep down stress.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

55. I had this problem earlier this year.

I went to the doctor got Ambien and all they did was make me a loopy insomniac. Ick!

What finally worked for me was taking a weekend off. I got a massage and a facial and honestly let myself unwind. At first I thought when Monday rolled around my problem would return. Luckily, it didn't. I think for me once I had broken the cycle and let my mind and body rest I was cured.

I don't know if it will work for you, but it couldn't hurt to try a variation of my therapy. If nothing else the massage was heaven! :)

[funkybutt]

56. Here's what works for me

(I only employ all of these techniques during a really bad spell of insomnia)

Moderate cardio workout during the day

NO Caffeine after noon.

Warm bath or hot shower before bed, glass of milk.

Turn the clock around or move it out of sight completely.

Use a sleep sound machine (I like the ocean)

Stop thoughts about work ect at bedtime (very difficult). Instead focus on your body and your physical comfort. Take several deep breaths holding each in a little longer than the one before. Concentrate seriously on relaxing different parts of your body starting with your toes and moving all the way up your body.

Imagine a scene that is relaxing to you. Focus on every detail of that scene while describing it to yourself in your mind.

[Shakespeare]

59. Here's a range of things that have worked for me:

Chamomile tea (I only recently relented to trying this, and it worked miracles). I would NOT recommend drinking milk right before bed if your stomach's been bothering you. Do give the tea try, though.

Warm bath shortly before bedtime.

A couple drops (but careful, it's strong) of lavender essential oil on your pillow (it's another herbal sleep-inducer).

White noise (I have a CD of very, very faint/distand thunderstorms and rain, and it's coma-inducing).

Get up at a set time every morning, even if you haven't had a good night's sleep. You need to get your body's "clock" back on track, so even though you might want to linger in bed until 10 or so trying to make up for lost sleep, don't do it. It should help you go to sleep more easily the following night.

And, when I'm really desperate, heavy carbs for dinner (but eat no later than 6-7). Pasta, rice, oatmeal...they all help me sleep.

But definitely, definitely try the chamomile tea.

[In_The_Wind]

61. Try the two essences that I left in Boston

Will ~ I can suggest several things to help if you would like ... you can contact me by PM, email or phone. I'm sure I can come up with something both healthy and legal to help you.

I can overnight mail it to you.

[barackmyworld]

64. I'm sorry, this is not a real suggestion, but

maybe you should have your alter-ego start a club where people fight each other? And once you've gone totally crazy, you'll sleep like a baby (hey, it worked for Edward Norton)

But actually, have you tried exercising more? Not just walking around, like real treadmill/stairmaster exercising. It gives you energy during the day and helps you sleep.

[sniffa]

65. mary

j

[LeftCoast]

106. a

men

[TK421]

66. The warm milk helped me some, although it's not pleasant

I wish I had more to offer, except have you tried rearranging your sleep schedule? What I used to do was take a nap mid-afternoon for about an hour. When I woke, I felt refreshed some and went about my normal routine. I did try going to sleep earlier ( about 9:00 )What time do you normally go to bed?

[DS1]

67. Have you tried having some white noise, like a fan?

Shit, I sleep best with a fan on anyway. I've done the insomnia thing, it lasted about a month 5-6 years ago. I learned that if I set out to stay awake, I fell asleep reading.

These days, if I can't sleep, it's my brain telling me I have to finish or at least work on something that's bothering me. So if you have some projects you're needing to do but don't have the time for, make the time for them and get them done.

[Serial Mom]

68. Breathe thru your eyes ... Bull Durham

As silly as it sounds, it works to relax me (I do it in car also when a driver gives me road rage).

Slowly breathe and imagine you are inhaling and exhaling thru your eyes.

Try it, you'll like it.

[johnnie]

69. Honestly

I think you need a break from a lot of stuff for a few days. You seem to be a busy person, and maybe just too busy these days.
Take time to just do nothing for a while. I suffer from bouts here and there and have since I have been very young. Sometimes I just need to not get anything in my head for a while and then I can get back to sleeping OK.
Lay off the alcohol for a while and get some Tylenol PM. Watch some mindless TV. Maybe rent a shitload of Little Rascals. Don't read anything too heavy, too deep or too frustrating.
I can sympathize with you, I had one bout that lasted close to a year. I was almost out of my mind.
Good luck Will.

[SarahB]

72. Ok, I'll start.

First, go natural. Try to eat as little processed food as possible, give up smoking, keep alcohol to a minimum, and try to get yourself into a routine somehow. If you are a natural night person and can work more at night, do it, but allow yourself time to sleep during the day. That's how I am and I now work nights and it just works for me. If you don't currently have a regular partner, sometimes (well, for men especially) um, taking care of one's self before bed works well.

You could get a sleep study done and I could give you more info on that if you'd like. I know a little about that stuff through osmosis from the ex-Mr. Belle's work. Bushwentawol here on DU might also be a good resource for you as well (also an expert on sleep disorders from a medical standpoint).

