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I Can't Sleep!

For the past couple weeks I have not been sleeping well. Part of it's due to PMS and the anxiety that I get during that time of the month. Part of it was also due to the fact that I had a cold and was blowing my nose every night all last weekend!  Since then, I just haven't been able to get back on track with my sleep schedule.

I've never been a person who could fall asleep fast(unlike my husband who can literally get in bed and pass out in less than 5 seconds). For as long as I can remember, it always took a while for my mind to calm down in order for me to fall asleep, and I would usually have to fall asleep watching TV. Plus, I've always been more of a "night owl". If I could, I'd prefer to stay up later and sleep in later.

Sometimes even when I am so completely exhausted that my eyes are burning and my head is aching...I still cannot fall asleep. My mind just won't shut down. Often, I have a song playing through my head that won't go away!!!! (Last night it was Pink!) It is SO frustrating and annoying. I don't feel like I'm stressed or worried about anything major, so I don't think that's the issue.


When I feel like I'm not going to be able to fall asleep, then I worry that my husband will fall asleep before I do and start snoring. Once he's asleep, I can pretty much forget being able to fall asleep. So then I go out to the couch and end up not getting a good night's sleep. And of course, the more I worry about not being able to fall asleep the worse it is.

I know there are a couple of things I could do to that would probably help:

  • Get on a regular sleep schedule. Part of  my problem is that I don't get up at the same time every day, and then that affects what time I am able to fall asleep at night. Two days out of the week I have to get up early(for me) to be at work, but the rest of the week I don't have to be at work until later in the day, so I usually sleep in a little later. Then on the weekends, I'll stay up a little later at night and sometimes sleep in WAY too late! So that just leaves my sleep schedule all outta wack. I need to get up at the same time every single day.
  • Don't get on the computer right before bed. I do have a habit of getting on the computer to check my Facebook right before I go to bed. I need to start trying to wind down a little earlier so that I can start getting  tired before my husband comes to bed. I do usually read a book right before bed, but only for a few minutes. 
Other tips that are supposed to help:
-Warm bath before bed
-Drink hot tea or milk
-Get 15 minutes of sunlight during the day
-Noise machine

The good thing is, I don't have a problem with staying asleep once I actually DO fall asleep. I think that getting on a regular sleep schedule would be the most beneficial thing for me! 

 Does anyone else have problems falling asleep at night? Do you have any tips that would help?

Comments

  1. TomOctober 2, 2012 at 12:58 PM

    Here are a list of things you can try aside from the biggest two you mentioned of getting on a schedule and not being on the computer or TV right before bed.

    1) Lower the temperature of your room.
    2) Dim lights or play calming music prior to going to bed.
    3) take a hot bath or shower to help you relax.
    4) Don't drink too much before going to bed.
    5) Read something boring.

    I was going to say exercise usually helps you sleep better, but that would be preaching to the choir. I know you have that one covered. Good luck.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LindsayOctober 3, 2012 at 5:08 AM

      Thanks Tom! I'm going to try getting a noise machine and lowering my room temp and see if that helps!

      Delete
  2. AnonymousOctober 2, 2012 at 1:41 PM

    I drink Natural Calm, a magnesium supplement, before I go to bed. It's supposed to help with sleep, anxiety and stress. I drink it as a hot tea. The taste takes a little getting used to the first few times (I have the raspberry lemon flavor) but now I enjoy drinking it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LindsayOctober 3, 2012 at 5:08 AM

      Thanks! If getting on a a regular sleep schedule doesn't help, I will have to try that for sure.

      Delete
  3. RONI YAGEROctober 2, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    I was going to suggest the same thing as LeeAnn, a magnesium supplement might be really helpful! Since you're not a fan of veggies, you might not be getting enough magnesium natually...no offense! I hope you try it, it's something that has worked really well for me! Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LindsayOctober 3, 2012 at 5:09 AM

      No offense at all! That may very well be the case! I may have to give that a try. Thank you!

      Delete
  4. hollysharonOctober 4, 2012 at 5:42 PM

    I've heard the same good things about magnesium, but to take a small dose/supplement, because it can give you the runs, until you get used to it. You might want to try the supplement melatonin, a girl at work takes that. We use a fan 365 nights a year. I can't sleep when I hear every little sound outside or from another room. I need the "white noise" to mask it, and it's also kind of soothing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LindsayOctober 5, 2012 at 5:28 AM

      Thanks! I'm going to try the magnesium as a last resort. I just bought a noise machine yesterday to drown out my husband's snoring, and it seemed to have worked!

      Delete

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