My brain won't shut up when I am trying to sleep.

[shermanator]

Sorry for bumping this very old thread, but I think it sums up my situation perfectly.

Unless I've had a few beers, I can't shut my brain off most nights before sleeping. I wake up tired almost every single morning, regardless of number of hours of sleep. Most nights I'm up 2-3 times a night, and if I sleep straight for longer than 4 hours it's a minor miracle. If my girlfriend is staying the night, I'm up 10 times a night and the next day is a writeoff for me.

I started taking melatonin on occasion but found that more often than not I wake up groggy the next morning. Has anyone on CP seen or can recommend any specialists in Calgary that can take a look at this?

[GreatWhiteEbola]

I use marijuana. I can only smoke alone, I don't like interacting with people when I smoke. I load a one-hitter before bed, have a few puffs, and go to sleep. Changed my life.

[boobaloo]

Originally Posted by shermanator

Sorry for bumping this very old thread, but I think it sums up my situation perfectly.

Unless I've had a few beers, I can't shut my brain off most nights before sleeping. I wake up tired almost every single morning, regardless of number of hours of sleep. Most nights I'm up 2-3 times a night, and if I sleep straight for longer than 4 hours it's a minor miracle. If my girlfriend is staying the night, I'm up 10 times a night and the next day is a writeoff for me.

I started taking melatonin on occasion but found that more often than not I wake up groggy the next morning. Has anyone on CP seen or can recommend any specialists in Calgary that can take a look at this?

You should ask your family doctor for a referral to a sleep lab. That takes some time, so while you are waiting your Dr. can also refer you for an overnight oximetry test or a Levell III sleep study which are both done in your home through a Respiratory Home Care company. Another thing is to google "sleep hygiene" for lots of great information on how to improve your sleep....people grossly underestimate the power of sleep.

[saskflames69]

I used to take melatonin when I had trouble sleeping. I would wake up feeling fine.

[Daradon]

Originally Posted by shermanator

Sorry for bumping this very old thread, but I think it sums up my situation perfectly.

Unless I've had a few beers, I can't shut my brain off most nights before sleeping. I wake up tired almost every single morning, regardless of number of hours of sleep. Most nights I'm up 2-3 times a night, and if I sleep straight for longer than 4 hours it's a minor miracle. If my girlfriend is staying the night, I'm up 10 times a night and the next day is a writeoff for me.

I started taking melatonin on occasion but found that more often than not I wake up groggy the next morning. Has anyone on CP seen or can recommend any specialists in Calgary that can take a look at this?

Beer will work in the short term, but trust me, it's not a way to go. First you have one or two, then a six pack, then you're buying a case just to go to sleep.

It's a tough problem that probably isn't talked about enough. For people that don't understand it's really hard to describe insomnia and how it runs your life. I've been on two different pills to help. The first my system adjusted to in less than a week and stopped helping. The second caused me to sleepwalk everywhere, and do some dangerous things. I opened a can of tuna with a potato peeler, nearly destroyed my kitchen, I still can't believe I have all my fingers. I also went for a drive. Bad stuff.

As I've aged it's become less of a problem. It is definitely something of youth. But I had it as early as 7 years of age. It's terrible.

All I can recommend is actually the natural methods. Make sure you get cardio every day! Tough cardio, it'll help your body anyway. But not before bedtime. at least 3 hours before bedtime, otherwise the adrenaline is there. Eat less fat. And just try to face your stress.

I hope that helps. I know it's not what you want to hear.

[bizaro86]

I definitely have the same problem, it feels like my brain is on overdrive.

Things that I've found helpful are limiting caffeine, exercise, and a vitamin mix called redoxin. I get the "stress" formula in the blue bottle and take it right at bedtime. It's mostly b vitamins.

Also, I've tried breathe right nasal strips. I didn't fall asleep faster but did feel more rested.

[Daradon]

Oh and coping... For those nights you just can't sleep, try to do something constructive. It's so easy to veg on the internet nowadays, but do something of value. You're up anyway.

Write your thoughts, start a book. Start that project you always wanted. Fix up the house (if quiet enough).

I know it isn't ideal, but don't waste the time. Do something of value. The funny thing is, when you do, it might just tire you out. Instead of watching 6 episodes of South Park and staring at your screen.

It really sucks. I feel you.

[bubbsy]

i have a great, proven, and non-chemical solution for you.

Workout in the morning. Particularly if you do cardio, wake up early, and do it before going to work.

Working out in the morning is a great way to ensure your body gets a great night's sleep.

On days i do cardio (jog) before work, i'm passing out on the couch by 11 and out cold till 6am, where i start the process over again.

[sclitheroe]

Insomnia can be indicative of numerous underlying issues other than those mechanically associated with sleep (eg. not just apnea), such as thyroid issues, diabetes, etc.