I hope things work out for you somehow, Will. :hug:

edit:
I wanted to add also the emotional aspect. You've been through a lot in the past couple of years and I'm sure in terms of your personal life, things are not what you envisioned for yourself and you're probably still coming to terms with that stuff. Not to mention career changes and plenty of other demands and pressures. Been there, done that, got the stupid t-shirt I didn't want in that regard myself and I found the times I was the most stressed and held the most inside were the times my sleep sucked the most. If there's anyone in your life you can truly open up to that you know you can trust, do it. Get some of that shit out and deal with it. Sometimes stuff hurts, but there are better things at the other end when you get through it. Add more more hug just because I'm a sweetie pie. :hug:

[MissMarple]

75. My goodness, you don't think he's eating at McDonald's, do you?

LOL. When you mentioned processed foods I visualized Mr. Pitt eating a Big Mac or even a Hardy's Monster Burger and washing it down with scotch. I'm still laughing.

Apologies, Will Pitt, for my errant imagination. :-)

[flvegan]

73. Do the impossible, Will...relax.

Jesus, you've been running full-tilt (from what I've read here on DU) what with a new job with new responsibilities, speaking, writing, and dare I add...Andy's situation.

Your hyperactive mind is keeping you awake. Just try to shut down the ole thinker for a few hours. Breathe slowly, deeply. Try meditating.

You're no good to anybody, yourself included, if you do some damage to yourself or otherwise make yourself sick. Dipshits like me need well-spoken, knowledgeable folks like you (and so many other DUers and activists) to break it all down for us so we can learn what we need to learn.

[NV Whino]

74. Stop smoking. Stop drinking

Go for long walks in quiet forest or on deserted beach. Take a vacation. Put. The. Keyboard. Down. Walk. Away. From. The. Computer.

[Missy Vixen]

76. Julie's insomnia cures

Hi Will,

I used to suffer from terrible insomnia. I will share what finally worked for me.

1. Origins "Sleep Perchance to Dream" and "Resume the Position" aromatherapy stuff. It's primarily made of lavender. Here's a link to get it: http://www.origins.com/templates/products/mp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY5787

2. Warm milk with a teaspoon of REAL vanilla (not the fake stuff). NO caffeine. That includes chocolate and desserts with coffee in them.

3. Art Bell. I'm not kidding. He comes on, I'm out like a light.

Seriously, I agree with those who are telling you to put your clock elsewhere but at the side of your bed, go to bed and get up at the same time every day, etcetera. I hope that you'll be back to a good night's sleep tonight.

Julie

p.s. I'm hoping that there will be no references in this thread to the "abysmal Seattle Mariners season" :mad: :mad: :mad:

[WilliamPitt]

82. Mariners suck

:P

[Kevin Spidel]

77. mela-whatever clarified

http://www.melatonin.com/

Check it out. Your brain produces it at night naturally when you fall asleep. This is just an extra boost. No headache. Because you naturally produce it already.

believe me.. PDA has kept me up on bends. It a life saver!


that.. and a bat!

[Wapsie B]

78. First and foremost, talk to your doc.

Let them know what's going on. They might want to screen for anxiety/depression or refer you to a Sleep doc. They may want you to take an MMPI, or a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. Medication may be looked at. Trazodone is a drug that can be prescribed for sleep and can be taken nightly.
Exercise is good but you need adequate rest in order to do that properly. Cutting out caffeine and other stimulants is good. Milk and carbohydrates before bed help me go to sleep. Melatonin is no good for a lot of people. Cutting out processed sugars couldn't hurt.

Just some random thoughts.........but PLEASE see your doctor.

BZ, RPSGT

[trof]

79. 1. Melatonin worked for me with time zones.

Amsterdam in particular.
2. Tylenol P.M. works when I have trouble sleeping now. Usually one night's dose gets me back into the groove for a while.

[Redstone]

80. One word: Ambien. Fiddle with the dosage until you find the minimum

amount that will work. There's a threshold dosage that will let you sleep, but not make you feel too wooly in the morning. This dosage varies by individual.

And don't listen to the horror stories. Use this stuff right, and only as long as you need it, and it's fine.

Redstone

[Susang]

145. No offense Redstone, but I am an Ambien horror story

I just finished detoxing from using it for only a month. My doctor put me on it to regulate my sleep pattern, as I was waking approximately 4 to 5 times a night.

Ambien is habit forming and every person is different. So telling someone to ignore legitimate and documented side effects and product warnings is not particularly sound advice, wouldn't you agree?

I'm glad Ambien worked for you. For myself, withdrawal involved severe muscular/skelator pain (particularly in the lower back), nausea and diarrhea. Something I wish I had been informed about before I began taking the drug and hardly something you'd want someone to ignore.

