Sleeping Trouble

[jjmcray]

Don't know if this is the right place to put this... But I'm having a lot of trouble falling asleep. I don't like taking medicines because it causes me to have a "hangover" the next morning... Usually if I can't sleep I get on my computer and try to wait it out, but this causes me to stay up late and not get enough sleep... So anyone have any tips or methods on getting to sleep fast?

[byee]

First, is this a long term prob, or is it recent? Everyone has occaisional bouts of not being able to sleep, but it should be the exception.

There are alot of causes for sleeplessness, including stress, overstimulation (not THAT kind!), too much sugar, caffeine (like soda), etc. Try eliminating as many of them as you can.

If you cannot sleep still, do NOT go online, it's too engaging, which is the opposite of what you need to wind down. Try reading, listening to some easy music (not loud, head banging stuff as it will overstimulate you, too, maybe some Mozart, LOL!). If all else fails, the experts recommend getting out of bed, leave your bedroom, and go somewhere else, and do the same winding down stuff, like read, etc.

I agree about the meds being a last resort. Eventually, even if you stay up late (or don't fall asleep at all), eventually, you'll be so tired that you'll just fall asleep on your own. Just don't nap during the day, go to bed at your regular time.

[Atonement]

I agree with everything that IAMSAM said. I had the exact same problem, word for word. I changed my sleeping habits. I never really excercised, so I would excercise and try to drain all my energy before going to bed. Also, I changed the temperature of my room. (I now have a couple fans in my room). Just experimenting by changing your sleeping habits, enviroments, and anything else to help calm you down. Just see what works.

[byee]

I agree with everything that IAMSAM said. I had the exact same problem, word for word. I changed my sleeping habits. I never really excercised, so I would excercise and try to drain all my energy before going to bed. Also, I changed the temperature of my room. (I now have a couple fans in my room). Just experimenting by changing your sleeping habits, enviroments, and anything else to help calm you down.


yes, plop adds good suggestions here, try all of these and see what happens!

[RaisingSand]

Going on your computer when you can't sleep is one of the worst things you can do because that kind of activity and the use of concentration stimulates your brain, causing you to be awake longer.
I know this sounds boring, old fashioned and bleh, but have a glass of warm milk, find an old, familiar book to read, put on some baroque music (like, Beethoven, Mozart etc) and just read and listen to the music until you start to feel drowsy. Then turn out your light and just completely relax your body/muscles if you can. Trying not to worry/think helps. XD
VERY IMPORTANT: DO NOT GO ON THE COMPUTER, TV OR ANY GAMES ETC ONE HOUR BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO SLEEP.

[Gumleaf]

if you can't sleep you need to stay relaxed because if you do something that stimulates the brain such as going on the computer, then you are likely to stay awake longer and longer.

[Lifesreject]

I find just doing some gentle exersise before going to bed can help. At school they have been teaching us a new relacation method called polatis. They normally run groups at sports centers and stuff. Its really good and just helps you wind down. Also if your not sleeping mabey you have an underlying problem. are you feeling stressed or upset about something because sometimes i cant sleep if im worried. so mabey talking to someone will help.

[Smeller]

altho bein on the computer can make you tired it wont make you sleepy at night so yea i agree with everyone here.. exercise in general, mellow or soft or sum otha type of music and reading OR the weather channel

[0=]

Do what I do and run till you're exhausted every day XD

[western ninja]

try to come up with a routine, like an hour before going to bed always do the same things; it gets your mind into the sleeping mood, and of course try to always go to bed at the same time then your brain will b expecting it.