Insomnia - Those Who Can't Sleep + Remedies to Sleep Better Discussion (Compiled)

[Guest CannotSleep]

I have been having really bad insomnia for the last 2 years. Tried all sort of things like medication, exercise, reading, music, alcohol, etc., but nothing seems to help. On a typical night, I will try to sleep at 10 only to wake up at 1 and that's it. Makes me feel very heaty and feverish all the time. Worse thing is once I fall sick, it seems to take forever to recover.

Anybody has any good tips? Please share and help.

[Guest Happylark]

you need to go to a sleep clinic to identify the root cause of your insomnia.

could be diet or habitual routine like stress factor - which will require a lifestyle modification

could be hormonal - which will require medication

could be physiological, like apnea - medication or surgical in some instances.

see your physician. they'll make the necessary advices or referral.

alcohol doesnt make one sleep better =.= people conk out because they got drunk. geesh.

[Suho]

you need to go to a sleep clinic to identify the root cause of your insomnia.

could be diet or habitual routine like stress factor - which will require a lifestyle modification

could be hormonal - which will require medication

could be physiological, like apnea - medication or surgical in some instances.

see your physician. they'll make the necessary advices or referral.

alcohol doesnt make one sleep better =.= people conk out because they got drunk. geesh.

CannotSleep, if all else fails, you could ask advice from Craig David or Wheesung. I'm sure they totally understand how you feel.

Edited June 7, 2011 by Suho

[lct]

it is quite a serious problem. do not use benzodiazepines or alcohol as they make the sleep even more fragmented, and the tolerance will increase.

[koolkai]

I have been having really bad insomnia for the last 2 years. Tried all sort of things like medication, exercise, reading, music, alcohol, etc., but nothing seems to help. On a typical night, I will try to sleep at 10 only to wake up at 1 and that's it. Makes me feel very heaty and feverish all the time. Worse thing is once I fall sick, it seems to take forever to recover.

Anybody has any good tips? Please share and help.

I would suggest you go to a doctor who deals with sleeping disorder. At SGH, there is a sleeping disorder department whereby the doctor deals with sleeping disorder. Having a sleeping test will help you to find out the cause of your sleeping disorder. Maybe you are having sleeping apnea?

[happy.99]

there is one weird recommendation that i have seen on a documentary. He was told not to go into his bed room at anytime. Only when it is bed time, then he can go to bed. it took him a week later then he was able to sleep like normal people. so when u get home, stay out of the bed room.

[fab]

stay out of the bed or the bed room?

[split]

my sleep patterns are screwed up as well. something like 4/5am to 2/3pm.

trying to pull my sleep hours back

[passby]

my sleep patterns are screwed up as well. something like 4/5am to 2/3pm.

trying to pull my sleep hours back

Exactly the same here...

[joshlee]

there is one weird recommendation that i have seen on a documentary. He was told not to go into his bed room at anytime. Only when it is bed time, then he can go to bed. it took him a week later then he was able to sleep like normal people. so when u get home, stay out of the bed room.

The documentary is called 10 Things You Need to Know About Sleep on BBC Knowledge. Caught part of it last night.

[Guest guest]

Exactly the same here...

guess u must be over work and stress. can try going for a experience masseur first before going to clinic , usually will ended up with higher dose sleeping pill.

[Guest Happylark]

guess u must be over work and stress. can try going for a experience masseur first before going to clinic , usually will ended up with higher dose sleeping pill.

this is NOT true. under MOH's guidelines in singapore, a physician is only allowed to prescribe a short course of hypnotics to patients on the lowest dosage to prevent addiction and reliance.

a higher dosage will only be given if the current dosage is deemed to be insufficient to exert the required pharmacological / therapeutic effect.

but of course, like i said previously, if it's truly stress factor, you could consider a lifestyle modication before relying on drugs. that said, you need to identify the cause first. perhaps you take in loads of caffeine in the day? people think that green tea's ok but in fact green tea has more caffeine than coffee. or do you go to bed on a heavy stomach? or perhaps you watched too much (s)exciting films before bed? no point trying this and that when you dont know the exact reason. it could very well be your pillow or bed that's giving you problems.

see a physician if your daily routine is affected from sleep deprivation. why wait? polyclinics dont cost more than 20 and they'll give you referral to a sleep clinic if need be.

Edited June 8, 2011 by Happylark

[Guest Guest]

Try using The Bodyshop's Deep Sleep range of products, which contains essential oils that aid in having a good sleep, idk if it works for your serious case but i have tried the pillow mist, quite good result.. or you can try Perfect Potion's sweet dreams pillow mist..