[tavalon]

166. No offense Susang

but anecdotal, while relevent (especially to the one who suffers a bad outcome to a med) is not as useful as the statistical trend. I've given Ambien to close to 5000 patients and I remember two adverse reactions. No medicine is without any danger but Ambien is surprisingly safe when used correctly.

[Generic Other]

81. This is what I do and as stupid as it sounds it works

Self-hypnosis.

Okay, quit laughing. Here's what you do. Lie perfectly still in the bed. Breathe very slowly. Empty your head of all thoughts.

Imagine your toes getting tingly and falling to sleep. Will them to relax and go numb. Say it over and over again in your head. When they start to feel numb. move on to the ankles, calves, thighs, etc.

You'll either fall asleep or bore yourself to death. I always fall asleep. I think the reason the technique works for me is that I stew when I am tense, replaying my day, repeating stupid things I said over and over in my mind. It's my overactive brain kleeping me awake. I have to distract it.

If this doesn't work, go back to teaching. Grade a batch of papers. You'll be comatose in no time. I can find you a stack if you like.
:)

[SOteric]

85. I'm going to second this and add a technique.

I often keep myself up ruminating the details of my life. Things I should have done, should have said, shouldn't have done, shouldn't have said...

I write them down. This is both hard and useful for a writer, but I write them down as fast as I can without editing, without concern for grammar or, frankly, sense. If you type faster, type. It should be the mental equivalent of spew. (Save the byproduct if you like, there's often a metric buttload of useable stuff in them).

After I've taken the opportunity to 'spew,' I practice the relaxation techniques described by Generic Other. And if my minds starts to ruminate even one tiny bit more, I remind myself that I've already written all that out and will study it in the cold light of day and refocus back on the toes.

Now here's some don'ts: Don't read. Even a bad novel can suddenly be fascinating if your Circadian rhythm is out to get you. Don't visit DU 'for a few minutes,' you'll be up all night, - it sucks you in. Don't play Solitaire or other computer games. Don't watch television.

Make your environment as blank as possible and don't let yourself get distracted.

And finally, - spend time nuzzling your kitty. They're Zen sleepmasters. A warm, purring cat has a very soothing, soporific affect on a person.

[yvr girl]

86. Good advice except for the nuzzling the kitty part

I've met his kitty, and let's just say that it has a split personality. It is a weapon of mass destruction.

[DS1]

87. Imagine Schrodinger's cat in the box, slowly Hulkifying itself off the

gamma rays. Now imagine that cat wanting to be fed. All the time. With human flesh.

:D

[yvr girl]

95. When I first met Kitty Pitt, it was as good as gold

I assumed Will's tales of abuse were just pleas for attention. Then the kitty got on the couch, showed me his tummy, and practically begged me to rub it. I did. "I like this, I like this, I'm going to rip your hand off." It was that fast.

[WindRavenX]

84. dude...seriously...

...smoke up.
If I need to be asleep, pot is my friend to a nice, happy, and deep sleep.

[graywarrior]

88. You have a calcium/magnesium shortage

There's a powder you can buy at CVS called CalMax. You mix a teaspoon into a cup of hot water (add some juice to it if you want) and have it before bed. It will relax your muscles and help you sleep.

I just went through the exact same thing myself for a month. No sleep and severe stomach problems. Went to the doc, had tests done...nothing. STRESS. It can kill ya, especially when you get caught up in other peoples traumas.

Lighten up of the exercising. It can cause sleep disruption. Give melatonin a try too. It's worth a shot. If you get a headache, don't take it.

Don't et sugr before bed. In facct, try not eating for at least 3 hours before bed.

Hope this helps.

[Radio_Lady]

129. They used to have an "infomercial" on TV -- for CalMax --

You had to get it from an 800 number.

Surprised me that CVS has it. Only problem is getting to a CVS Drug store (there aren't any in the Portland, OR area).

[graywarrior]

155. Same stuff. It works real good.

[sallydallas124]

89. Yoga?

Don't know if it's your style but it might help you to center your energy & would help stretch sore muscles.

Otherwise - there are several good nighttime teas out there.

When I'm trying to sleep and I get to the point where I'm taunting & telling myself I'll never get to sleep, I just tell myself to knock it the hell off and that seems to work.

I feel for you - try to be positive, you can do it.

[DrZeeLit]

91. First of all, sleep is over-rated.

You seem to be functioning on some cylinders, hence we have this post.

Second, therapy.
Dr. Phil is probably busy, but you need help.
AND.... healthy people get help.
Something in your deep psyche is working overtime.

