Cures for Insomnia

[andrews]

OK - so we've all been there at one time or another - you go to bed, and no matter how tired or exhausted you are, sleep eludes you. You toss and turn, get up, read a book, have a drink, go back to bed - still you can't get to sleep.

So.......I was wondering if anyone has some really useful tips for those among us who are the night owls - (not by choice) - and how we can get a really good night's sleep.

[bobsters]

Get up early! Usually cures it for me after a few days. Getting up early and going to bed early (even if you can't sleep) - after a few days, it seems to help reset the body's cycle!

Apart from that - temperature. I find I sleep more quickly when its cooler, so turn off heating etc.

[anakin]

I can't say that I've often had the problem - I realise I'm lucky - but those times that I really can't sleep, I do one of two things:

1. Close my eyes and picture the word sleep. I know it sounds stupid, but more often than not it works.
2. Use an eye mask. It blocks out ALL the light and even helps me stay asleep (I often struggle to stay asleep even when I'm tired)

Also, my friend was having trouble sleeping so did what another friend did for her baby... work up a 10/15 minute routine which helped her recognise that the final step was sleep. It worked quite well I think but not spoken to her in ages....

Might be stuff you've tried, but hope it gets easier to sleep soon!!!

[anakin]

Get up early! Usually cures it for me after a few days. Getting up early and going to bed early (even if you can't sleep) - after a few days, it seems to help reset the body's cycle!

Apart from that - temperature. I find I sleep more quickly when its cooler, so turn off heating etc.

Really? I find the opposite!

[bobsters]

Get up early! Usually cures it for me after a few days. Getting up early and going to bed early (even if you can't sleep) - after a few days, it seems to help reset the body's cycle!

Apart from that - temperature. I find I sleep more quickly when its cooler, so turn off heating etc.

Really? I find the opposite!

Interesting! Sounds like best to experiment then what works for you.

[Diane65]

Get up early! Usually cures it for me after a few days. Getting up early and going to bed early (even if you can't sleep) - after a few days, it seems to help reset the body's cycle!

Apart from that - temperature. I find I sleep more quickly when its cooler, so turn off heating etc.

Really? I find the opposite!

Interesting! Sounds like best to experiment then what works for you.

I'm with Bobsters on this.

1)I always keep the same sleep pattern I go to bed at about 11ish and get up between 6am and 7am even at weekends.
2)I like to sleep with my bedroom window open.
3)I very rarely have caffeine after 4pm
4)I try to balance my time mentally, physically and socially (my favourite), I like to learn something new everyday.
5)I use different shower gels/ bath products morning and night. Lavender, Musk or Vanilla at night and a zingy one in the morning.
6)Have a day out with me or prettyxcool, we will do our best to wear you out so that you have no energy left hence collapse in a heap.
7)Drink lots of water and don't drink alcohol (I know that I'll be in the minority)
8)Be happy, look out for people and try to surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good. (Like all the lovely FMUKers)
9)Try and think of a happy experience from the day (I went to sleep yesterday thinking about what a lovely day I had had with all my lovely friends (Andrews, akh43, jordsmum, steve and yogi)

I know that I'm very lucky and rarely have a problem sleeping even in a strange bed (I mean that in the non dodgy way eg on holidays)

[steve]

I believe this thread may have come about after a conversation we had whilst touring Manchester yesterday. I for one have been a very poor sleeper all my life. I have tried many different remedies over the years apart from sleeping pills (never been one for taking tablets unless absolutely necessary). Look forward to some new suggestions.

[andrews]

I believe this thread may have come about after a conversation we had whilst touring Manchester yesterday. I for one have been a very poor sleeper all my life. I have tried many different remedies over the years apart from sleeping pills (never been one for taking tablets unless absolutely necessary). Look forward to some new suggestions.

Sorry I forgot to mention that, Steve.

I think there are quite a few tips here for the night owls to try. I couldn't sleep with the window open though - I am a very light sleeper, and would wake up if a hedgehog sneezed!

[steve9872]

Watch tv in bed, it always worked for my mum. I was always going into her room after 30 minutes to find her asleep and the tv blaring. Word of warning, she woke up when I turned it off but went back to sleep very quickly.

[anakin]

My OH would happily have the window open or have a fan on - I can't bear it (and don't get me started on aircon units!!!). I need to be warm and snuggly. Sometimes I find that reading will send me off (or rather I not off while sleeping). Although I wouldn't suggest this as a solution, I find it ironic that I always fall asleep watching something I am super interested in...

I've read that spraying lavender on your pillow can help, and though this is something I ignore, don't 'they' say to stop all electric stimulus (ie laptop, tv etc) at least 1/2 hour before bed?