[Athlete79]

I have been having really bad insomnia for the last 2 years. Tried all sort of things like medication, exercise, reading, music, alcohol, etc., but nothing seems to help. On a typical night, I will try to sleep at 10 only to wake up at 1 and that's it. Makes me feel very heaty and feverish all the time. Worse thing is once I fall sick, it seems to take forever to recover.

Anybody has any good tips? Please share and help.

I've been suffering from insomnia since I started my new job a year ago -- I work very irregular hours, and so, I have trouble falling asleep when I need to.

I've resorted to this supplement called "melatonin lozenge" which can be bought over the counter at the pharmacy (Watsons or Guardian). It's non medicated, and is said to be made from herbs.

It works for me thus far. All you need to do is place the supplement under your tongue, let it melt, and in a matter of five to ten minutes, you'd be lull to sleep.

Goodnight!

[Guest sushi]

dear cannotsleep,

if you have been sleeping for 1 hour nightly for 2 years, you should definitely seek help from a doctor. a suggestion is an ENT specialist at the sleep centre 20th floor at paragon, lift is near the taxi stand. dr kenny is a very good, patient doctor.

[lct]

interesting recommendations

sleep hygiene actually common sense but that is not common:

- sleep at fixed time and wake up at fixed time

- bed only for sleep and sex

- no intense drinking 4-6h before sleep esp caffeinated substances

- empty bladder before sleep

- no alochol/benzos. if needed, try 1st generation antihistamines like chlorpheniramine, promethazine etc

[Guest another sick guy]

Em, think I have the same problem also... My record was slept for less than 5 hours within 4 days... The worse case is I have to work some more next day!!

At first I am taking Melatonin, but it does not work for me... then I took Atarax (referred to public polyclinic), it also cant help much, now taking Stilnox...

Stilnox is working now, but make me more rely on it... once I stop taking it, then I get into more serious situation...

Sometime when it goes serious, I feel like want to suicide, to end these suffers... this problem not only bringing emo crush, it also make my body goes old very fast, especially the eyes... my charming eyes has lost its shine, and the world looks so blur for me...

em.. Now it becomes better a bit, may be I drink more milk recently... I also started to make some soup... It might help? em, when thing goes to critical, we will feel kiasi and seeking every solution...

Always recommend not to:

1. Drink Alcohol

2. Drink Coffee

3. Aggressive exercise before sleep (include hot sex or wank before sleep)

4. Smoking

5. take sleeping pill (will rely on it, like me...)

[slut]

Em, think I have the same problem also... My record was slept for less than 5 hours within 4 days... The worse case is I have to work some more next day!!

At first I am taking Melatonin, but it does not work for me... then I took Atarax (referred to public polyclinic), it also cant help much, now taking Stilnox...

Stilnox is working now, but make me more rely on it... once I stop taking it, then I get into more serious situation...

Sometime when it goes serious, I feel like want to suicide, to end these suffers... this problem not only bringing emo crush, it also make my body goes old very fast, especially the eyes... my charming eyes has lost its shine, and the world looks so blur for me...

em.. Now it becomes better a bit, may be I drink more milk recently... I also started to make some soup... It might help? em, when thing goes to critical, we will feel kiasi and seeking every solution...

Always recommend not to:

1. Drink Alcohol

2. Drink Coffee

3. Aggressive exercise before sleep (include hot sex or wank before sleep)

4. Smoking

5. take sleeping pill (will rely on it, like me...)

hey that sounds pretty serious. can you wean yourself off the stilnox and go to a tcm instead?

keep us posted k? all the best.

[stars]

I can relate to this so fcking much

[koolkai]

Em, think I have the same problem also... My record was slept for less than 5 hours within 4 days... The worse case is I have to work some more next day!!

At first I am taking Melatonin, but it does not work for me... then I took Atarax (referred to public polyclinic), it also cant help much, now taking Stilnox...

Stilnox is working now, but make me more rely on it... once I stop taking it, then I get into more serious situation...

Sometime when it goes serious, I feel like want to suicide, to end these suffers... this problem not only bringing emo crush, it also make my body goes old very fast, especially the eyes... my charming eyes has lost its shine, and the world looks so blur for me...

em.. Now it becomes better a bit, may be I drink more milk recently... I also started to make some soup... It might help? em, when thing goes to critical, we will feel kiasi and seeking every solution...

Always recommend not to:

1. Drink Alcohol

2. Drink Coffee

3. Aggressive exercise before sleep (include hot sex or wank before sleep)

4. Smoking

5. take sleeping pill (will rely on it, like me...)

Please dont rely on stilnox as it has side effects like headache and nausea. Need to seek alternative solutions. Is there anything that troubles you? Insomnia is a very awful medical problem. I hope you can find a good solution soon!

[Guest another sick guy]

hey that sounds pretty serious. can you wean yourself off the stilnox and go to a tcm instead?

keep us posted k? all the best.