Since you can't sleep have you tried meditating?
You're probably in a great place for hearing the inner stuff.
It does take a "state" for cosmic connection to work.
(okay... I went into wooo wooo, but still, you ought to quiet up and ask the question, "why can't I sleep? and see if you get an answer)

Same goes with stream-of-consciousness journaling.
Dialogue with the part of you that is keep you awake.
I'm serious. Writing a dialogue can be very helpful. You have to ascribe to the "rules" -- write fast, don't think, don't judge, don't correct, let it flow. You might start out with the page looking like a screenplay ---
Me: xxxxxx
The Awake One: xxxxx

(you name it obviously)

Hmmm, what else?
Sit quietly. Clear your mind.
Ask the universe to let you sleep.
You might offer something in return.
But if you do it from your heart... ya just never know.

I asked to stay awake once.
And... yep, you guessed it.... I was awake for 3 days solid. I had to go back and ask for a release on my request before I could go back to sleeping. I promise... .it happened to me.

Good luck.
xoxox
Zee

[ccjlld]

92. Is it possible you have a mild case of sleep apnea?

I have a mild case myself and the dropping off and suddenly popping up is very familiar. You might try some Breathe Right strips. They allow you to get more air. It might at least help with deep breathing and might relax you.

[VelmaD]

93. Unfortunately...

I've been going through the same thing recently and have tried all the same stuff that didn't work for you. I found one moment of peace earlier this week through yoga and meditation, but it didn't last long and I was up again a couple of times that night with the nightmares...again. *sigh*

The only thing I can think is that you need to get to the root of what is causing your insomnia. You are the busiest person I know and maybe you need to stop and take some time for you and figure out why you aren't sleeping. Just a thought.

I'm here if you need me. (Check your pm.)

[Worst Username Ever]

94. I have severe insomnia. Here is my advice.

You need to start "shutting down" very gradually. Stop working and don't work out for AT LEAST 3 hours before bed time. Sit if front of the TV for an hour or two, veg out. Don't eat anything, but feel free to have some herbal tea or milk or whatever (not too much or you'll be pissing all night). Then transition to the bedroom, and just read. Read late. Read until your eyes droop. You need to get relaxed and shut down, slowly. I stay up well past my "bedtime," for the single purpose of NOT laying awake all night. By about 1:00 my eyes are blurring out on the pages of the book, and I turn off the lights and just think of darkness. Then I fall asleep.

And yes, I feel that melatonin works for me.

On edit: I should not say that I have "severe" insomnia, as that is probably limited to those who have health problems related to lack of sleep. But if I just stop working and lay in bed, I will stare at the ceiling for 8-9 hours. I literally will not sleep a wink, but I will stay there, frustrated, mind working, angry that I can't sleep. Then the next day it will be difficult to function, only to have the same scene play out the next night. It is severe to me, anyway.

[katinmn]

96. I woke up at 1:45 am , opened DU, and you had just posted

something about "asshattery."
I'm with you. Haven't been sleeping. I'm troubled by so much stuff. Not personal things -- more the unjust and scarey things that are going down.

I'll read all the advice coming your way but I know for me it comes down to getting more exercise and eating right.

[Wapsie B]

101. Oh gosh not you too!

Yes exercise can help a lot. Hope you can get your zzzs back.

[katinmn]

105. Yeah, it happens from time to time.

Thanks!

Need to get on a better schedule, I guess.

[Wapsie B]

107. Yes that can really help.

You're welcome.

[Generic Other]

97. What did that police chief say that made the DC sniper fall asleep?

A moose in a goose is loose?

We could all try chanting this tonight.

[Ramsey]

99. In my medical opinion

You need to break the insomnia cycle with some help until you re-establish a normal sleep cycle.

You can try Benedryl (over the counter) but you'll probably need a sleep aide like Ambien or Halcion. You'll likely need to titrate the dose until you get to sleep.

Other obvious things: make your bedroom as dark and quiet and comfortable as possible. Try to figure out what caused this abnormal sleep cycle to begin in the first place and address that issue. Don't eat within 2 hours of bedtime. Take some Maalox for your tummy. Do something relaxing to you in the evening.

Good luck! Email me any ??.

On edit: NO CAFFEINE AT ALL!!!!! That includes chocolate, tea, etc.

[Thor_MN]

108. Try some earplugs???

Sounds like you have addressed the lights, take sound to the next level and cut it out. White noise helps, but no noise is better, for me, anyway.

The foam, squish em and stick in your ear type. On the nights were my mind won't stop working, not having any sound helps. Also, the birds that start making noise at 4AM don't wake me up when I'm wearing ear plugs.

I have to cut some of them down a bit with scissors as they expand back to a volume that hurts my ears.

[nuxvomica]

109. I have a few homeopathic remedies that have helped me sleep

I have taken nux vomica 30C usually, especially when there is stomach distress. Indications include insomnia due to overindulgence, especially of food, liquor, stimulants or mental work. The rare time it doesn't work for me, I've used coffea cruda 6C. The sleep is normal and refreshing without morning drowsiness.
I should mention that homeopathic remedies contain little or none of the substance from which they are derived (absolutely none at the 30C potency) and they do not produce side effects. I am neither a doctor nor any other health care professional and this post is a recollection of personal experience and not a prescription. :-)

[KittyWampus]

110. Go To An Acupuncturist ASAP. Drugs Will Not "Cure" You

your body is out of balance. The insomnia is a symptom.

