[shoshanna]

Has anyone here delt with the kind of insomnia where you can fall asleep easily, but then can't stay asleep? I hit the bed and I'm out, but then I wake up at 2 or 4 am and stare at the celing for an hour. I also keep waking up early in the morning - before my alarm goes off - and can't go back to sleep. It's been going on for about two weeks now and I really don't know why. I'm under some stress, but not any more than usual - if anything, my stress level has been reduced over the last few weeks.

Help me! I'm so tired!!!!

[NewroticGirl]

Ugh... I know how you feel... some nights I'll wake up four or five times... sometimes it seems like I'm awake every hour!

Probably the first thing to do is figure out what may be causing it? Do you live in a noisy neighborhood? Got a lot on your mind? Something you feel guilty about? Something you want to/need to talk about but haven't? Maybe something coming up that you're not excited about? I sleep terribly the week or so before I move...

If you're really desperate, there's over the counter sleep aids like Tyelnol PM and whatnot... but you can also try some relaxing nighttime rituals like a nice hot bath, or a cup of chamomile tea or something... do you exercise? Maybe your body just isn't as tired as your mind is?

[cjoy825]

i too have suffered from insomnia.... i usually could go to sleep at night after a long day of work and taking care of the kids but would wake up at night and not be able to get back to sleep just like you... and i am the type of person who needs a solid 8-10 hours of sleep to function at my best, so this was not easy for me to deal with....after a few weeks i did go directly to my Dr. anyhow, i would lay there and my mind would race with all types of thoughts.... i did not want to start taking medications to help me sleep even though my Dr. did prescribe a non addicitve sleep aid. i realized that i was over thinking things....worrying about my kids, my job, how i would get everything done the next day and still have time to relax.... one night while laying in bed, i decided to put on some soft classical music....and wouldn't you know it.....i fell fast asleep and with a smile on my face. if you have racing thoughts, playing gentle music is one way to relieve your mind and get back to the rest you need. i don't need to play music all the time but i find that when i am having these bouts which seem to come and go without any rhyme or reason, this really works for me. i hope you get a good nights sleep!

[shoshanna]

I'm the same way - needing at least 8-9 hours to feel good the next day. My mind does start racing after I've been awake for a while, but I don't know if that's actually waking me up. It's almost as though I'm not sleeping as deeply as I used to, though. Our neighborhood isn't loud and our bed is comfortable and supportive. I think that exercising more might help. I've tried Simply Sleep and it doesn't really work. Knocks me right out but then I still wake up at 4am when it wears off. I've been doing some research on the internet trying to find something because I really don't want to take a prescription medication for sleep. You said that you took one that wasn't addictive? I thought that they all were and the last thing I need is to add that problem to my sleeping troubles! What medication did you take - if you don't mind my asking.

[HappyMomAnna]

Have you tried Melatonin? I am not sure exactly what it is but it is sold in the health food section as a food supplement. There are several forms, a mint that dissolves on your tongue--liquid you can put in a drink or just a swallow tablet.

There is some evidence that it helps RESET the internal time clock and aids in many sleeping disorders. My little boy is 4 and is currently in a major sleep study with our medical university and he has been prescribed Melatonin (because it is generally not recommended or approved for children).

It has been amazing and his sleep disorder is one where he usually falls asleep just fine but awakes at 2 a.m to Play until the sun comes up! Under doctor supervision we give him about 1/2 mg. of Melatonin at bed time and I honestly do see a remarkable improvement in his ability to sleep through the night. It has been interesting because we have to keep a sleep journal on him and I can see the difference between when we are using it and when we are not....

This is not his only sleep related disorder but we are hoping that if we can get him to sleep through the night we will not end up with a narcolepsy diagnosis for his instant naps during the day....

My oldest daughter is a University Student and has some real sleep issues related to stress and irregular sleeping habits that happen when you study...She started using Melatonin during fall term and has also reported a huge benefit and wonderful change because she is able to get to sleep and stay asleep all night.

[cjoy825]

my doctor actually prescribe me the anti depressant, Trazadone, which is also used as a sleep aid. i was completely resistant to the idea but my Dr. told me that is does not make you feel drugged and you don't wake up groggy. i do have to use it periodically, when the insomnia is really out of control, and it does help tremendously and i do not like to take or rely on medications....but it does really help me when i am at my wits end...plus, my dr. was right....the first time i took it, i thought, i don't feel tired how is this going to help me..... when i layed down, within a few minutes i was fast asleep and didn't wake back up again till the morning and i felt completely rested and not like a zombie! i do like the idea of something that's all natural though....like the melatonin.... i think i will ask my Dr. about it the next time it go.... hope you have a good nights sleep....take care!

[NewroticGirl]

(shameless plug alert)
I had an overabundance of lavender last year, and made little pillow sachets -- dried lavender plus basil to chase away bad dreams -- you tuck it into your pillowcase and the heat of your head makes the herbs give off their scent.

If anybody wants one, send me a private message or an email with your mailing address.

[beth]

Originally Posted by shoshanna

Has anyone here delt with the kind of insomnia where you can fall asleep easily, but then can't stay asleep? I hit the bed and I'm out, but then I wake up at 2 or 4 am and stare at the celing for an hour. I also keep waking up early in the morning - before my alarm goes off - and can't go back to sleep. It's been going on for about two weeks now and I really don't know why. I'm under some stress, but not any more than usual - if anything, my stress level has been reduced over the last few weeks.

Help me! I'm so tired!!!!

Hi Shoshanna,
For useful information on the use of aromatherapy oils for reducing stress and nervous tension, have a read of "Stress Relief with Aromatherapy". Just click on the Mental Health link below. You'll find a list of which oils are good for stress and insomnia. Use them before you go to sleep at night. and reapply if you should happen to wake up in the wee hours. I have found it quite useful and soothing, and also good for children who may wake up during the night due to illness. Good luck!

[scrapbookguru]

Oh goodness - story of my life. I am so tired of hitting the pillow HARD and then only sleeping for about 2-4 hours per night.

These were great posts to read!

[writerchick]

If you wake up continually at night, you might have sleep apnea. I found out I did and after a surgery, I'm like a new woman. It was a real surprise because I had none of the risk factors (I'm not an overweight, older man -- in fact just the opposite!). Anyway, it's something to ask your doctor about if the problem continues.