Thanks for the warm concern...

TCM... you mean Traditional Chinese Medicine?

I found this book in popular book store... I am still doing the experiment (making those soup) ...

Hope it help host too...

[slut]

you could visit a Eu Yan Sang clinic.

http://www.ihealth.com.sg/clinics.php

only take sleeping pills as a last last last resort.

edit: yeah! I think you should try out the recipes in that book. tell us if they work k haha

Edited June 18, 2011 by slut

[thad]

I've been suffering from insomnia since I started my new job a year ago -- I work very irregular hours, and so, I have trouble falling asleep when I need to.

I've resorted to this supplement called "melatonin lozenge" which can be bought over the counter at the pharmacy (Watsons or Guardian). It's non medicated, and is said to be made from herbs.

It works for me thus far. All you need to do is place the supplement under your tongue, let it melt, and in a matter of five to ten minutes, you'd be lull to sleep.

Goodnight!

yep. melatonin works for me too. nite nite

[Manbane]

FANCL at taka basement 2 outlet sell these sleep supplement. Works well for me and i can sleep through the whole night.

I alternate between that and melatonin.

[Guest another sick guy]

FANCL at taka basement 2 outlet sell these sleep supplement. Works well for me and i can sleep through the whole night.

I alternate between that and melatonin.

I tried this alr, just started right after I saw your post here... the result is better than Melatonin (for me). It lead me to natural sleeping feeling, somehow I still wake up by suddenly at mid night, 5.30am something... but it is good enough already, at least I can get myself rest, even awhile...

Thanks for introducing us this come, my kiss to you, muacks~~~

[happy.99]

stay out of the bed or the bed room?

bed room!

[xxxpartyboixxx]

I've been suffering from fragmented sleep since breaking up with my 1st ex in 2009. I will wake up at 3-5am every night without fail. I have tried going to toilet to empty my bladder and tried everything in books relating to sleep but to no avail. I even tried staying up between 3-5am to observe if anything or sound was the cause of my broken slumber but nope nothing. Lately, I have been having some rather violent jerks when I drift to deep sleep. My body would twitch on its own and sometimes so great that my limbs literally get flung up to the air and then down to the bed which then wakes me up. I also get the occasional involuntary twitch at my jaws which leads to my teeth clenching together and biting my own tongue! I find it extremely dangerous and painful. Any cure for these?

[Guest passingthru]

I'm so sorry to hear of your insomnia problems. There is a direct correlation between blood sugar levels and insomnia. May I suggest that you check your levels? Simplistically, both spikes and drops in blood sugar elicit a compensating adrenal response which makes you either unable to fall asleep or to maintain prolonged sleep.

Also, do you regularly sleep with air-conditioning? No matter how advanced the system is, there really is no substitute for normal air. It may seem impossible to do without and it will take some getting used to but it's for your own best interest in the long run.

A concrete jungle isn't the most natural of habitats and losing touch with the earth/ground/soil also stimulates adrenal responses which as mentioned earlier inhibits restfulness. That's why city dwellers are some of the most violent people. See if you still remain insomniacs when you're on a nature based/themed holiday. If you do rest well, it's not so much the fact that you're on leave, nor is it the natural breezes from the beach or highland air although these help but it's simply because of being literally grounded.

Hope this helps and get well soon!

[koolkai]

Also, do you regularly sleep with air-conditioning? No matter how advanced the system is, there really is no substitute for normal air. It may seem impossible to do without and it will take some getting used to but it's for your own best interest in the long run.

Why is it that aircon will affect one's sleep? Could you elaborate on this?

[Guest passingthru]

Why is it that aircon will affect one's sleep? Could you elaborate on this?

It's recycled air and therefore not very healthy.

[robin]

dear cannotsleep,

if you have been sleeping for 1 hour nightly for 2 years, you should definitely seek help from a doctor. a suggestion is an ENT specialist at the sleep centre 20th floor at paragon, lift is near the taxi stand. dr kenny is a very good, patient doctor.

Forget about going there. I spent 9k plus, went through a surgery by him and I dont feel a single difference. It is all about $$$... Luckily most of it was paid by insurance...

[abang]

I have a few sleepless night recently due to the anxiety to change a working environment.

The thought of leaving my current job had resulted in many sleepless nights in June 2011.

I made a bold decision.

I decided to leave the cushy job because of the politics there.

I was surprised that how many of my colleagues and friends were asking "did you get a new job?"

I have not confirmed any but after 2 or 3 interviews, I am more assured that I can get them

if I want.

How to fight sleepless nights?

- read a difficult book - those thick Penguin classics sure knock you off within 10 minutes.

- take a walk around the neighbourhood. Discover the joy of snacking in the middle of the night.

- talk to a friend/stranger... cruising on mirc etc.