There are several patent herbal decoctions but an acupuncturist can take your pulses, see your tounge and quiz you for other symptoms.

It was the only thing that helped me with insomnia years ago.

They can also help you with the sinus problem.

[GalleryGod]

111. This was interesting at least, Good Luck, Sir William

:smoke:

[blue neen]

112. There is a natural sleep aid called Calms Forte.

It works very well, and it does not have melatonin in it (that stuff just creeps me out).

It's cheap, and it should be available at GNC, if not, Vitamin Shoppe has it if there's one near you.

I'm very sensitive to meds because I have epilepsy, but I am able to take the Calms Forte without any problem.

If that doesn't work, I'd suggest seeing the Dr. He/she could give you some Ambien for the short term, just until you get into a regular schedule again. It really is a good medicine, no drug hangover, and good to take if you are drug-sensitive.

Good luck.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

113. Will, take hold of your life, your

health, your future. Find it where you can, take it every day, let me know if you get what thousands of others have received. There really is little doubt that you would thank the person who introduced you to this path.

www.glycoexpert.com

[Debbi801]

115. Celestial Seasonings Sleepy Time Tea might work...

You've got a lot on your plate right now, Will and stress is a big sleep preventer.

I agree with the other poster about moving your clock. Also, don't watch TV in bed. Try putting on some soft classical music. Kick the caffeine habit, although that can be tough.

I can relate (due to having my own sleeping issues, and I won't medicate). I wish I could offer more in the way of advice.

Debbi

[halobeam]

116. For natural alternatives...

I would try Dr. Andrew Weil's website. He's got remedies for everything.

If you do use aromatherapy, lavendar is great, but use too much and it becomes a stimulant ... use a low amount and it relaxes you.

[curse10]

117. want something natural? try acupuncture- & I know where to get it cheap

in the south end (back bay, technically, whatever) PM me if you'd like.

[cally]

118. I struggle with this sometimes also

and there are many good suggestions on this thread. Maybe if you went and stayed somewhere else for a few nights. I notice I can get to sleep at hotels or at someone's house because I'm not preoccupied with all the things I need to do. It also breaks my insomnia cycle. Works better if there isn't a computer available. Good luck.

[amazona]

120. oh that's good too

If you move around, you can get to sleep better, don't know why. When I can't sleep I move from bed to sofa and try to read something technical and it really helps.

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[cally]

121. Yeah, I have this one couch that I almost always can

sleep on for at least a few hours. Something about laying with my feet hitting one end and my back against the cushions just helps me sleep when I'm having trouble. :shrug:

[Radio_Lady]

122. Sleep inducing activities, Mr. Pitt... if you please....

It's called "melatonin" and it might help you even if you mother didn't get any relief. Valerian is another natural potion.

Don't start with the pharmaceutical sleeping pills. You'll only find yourself habituated and they will stop working.

You may be suffering from sleep apnea. Look it up and see if you have the symptoms.

You really should go to a doctor for a sleep evaluation. This may include keeping a diary for a week or so, or even sending you to a sleep clinic for an overnight stay. People with sleep apnea can have episodes where they STOP BREATHING (never a good thing!) even dozens of times a night. One of the ways to help is with a gadget called a CPAP machine (for Continuous Pulmonary Airway Pressure). Look that up if you wish.

STOP the caffeine completely -- that means coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate (contains theobromine, caffeine's cousin). See this recent link from Medline Plus.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_24217.html

If you're overweight, try to lose weight.

If you don't exercise, try to get some exercise but sleep clinics advise doing it in the morning or early afternoon if possible.

Try not to eat for at least three or four hours before you sleep. Digesting food interferes with sleep.

Keep your bedroom dark, with shades on the windows (or a sleep mask).

I use relaxing music in my ears via earphones and a disc player. Turn off the radio and TV "talking heads" of all political persuasions.

Something that Dr. Art Ulene (formerly on NBC) said once -- helped to change my life. Start with 1,000 and try to count backwards to 1. Drive all other thoughts from your mind. I never get beyond 600 before I am asleep. Neither did he.

Buy a "white noise" machine -- mine gives you the sound of waves from the sea. Made by several companies, including Marsona. I've had three of them for years -- one in each of two bedrooms, one that travels with me wherever I go.

Keep your bedroom for sleeping (and sex) only -- no TV, video games, eating in bed, etc.

Will, I wish you luck in trying to solve this problem. It's a bummer and I've been living with my husband's problem for a long time. When he follows the rules, he's OK. When he doesn't, he gets into sleep trouble.

[mark414]

123. this is guaranteed to work

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x3233885

[Tsiyu]

124. Sometimes folks get dehydrated this time of year

If your brain is addled, try hydration, and just accept the extra "powder room visits."

