Prior to PCS I rarely had trouble falling asleep at night. Now, no matter what my day was like, good, bad, or otherwise, it seems to take 1-2 hours to fall asleep! I don't drink caffeine anymore, limit sugar, and even have meds help with sleep.

Just curious how long it takes you all to fall asleep? Any tips for making it happen a bit sooner?

Thanks!

What is happening in your mind while you are trying to fall asleep? Do you get caught 'thinking?' Any kind of thinking?

Have you tried listening to music when going to sleep?

I have to listen to or watch on TV, music or others programs that are repetitive (seen and heard many times before). My brain is able to be occupied by the repetitive stimuli so it does not have to process the information. It can passively listen.

I also need my pajamas to be soft and warm so I do not have any feelings on any spot on my body feeling any different than the rest. I even need to be sure my bladder is completely empty.

The goal is to remove anything that causes any sensation. Then, my mind can relax and start to go to sleep. When I have this feeling, I can fall asleep in a few minutes. If I feel any specific sensation, it will trigger my brain. I will need to get out of bed and desensitize myself and start over.

I hope this makes sense. It took a lot of work for me to find the best way to get ready for bed.

My best to you.

I've had issues on and off for years turning off my brain and falling asleep. That being said, prior to the accident I was in a pretty good place.

After said accident-I was a basket case. Tired in the middle of the day and then not able to sleep at night. Once I went to sleep, I typically stayed asleep. It was the going to sleep that kicked my butt.

Neuro suggested meditation (big help). I tried that, warm bathes, hot tea, deep breathing, cool room-dark, etc etc etc. On my second visit she finally gave me something called Rozerem. It is supposed to help you fall asleep. I've also been taking melatonin. The Rozerem has helped, but I still have nights that it takes forever before I can turn off my head.

Good luck!

Mark and Tamisue, thanks for your perspective. I will keep in mind your helpful hints regarding minimal stimuli prior to sleep, which probably means no more local newscasts before turning off the light!

Sweet dreams to all!

I have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.

try reading a book (one neurologist told me read a boring book! and i'm not kidding about this!) I do read a few mins before bed...something light.

Some night I take ambien (5 mg..I cut a 10 mg in half) and that gives me a great night sleep but I really don't like taking meds. My following day whether I sleep good or not makes no difference. I've had days where I slept 3 hours in the night and did more the next day and days I slept great and had an awful next day.

You said you take a sleep med...which one?

I take benadryl for my allergies at night, which is also sedating, but doesn't knock me out. I am very sensitive to meds and have to stick with ones that produce minimal side effects.

The book is a good idea, will try anything at this point!