By then, you are so bored and tired that sleep just creeps in.

OK, I was told that it is best to sleep between 11 pm and 1 am.

So try knocking off during this time frame.

Drink some water....

[Shaukee]

I have been having really bad insomnia for the last 2 years. Tried all sort of things like medication, exercise, reading, music, alcohol, etc., but nothing seems to help. On a typical night, I will try to sleep at 10 only to wake up at 1 and that's it. Makes me feel very heaty and feverish all the time. Worse thing is once I fall sick, it seems to take forever to recover.

Anybody has any good tips? Please share and help.

sorry dude..mine even worst because happened to me for the past eight years....you better cure it quick.

[gstc82]

Any suggestions? I am sure some of us suffers from that once a while.

Any good tips to help us sleep better besides reading Nightingale"s super super long posts in the flaming room?

[Guest Guest]

Eat a banana(the real fruit, pls) after dinner or 4 hours before you koon.

It has this calming effect.

Stay away from the computer.

Try sleeping on the sofa with the tv on, it helps, too.

Some guys who used poppers also got this problem.

 

[NielKlient]

I've drank Gabanite sleep relaxer twice and it seems to work good for me. Been sleeping quite soundly and waking up refreshed...

It's not exactly cheap, but i think it's better than taking sleeping pills.

 

 

 

[IkuTube]

A doctor mentions that when our nose is blocked, it affects the quality of our sleep.  Surprisingly, when he recommends NASONEX Nose Spray, it does help.

You can get Nasonex at Guardian.

[knight]

Essentially you will need to change your mindset and give sleep as much importance and respect as you will give to other activities in life and not see it as some unwanted activity which you need to do every nite. It really helps

 

I have also found Melatonin tables useful when in need and it can be gotten off the shelves 

[alien]

A doctor mentions that when our nose is blocked, it affects the quality of our sleep.  Surprisingly, when he recommends NASONEX Nose Spray, it does help.You can get Nasonex at Guardian.

Always wonder how come nose will block when we sleep? Wht is the root cause of tis?

[IkuTube]

Always wonder how come nose will block when we sleep? Wht is the root cause of tis?

Err, think to know the root cause needs professional advice. From what I was told, our body (particularly nose) secretes mucous every day. If our nose isn't functioning properly and isn't clearing the mucous, it leaves stagnant mucous. Such a situation, it prevents a good sleep. Guess, it has to do with the proper breathing that is lacking when we lie down.

[camus]

go see dr lim li ling at gleneagles. she's a sleep disorder specialist.

[member_757]

A doctor mentions that when our nose is blocked, it affects the quality of our sleep. Surprisingly, when he recommends NASONEX Nose Spray, it does help.

You can get Nasonex at Guardian.

NAsonex is not off the shelf if I am not wrong. You need prescription from doctor to get it.

[alien]

Err, think to know the root cause needs professional advice. From what I was told, our body (particularly nose) secretes mucous every day. If our nose isn't functioning properly and isn't clearing the mucous, it leaves stagnant mucous. Such a situation, it prevents a good sleep. Guess, it has to do with the proper breathing that is lacking when we lie down.

Nose isnt functioning properly?! Tis is scary, so how to clear mucous if nose is "spoilt" ?!

Edited September 16, 2013 by alien

[IkuTube]

NAsonex is not off the shelf if I am not wrong. You need prescription from doctor to get it.

Oops, you may be right. I use to get it from the clinic until I find it cheaper in BKK (from the pharmacy without doctor's prescription).

[IkuTube]

Nose isnt functioning properly?! Tis is scary, so how to clear mucous if nose is "spoilt" ?!

LOL. There are people who suffer from sinus.

[Guest GoldDigger]

Maybe never dig gold so long ... Lol

[alien]

LOL. There are people who suffer from sinus.

Sinus seems like something tht cannot be cure?!

[Guest Guest]

I've drank Gabanite sleep relaxer twice and it seems to work good for me. Been sleeping quite soundly and waking up refreshed...

It's not exactly cheap, but i think it's better than taking sleeping pills.

 

 

I examined this product''s content. They did not indicate what is the strength of each of its ingredients. But the impression i get is that they key ingredient is Gaba and melatonin. U can buy one of each from iherbs and take it together. Each tablet cost u at most ten US cents, both will total 20 US cents. Versus one bottle of Gabanite where they sell for a few dollars. Gabanite appears gimicky. 

 

Melatonin works quite well for me. U can try it. If one of them works for u, u may not even need the other. But even if u take both together, they are harmless and not expensive.

[riverrobles]

I went to doctor and it was also connected with my anxiety disorder. It is much better if you get medical help just to be sure.

[alien]

Seems like usually if a person is insomnia, the reason most likely lead to anxiety?!