This stuff worked for my son:
http://www.cafes.net/kpulliam/sprays.html

I personally use a fan. And if it becomes legal, I'll use good old KB

Now go get some rest, like everyone else has nagged you to do.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

128. There is such a thing as being too tired to sleep

You sound overworked. Your mind is stuck in overdrive. Take a break.

Assuming that your doctor finds nothing physically wrong...

Cancel your appointments. Don't listen to TV or radio. Turn off your cell phone. Rent some funny movies. (Laughter is a great stress reliever.) Hang out with some friends who aren't political. Read some fluffy books. (Or, towards bedtime, read something utterly boring. I once combatted insomnia by reading a history of philosophy written by a German in the 1870s.One page of that gobbledygook and zzzz.) Lie around in the sun. Meditate. Don't let anyone except your mom know where you are, and swear her to secrecy.

I once attended a church where the priest took off on vacation every year and told no one except his sister where he was going. When his secretary asked," What if the church burns down? What if someone dies?" he responded, "I'll be devastated to hear about it when I get back." I like that spirit.

I once edited papers for a university professor who had the same types of complaints that you did, and she, too, was saying that she couldn't take a break because she had too many responsibilities. Well, she went to her doctor, and her doctor told her to cut back on her obligations. When she protested that she there were all these things to be done, the doctor asked, "Who's going to do them when you're dead?"

Other comments:

For sleep-inducing foods, nothing beats cream of turkey soup, especially when it's homemade with real turkey and real cream.

By the way, I've often found my bouts of insomnia coincide with fluid retention. After I'm rid of the fluid, I can sleep just fine.

Good luck.

[rockedthevoteinMA]

131. Valerian Root... definitely, the liquid form. Works wonders for me.

I don't like to take perscriptions.

good luck Will.

[sir_captain]

134. So instead

you take unregulated herbs that could do god-knows-what to you?

[rockedthevoteinMA]

136. Yes. I trust natural solutions more than big pharma for looking out

for my health. Hasn't the recent FDA B.S. kinda made you question what's in all those pills? Plus, I can't afford the highway robbery of the doctor's pills.

Valerian's history is well documented. It's been used for centuries, unlike Ambien, Halcion, etc. The long term effects are unknown on that stuff.

I know not to take Kava Kava, thanks to the Germans. Funny thing, America chooses not to research herbal cures, I wonder why, perhaps because the pharmaceutical companies can't turn a prophet off of them? Maybe I'm too much of a cynic, but in these times, it's better to be that way then put your life in danger trusting a corporation.

I have a good doc, and a few freinds who are into homeopathic cures. They all keep me up to date on what's good for certain things. I have been fighting insomnia for years. This is what's best for me.

[sir_captain]

139. Not going to convince me

The FDA is certainly imperfect, and should have acted faster on the Cox-2 business, but I'd rather deal with the devil I know than the devil I don't. Valerian root, for instance, has been implicated for numerous negative properties not limited to heart palpitations, and even coma and death in high enough doses. The whole concept of "natural" is dumb--the pharmacologically active ingredients in medicinal herbs are not really any different than the medicines synthesized in labs--many of which are naturally occurring anyway. There are plenty of "naturally" occurring substances, take cyanide, for example, that aren't very good for you, you know?

The idea that "herbs" aren't researched in America is not true either. Just because it's not the FDA doesn't mean that labs all over the country don't do research on pretty much everything under the sun, Valerian included.

I'm not saying to stop being cynical--but you ought to be just as cynical about the "natural" herbalist manufacturers who have *zero* accountability. You don't even know if what's on the label is in the bottle.

All that said, though, as long as you have a good doc who knows what you're taking, I'm sure you're doing fine. :toast:

[rockedthevoteinMA]

141. Yes, and thank you for your concern. I understand your points as

well, and you have shared some new info with me. Thank you. :hi:

I have had bad reactions to many of the meds I have been put on, I guess I'm just too sensitive. I take half the recommended dose of the valerian, and only when needed. (a two or three times a month). I would much rather let my body regulate sleep, but being in college, sometimes I need some help.

My doctor is great, keeps up with all the current news on things, it's nice to know they put forth the effort to be as knowledgeable as possible.

[sir_captain]

142. Absolutely

theoretically, docs have to earn continuing education credits for the rest of their careers in order to keep their medical licences--glad to hear your doc takes that to heart!

Any I hear you on the college business--I'm only a few years out of all that myself (MA also!) and could certainly have done a better job regulating the old sleep cycle. ;-)

[Ladyhawk]

132. I concur with the others: see a doc, Pitt.

I know you may not want to take drugs, but you might need them in the short run. This worries me. I think I would be stark raving mad if I couldn't sleep for so long.

