what do you do when you can't sleep?
 

I find that if I drink too much then that interferes with my sleeping.
I usually sleep with .5mg of klonipin which I took at 1130 but took an extra 1mg just now to see if that will help me. have been online too which is stimulating....
sigh
bizi
I hate staring at the clock. need to get to sleep as the alarm is set for 8am, have to work tomorrow.

Bizi,

I hope you are sleeping. Have a good day Sunday.

M

Bizi, I used to have problems sleeping.

I have found the idea of "sleep hygiene" helpful - essentially it means learning and applying good habits for sleeping well.

This link (there are many others which explain the same concepts) might help you; Sleep hygiene - Better Health Channel.

I came across something called ASMR with videos on you tube..
There are some nice ones for relaxation /sleeping.

asmr sleep relaxation - YouTube

you may have to sample a few to find best voice/style that is most relaxing for you..

(((((( Bizi )))))))
 

Hi Bizi,

Sorry you are having trouble sleeping. :(

I always have trouble sleeping if/when I drink any amount of alcohol.
Many people talk about alcohol disrupting their sleep.

Maybe you are also having some "jet lag" issues?
It can take awhile to become acclimated.

I have been having a lot of trouble sleeping this summer.
There has been a lot of stress in my life this year. I am not one to consciously ruminate. Thus, I feel the biggest factor interfering with sleep is likely the amount of sunlight I am taking in. I find I often get too stimulated if I get too much direct sunlight.

I do better if I balance time spent in direct sunlight with the amount of time spent in darker settings. Over the years, I have automatically compensated by limiting my time in direct sunlight. In being more active outside this summer, I again realize how much the direct sunlight has an impact upon me.

I sometimes listen to some relaxing music (instrumental) mixes of music.
Jo*Mar's suggestions are interesting. :)

I pay attention to sleep hygiene, as per Kiwi's suggestion.:)
This is similar to the CBT for insomnia.
CBT-I, or CBT for insomnia, is popular and is often taught in connection with sleep clinics.

Insomnia treatment: Cognitive behavioral therapy instead of sleeping pills - Mayo Clinic

I also will have great difficulty sleeping after exciting musical concerts. My brain is too stimulated to shift into a mode conducive to sleeping.

I have found it very difficult /impossible to overcome the sleeping difficulties related to either alcohol or caffeine intake...and/or too much sun/light exposure. I do better to limit all of these factors. ;) A the same time, sometimes we need to make some trade-offs and have some additional flexibility and additional fun in life. ;)

I hope you did get some sleep before you had to go to work! :hug:

Warmly,
DejaVu

It's rare for me to have a hard time falling asleep now, but I will usually find something "mildly interesting, but somewhat boring" that runs for a long time period on TV and lay down in bed and watch it. I know that won't work for you since you don't have cable though…

It's probably best that you avoid getting on the computer at all when you can't sleep because it's so stimulating and can suck you in. Maybe you would be better off picking up a "mildly interesting, but somewhat boring" book and lay down and read it in the guest bedroom?

thank you and interesting jo,
what does asmr stand for?
bizi

thank you for your suggestions.
I will look into the links and such. I did get some sleep last night, I think it still is some jet lag, you are right. yes maybe I should have gone to the guest bedroom and rea a book instead of getting on line. I will try that next time...do I just fall asleep in there then or do I try to go to bed with jeff?
bizi

Theta Waves and Delta Waves - Recordings
 

Hi Bizi,

Sometimes I listen to the 8 hour recordings of soft music (theta or delta waves) designed specifically for sleep. There are different versions. Here's a playlist of many different 8 hour recordings: 8 Hour Sleep Music: Meditation Music, Relax Mind Body, Sleeping Music, Calming Music ☯231 - YouTube

I don't last the entire 8 hours. I usually drift off before the first hour has passed, especially if I insert both ear buds. I awoke one morning, after having slept for 7 hours and the music was still playing, even though my ear buds were on the night stand beside my bed.

If it feels energizing, turn the volume down further.
I am very sensitive to sound, so I have to keep it very low.

I had started to listen to one while writing this and I think I will use it tonight!
The key for me is to make sure I am listening with both ears, low volume.

No need to try these unless they appeal to you. I am just sharing with you.

I hope you have a night of peaceful, refreshing sleep, however you go about it!

:hug:

thank you! That was very relaxing!
We listen to a fan at night for the noise.
hubby wears ear plugs because I snore....:o
I am on the computer a lot! in the evenings right up untill bed time which is not good I know. I rely completely on klonipin to relax me to get to sleep. It usually works. sometimes I end up taking more to try to force myself to sleep. Thank goodness it worked last night.
I think that I will not drink a beer as I was going to earlier but got distracted here. and now it is getting too late. and I am tired so hopefully will get a good nights sleep, am going to go to bed earlier tonight. I have to work tomorrow as well. First appointment is at 9am.
If I wake up early than I will take a shower.
I really need one.
sigh
bizi

[ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response and it refers to a phenomenon which is very difficult to explain to those that do not experience it. It is usually experienced through a relaxing tingling in the scalp and the back of the neck and can extend into the rest of the body. It is a very calming sensation that washes over you.]
ASMR - That's what that head tingling is - The ASMR Lab

I watched some of the videos and read some comments....it is very interesting.
bizi

It's hard to break habits like using the computer when you're up late- no judgement here.

When I was having serious sleep issues the TV was drawing me in big time and making matters worse. It took being in the psych hospital to get on a regular schedule, and it just stuck. I obviously don't recommend going that route.

Thankfully, your sleep problems don't seem to rise to the level that mine were at then. I think that you can benefit from trying any or all of the suggestions here when problems do arise. I'm glad that the klonopin helps most nights :hug::hug::hug:

Thanks kay.
I think I am addicted to the internet.:o
bizi

If you try the ASMR videos or any of the relaxation sounds online, it's good idea to be in a dark quiet area, have a comfortable chair so you can relax in it, no other distractions, like tv or phone. Many suggest headphones if you have them.
My computer is in a small quiet room so I can listen without using headphones..
It's mainly to limit any other sounds or distractions..

I experience a relaxing tingling in my scalp, and the back of my neck often. I have always believed that it was a blessing, or someone praying for me. It's a wonderful feeling. I feel like something good is happening to me when I feel this sensation. It happens when you don't expect it. It just happens. BF:hug::hug::hug:

I'm glad that you are able to turn that sensation into something positive :)

That is awesome steve, happy for you.
bizi

Kay Oh yes. It's a positive feeling that is unexplainable. It does not happen every day. Sometimes I feel it more then other times over a period of days. It's like a cooling, tingling sensation that is very gentle. I think that this is helping me when it happens. It's like a divine touch. I didn't notice it until I was in my thirties. BF:hug::hug::hug:

I hope you have peaceful, refreshing sleep tonight Bizi.

I have issues with this too, it's an ongoing issue for me. It makes me irritable during the day especially when people behave like A holes.

:eek::(:grouphug::grouphug:

I wish you slept better!
((((((HUGS)))))))
bizi

sleep issues
 

Thank you for your responses!
do you still read here pink kitty?
bizi