If it's a chronic problem, getting worse, or marks a sudden, sustained change in your normal sleep patterns visiting the doctor is a good idea. You can try the home remedies once you know you're operating with a clean bill of health.

[Daradon]

Originally Posted by sclitheroe

Insomnia can be indicative of numerous underlying issues other than those mechanically associated with sleep (eg. not just apnea), such as thyroid issues, diabetes, etc.

If it's a chronic problem, getting worse, or marks a sudden, sustained change in your normal sleep patterns visiting the doctor is a good idea. You can try the home remedies once you know you're operating with a clean bill of health.

Good advice. I was born with a heart condition so it might just be a side effect. But you are right, consult your doctor. (I'm always in the doctors office so...)

Just don't believe those pills!

[Daradon]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

i have a great, proven, and non-chemical solution for you.

Workout in the morning. Particularly if you do cardio, wake up early, and do it before going to work.

Working out in the morning is a great way to ensure your body gets a great night's sleep.

On days i do cardio (jog) before work, i'm passing out on the couch by 11 and out cold till 6am, where i start the process over again.

As I said. That is the best solution. And it'll keep you sexy anyway. I know its effort for a problem that steals effort, and it sucks, but it becomes a chicken and egg argument.

Just run. Not before bedtime though.

[Azure]

$50 bucks says your magnesium levels are low. Start taking pills right before bed. They are a known muscle relaxant.

[shermanator]

Originally Posted by Daradon

Beer will work in the short term, but trust me, it's not a way to go. First you have one or two, then a six pack, then you're buying a case just to go to sleep.

It's a tough problem that probably isn't talked about enough. For people that don't understand it's really hard to describe insomnia and how it runs your life. I've been on two different pills to help. The first my system adjusted to in less than a week and stopped helping. The second caused me to sleepwalk everywhere, and do some dangerous things. I opened a can of tuna with a potato peeler, nearly destroyed my kitchen, I still can't believe I have all my fingers. I also went for a drive. Bad stuff.

As I've aged it's become less of a problem. It is definitely something of youth. But I had it as early as 7 years of age. It's terrible.

All I can recommend is actually the natural methods. Make sure you get cardio every day! Tough cardio, it'll help your body anyway. But not before bedtime. at least 3 hours before bedtime, otherwise the adrenaline is there. Eat less fat. And just try to face your stress.

I hope that helps. I know it's not what you want to hear.

The beer I have is always a social thing (ie. meeting friends at a pub), so it's just a coincedence that it helps me sleep.

The thought of going to the gym at 5:30 am just feels like it will make the situation worse, but I've heard others swear by this. Any thoughts from others on this?

[Machiavelli]

I work out early in the morning and absolutely love it. Nothing better than feeling great about yourself to start the day. I never really thought about how it affects my sleep, but I've never had too many problems there.

It certainly can't hurt.

I second the notion of going to your family physician first. Sleep hygiene is also huge (already mentioned).

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by GreatWhiteEbola

I use marijuana. I can only smoke alone, I don't like interacting with people when I smoke. I load a one-hitter before bed, have a few puffs, and go to sleep. Changed my life.

If I smoke marijuana I will end up locked in a bathroom paranoid as hell. I still have the hamster brain, just not every night thank god! I will try and fall asleep but if my head is chattering for more then an hour after lying down I just get up and play video games. It really is a crappy issue to deal with.

[SuperMatt18]

Another thing is to try some white noise while you sleep. Even just a fan or something tends to help ease the mind.

[vektor]

-ear plugs
-fan
-cardio exercise
-proper sleep routine
-drink more water
-meditate/destress
-less caffeine

I'm an extremely light sleeper genetically but I sleep a solid 8 hours every night because I have it down to a science. The worst thing you can do is to have really bad routines, get to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning. If that requires not napping or having one extremely long and gruelling day when you wake up early it's worth the one day of pain to improve your quality of life. Sleep, exercise and diet are the 3 most important things in maintaining a balanced, healthy and happy lifestyle. If an entire third of that is messed up it's impossible to be happy. And caffeine can really badly screw up your brain if your genetics determine it.

[Daradon]

Originally Posted by shermanator

The beer I have is always a social thing (ie. meeting friends at a pub), so it's just a coincedence that it helps me sleep.

The thought of going to the gym at 5:30 am just feels like it will make the situation worse, but I've heard others swear by this. Any thoughts from others on this?

It was for me too. It took a while to get used to, after the three hour adrenaline rush or whatever, you kinda want to nap at 1 PM. (especially if you already are having problems and can't sleep at night!) Just push yourself through it, your body will adjust.

I've tried everything else people have suggested here (and a lot they haven't) and like many people, exercise works the best for me. Situations are as different as new girlfriends though I'm sure, so go with what works for you. But the exercise is a common theme. I'd start with that.

[Bill Bumface]

And just because:

[troutman]

If stress keeps you awake, try not to procrastinate.

When a problem comes along, you must whip it.