I discovered that part of my exhaustion is caused by sleep apnea, so I wear a CPAP at night. I doubt you have such a condition, but other sleep disorders can cause insomnia. Of course, you have to be able to sleep for the clinic to find the problem. The first time I couldn't make it into a deep sleep, so I had to harass them for a second try. Yep. Sleep apnea.

Good luck, Pitt. I think you should take this very seriously. You need sleep, dude.

[blondeatlast]

133. Been there, done that, and (sorry), TV was the magic bullet for me.

I've had the same problems before, and sad to say, the most effective thing was to leave the TV on. One of my problems was that when I started worrying because I wans't sleeping, that obviously compounded the problem. So I MADE myself stay awake to watch TV. I concentrated so hard on staying awake that I didn't have the chance to worry about not sleeping. I had read it somewhere years before.

Damn if it didn't work like magic. I still do it.

[MidwestMomma]

143. Nick at Night is my secret sleep weapon

I set my sleep timer on my TV for 60 minutes, turn on Nick at Night and usually only make it about 15 minutes into the Fresh Prince (or whatever sitcom is on) before I fall asleep.

It probably sounds silly to some but it works for me. :)

[fleabert]

135. I also have insomnia. it cycles on and off.

The best thing I have is a CD from Whole Foods that is supposed to be researched and everything to help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and sleep deeply. I rarely put it on and hear the end of it, if I also do breathing exercises at the same time.

Ritual is good.
forty minutes before bed, no stimuli (TV, internet, music, telephone, etc)
Thirty minutes before bed, warm bath
ten min, small glass of warm milk
start music and settle into bed (don't look at the clock after you lay down)
after a little bit of listening to the music, start counting your breaths.

Only count up to ten, if you lose count, start over. The goal is to always reach ten. don't change your breathing, don't try to control it, just breathe and count silently (inhale and exhale are one). Keep doing this until either you fall asleep or what feels like thirty minutes passes. If 30 mins have indeed passed, start a new breathing technique.

double your exhale: inhale for 5 seconds, exhale for 10 (expand this if you are able to comfortably). Over and over and over and over again. there is a parasympathic response in your body when you do this. Your blood pressure will drop, your heart rate will slow, and concentrating on counting so much will keep those troublesome lists and frustrating thoughts from keeping you awake.

If you are still up after the CD has been played twice, get up, do something for half an hour, and go thru the whole routine again.

If I can make myself get into bed, these are the only things that work for me, short of meds- and I hate meds.

Good luck! I am probably going to be up, so if it goes really badly, come and visit the lounge on a thirty minute 'do something' binge.

[gardenista]

137. Will, have you been taking allergy medication?

The exact same thing happened to me when I was taking Claritin for allergies, and it was hell. As soon as I stopped the Claratin, I went back to my sort-of-normal sleep patterns.

Good to cut back on the caffiene, but not too fast. Can also give you horrid, insomnia-inducing headaches.

So, if none of that is working for you, Will, I think it's time to see a doctor. Hope you are cutting z's as soon as possible.

[-..__...]

138. You're dying.

Seek medical advice on the Internet. :eyes:

[Runcible Spoon]

140. first, get off the computer!

it will always keep you up wihtout fail. Then masturbate and if that doenst work, try warm milk and reading a boring book. good luck.

[Taragui Junkie]

144. Do you have any insurance policies lying around?

Reading those can knock out an ADHD child in the middle of a chocolate-induced sugar buzz.

Or a mutual fund prospectus.

Otherwise, warm milk, a walk in the afternoon, and fishing shows on TV would be my suggestions.

Best of luck. Pleasant dreams.

[ghostsofgiants]

146. You could try valerian root

Worked for me.

[hfojvt]

147. Frankie say relax

Do not "try" to goto sleep, just lean back and relax. Close your eyes and breathe deep. Count your breaths to ten, and then start over. Repeat as necessary. Also, a box fan provides both white noise to drown out distractions but also cool breezes.
You may need to do something about the snakes in the stomach. I did just spend four days in the hospital for ulcers. I do not recommend it. I got the idea from Nexium ads, but sleeping at an angle seemed to help some. Also, they said smoking and alcohol were bad for them.

[Lilith Velkor]

149. Start smoking weed again.

sheesh

[CaliforniaPeggy]

150. There are many good suggestions here for you, Will; I have nothing

to add to them. I'm sure that something here will work for you...Some years ago, I also dealt with insomnia, and I got through it. Tryptophan was legal and available, and it worked for me. Then I had to get myself out of the stressful situation that was at the root of the problem. That worked even better...

If, at any time, you feel like you'd like to just chat, please feel free! If I can be of any help at all to you, just let me know. I'm here for you.

I hope that you'll find a real solution to this very soon. We all need you whole, well, and well rested. Please take care...

BTW, I just finished reading your article "One of These Days." It's a masterpiece and I especially marvel that you wrote it during this extremely stressful insomnia. I couldn't tell that at all.

