My body begs for sleep.
My mind races.
Why is it so difficult to calm our minds when we know that sleep will refresh and restore us.
At different times in our lives, we may find ourselves unable to fall asleep, waking in the middle of the night, or waking too early.
If you research insomnia, you will find that more women than men suffer with this problem.
Is it because women tend to be the worriers, the caregivers? Do we internalize our problems more, so that in the night they come out to haunt us?
Whatever the reasons, I know that as I lie here in the still of the night, with my worries and concerns running through my head, tomorrow will dawn and sleep will try to catch me during the day.
Do you suffer with insomnia? If so what do you do to combat it?
I know that I will get out of bed at my normal time, meditate, take my morning walk, and hope that this bout with insomnia will pass quickly.
I had a terrible time through last winter and spring. The doctor finally gave me a prescription for a mild sleeping pill. I took one every night for 2 weeks and it worked. It seemed to re-set my clock and get me back into a normal sleeping rhythm.
ReplyDeleteI suffer from it severely - always did - but now in my 50's it seems to be peaking -
ReplyDeleteXOXO
I suffer from it terribly. I lay in bed at night and a hundred thoughts run through my mind. I never sleep more than 2 hours straight. I pray and listen to music.
ReplyDeleteI have a very difficult time getting enough sleep. I wake up an hour after falling asleep or toss and turn, I really feel wore out near 4-6 in the morning . That is when I can sleep. I do not nap, do not even want to start that. I would love to sleep 6-8 hours and not wake up, till it's time. Blessings to you. xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteI have suffered from it for months on end in periods. It is really tough, worst of all is perhaps when those thoughts are racing and won't give one any peace. I usually sleep now, only sometimes my body aches too much and l have to get up, moving around helps a bit and l make myself tea. Pam xx
ReplyDeleteI used to have a lot of restless nights until I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. What a difference a c-pap mask makes.
ReplyDeleteI have always had a hard time falling asleep. My mind just does not 'let go'. I read most nights and that helps, but sometimes I just have to get up and do something and then try again to sleep.
ReplyDeleteI don't sleep well at all. About the only time I can fall asleep easily is when I turn on some mindless comedy and drop off watching it. Otherwise, my mind races and I have a hard time giving over to let sleep claim me. I think there are many of us like that- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteLaura, I have a similar issue and wake up around 2:30 every morning. If I cannot go back to sleep I make a cup of Sleepytime Tea. I am with NanaDiana above in that I usually watch a comedy (or comedies) before going to bed. They make me happy and calm and help clear my mind. Blessings
ReplyDeleteLaura, I haven't read all of the above comments, but make sure you have your thyroid checked. I also take an estrogen supplement. And when all else fails, I find that a full dose of NyQuil works wonders.
ReplyDeleteThis really works (for me anyway). Start at your toes and physically tighten then relax your muscles. Work slowly all the way up to your shoulders and down to your fingers. Repeat once or twice, and you should doze off. You can also imagine all your troubles being filed away and locked up for the night like shutting down an office. Good luck! No sleep is no fun!
ReplyDeleteI don't have many sleep problems now but I have had them in the past. For me they were caused by anxiety or throid problems. Now that I take medication for that, I'm ok. My husband suffers with sleep problems sometimes too. They say you should go to bed at the same time every night and not use your bed for work or watching tv. That way your body knows that lying in bed signals sleep. Also, keep your bedroom cool not warm. Drinking milk before bed can be helpful because of something in it. Forgot what though. LOL! You might also try reading or some other distraction for your mind so you're not deep in your own worries before bedtime. I've suffered from that myself. Yes, I think women, more than men, tend to have trouble "turning off our brains" at night. You can also try over the counter sleep medication. They may help during these trying times.
ReplyDeleteNormally I read myself to sleep. When I can’t settle down I take a Melatonin. If I wake in the wee hours of the morning, it is best I just get up and enjoy the sunrise. Giving yourself permission to follow your own biorhythms will go a long way to finding the inner peace you so richly deserve. Let’s face it, Laura, you have too much on your plate right now. It’s no wonder your sandman has his work cut out for him. I can post all the empowering posts I can find on Pinterest hoping you will see them and take heart. From all the support you have here on the aforementioned comments, I’m confident you will see the way out of your insomnia. So I’ll leave you with, “It is what it is,” and “this too will pass.”
ReplyDeleteI have a really rough time falling asleep. I will be so tired when I go to bed. After about 30 minutes of resting quietly my body starts rejecting sleep. Sometimes if is 4:00 a.m. before I fall asleep. I have tried a lot of things. It scares me to take sleeping pills since I take so many other meds. I have even had terrible reactions to Tylenol PM. It is so annoying. It's not stress that keeps me awake. It is more like the stress of not falling asleep. Wish someone could tell us what to do. I do take Thyroid meds.
ReplyDeleteI don't suffer from it, but I do use Lavender oil if I have trouble relaxing. A couple of drops on my pillow usually help.
ReplyDeleteI have not slept well for several nights now..I do know that I have not been getting any kind of substantial exercise..not even walking. My focus has been on packing and sorting and in anticipation of the sale of our home..
ReplyDeleteI don't have trouble going to sleep, but I have trouble staying asleep. I'll wake up several times through the night. It must be the age factor for me. I've been thinking about trying melatonin.
ReplyDeleteOh Laura.. I totally understand how you feel. You are not alone. As we mature there are so many obstacles and challenges we face. We worry about our children, our parents, our spouses.. ourselves. Hormones are lagging and our bodies are tired. Tea.. warm baths.. Melatonin helps some folks but you should talk to a naturopathic doctor to help with dosing. Take care:) xx
ReplyDeleteI find that reading really helps as well as a hot shower before bed, a cup of tea and a drop of lavender oil on your pillow. I agree with Leslie! I worry about too much!! Take care Laura and I hope that some suggestions might help. Ann x
ReplyDeleteI do find it difficult to sleep sometimes. If I really can't sleep, I get up and work, I hate staying in bed for hours without sleeping. But I'm lucky as my sleepless spell usually don't last for more than a few days.
ReplyDeleteI struggle most nights I lay in the darkness and plead to please let sleep come. I have tried it all and I really don't want to keep taking drugs.
ReplyDeletebut after awhile I cave as I can not take another night.
Cathy
I suggest melatonin. My uncle suggested it to me. My mind races at night if I don't take it. :)
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