[housewolf]

151. Will ---- V A C A T I O N

Get out of town. Leave your computer and your cell phone behind. Go someplace nice where you will be well-taken care of, somewhere relaxing. Get a massage. Take it easy. Read a good novel. Don't watch the news. Go on a retreat. Get away from it all and get back to yourself.


Or, if you can't do that, turn your tv on to c-span and turn the volume down way low, so that you can barely hear it. Turn all the lights off and lay down on the couch in front of the tv. That'll put you to sleep.
Don't try doing it during the Bolton meeting Thursday am.

[Rhiannon12866]

152. You're talking about Melatonin. It worked for me.

It resets your biological clock. My doctor recommended it. It's especially useful when you have to cross time zones, but it just can help you sleep. My doctor said that I could take up to 10 mg, so I used to take 9, since I got 3 mg tablets.

But you might also talk to your doctor about Ambien. My friend has had success with this. I sure know what this is like, and wish you all the best, my friend. I've suffered from insomnia for years, since high school, actually, so also needed help. Relaxation exercises can also help, but you may need a prescription med, for the short term. Try the Melotonin first, which you can get at a health food store, then consult your doctor, and take his advice. I sympathize and understand.
:boring:

[jus_the_facts]

153. Mental..physical and emotional exhaustion will drive you bonkers....

...literally and figuratively...if you medicate it can make it worse...been there done that and ended up having a complete breakdown and hospitalized during *'s first inaugural....the meds I was given then made everything worse...I slept again..but experienced severe paranoia and discontinued what was prescribed and never want to be on any meds for depression ever again...that was more frightening than doing acid was for me...so my advice is I guess..be careful about these new medications...they can make you sleep..but give a whole new level of mental strain in their wake...I hope you'll find something that will help you relax...I know without any shadow of any doubt how hard it is to not be able to turn your mind off with all there is to think about...smokin' helps for me the most...but even it won't do the wonders it used to these days either...massages can be extremely relaxing too..a jacuzzi and a joint is my prescription. PEACE! :pals:

[BlondieK143]

154. Thanks for starting this thread!

I've had such a shitty week as far as sleeping goes (I know, nothing compared to your months of it) and it's much appreciated to know others are in the same situation. I have no advice, but hope it gets better for you soon!

[demnan]

156. Watch Book TV (C-SPAN 2 or 3 or whatever)

sometimes a hot cup of tea will do it for me (I know the caffine, but there is something in whole leaf tea that is intensely relaxing).

[ScreamingMeemie]

157. Yoga...It's my relaxation technique, my pain killer, my stress reliever...

It helps and it's good for you.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

158. I don't know why I didn't think of this last night, but...

I had terrible insomnia when I went through my major depression about 16 years ago. I slept at most 2 hours a night, and I wasn't sleepy during the day, which was the weirdest part of it.

You may be depressed.

The doctor put me on a certain medication which is prescribed for people whose depression causes insomnia. It stopped the slide into the abyss, and most important, if I took it an hour before bedtime, I could sleep.

Ask your doctor for advice. If the doctor tells you that it's "just stress," then for heaven's sake, take a vacation.

Even Jesus had to get away from it all every once in a whlie and unwind through prayer and meditation.

[sundog]

159. jog

great stress reliever... you'll knock out after & sleep well :)

[jeffrey_X]

162. You really need to do some yoga and stretching....

Seriously.

This will be good for you. Light some candles, put on some mellow music and just relax and do some stretches and yoga poses (simple ones).

This may help relax you and clear your head. Also drink lots of water and try to eliminate as much dairy and red meat from your diet.

Hope you feel better.

[tavalon]

163. Melatonin

That's the name of the supplement you were talking about. Some people are more sensitive to it than others. You should start with 0.5 to 1 mg (you can slowly increase that to 3mg a day) 15 minutes before bedtime and then really go to bed. An awful lot of insomnia has to do with sleep avoidance. For the first few days you can add in 25 - 50 mg of Benedryl 15 minutes before sleep. Benedryl is a lousy short term sleep aid (it mucks with your deep sleep) but can get you over a rough patch.

As we get older and especially if we smoke, natural melatonin secretion goes down and sleeping difficulties go up. Older people often only sleep 4-5 hours a night and say that they don't need any more than that but objective testing shows otherwise. It isn't that they're getting enough sleep, it's that their getting too little melatonin. I've been taking 3mg of melatonin every night for sleep for the last ten years (but I had to taper it up as above because of headaches.

Alcohol is a bad choice for a sleep aid because as the alcohol wears off (in about 4-6 hours) you have rebound insomnia but even worse, the sleep you were getting during those hours doesn't appear to refresh the body.

And finally if all else fails, go to your doctor and get a prescription for Ambien or Sonata (I work for neither company. Those two sleep drugs work magnificently and rarely have any hangover. Those should only be used for a couple of weeks, though, or you will have a rebound effect when you quit.