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

[riverrobles]

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

 

I guess so. My psychiatrist gave me meds (Faverin , Xanax and sleeping pills) and my psychologist told me :

1. not to drink coffee after 5PM

2. have an exercise routine

3. connect with friends and talk to someone

4. stop drinking alcohol.

 

Actually just by doing no. 2 (hi FF OGS) after work, I get tired and easily doze off.

 

No. 4 I can control but if I have a client or guest, I try to drink less and not keep up with the guests.

 

By the way, I also tried the Bodyshop sleeping spray, it was effective for me. I try not to take the sleeping pills because it is addictive.

[abang]

I must be getting old .. I havent suffered from Insomnia for such a long time.

In fact, as age catches up, I find myself tired very easily.

My sleeping pattern starts at 10 pm and most days, I am up by 6 am...even on weekends...

 

For those who can't sleep well...

1.  uncluster your bedroom... have earth tone bedsheets and pillow cases - no mirror facing your bed...

2.  take a good shower before bed and do some light sketching to relax the muscles

3.  stop eating at least 2 hours before bed but must remain hyrdated..

 

if all fails, take a boring book to read... something you won't even bother to browse at the bookstore..

After the 1st page, you will be so drowsy that you are asleep without knowing..

[Guest Guest]

I must be getting old .. I havent suffered from Insomnia for such a long time.

In fact, as age catches up, I find myself tired very easily.

 

If I'm not wrong, you need less sleep as you grow older. And the quality of sleep also suffers. 

[Blacque]

Does aromatherapy work?

[alien]

I guess so. My psychiatrist gave me meds (Faverin , Xanax and sleeping pills) and my psychologist told me :

1. not to drink coffee after 5PM

2. have an exercise routine

3. connect with friends and talk to someone

4. stop drinking alcohol.

 

Actually just by doing no. 2 (hi FF OGS) after work, I get tired and easily doze off.

 

No. 4 I can control but if I have a client or guest, I try to drink less and not keep up with the guests.

 

By the way, I also tried the Bodyshop sleeping spray, it was effective for me. I try not to take the sleeping pills because it is addictive.

Sometimes even if u exercise might not make u get tired n doze off easier. I have experience before body tired but mind too active, and resulted insomnia! I believe many times it is the mind tht is too active or anxiety, something like think too much when u lay on the bed, thts y u cant fall asleep or perhaps cld not have deep sleep. If a person does not have deep sleep, it is like not sleeping at all.

[onlylonely]

Does aromatherapy work?

Sleeping pills maybe

[Guest zzz]

Sleeping pill can be bad. Such as apnea at night

[Dorkable]

When I had insomnia, what knocked me out fast was reading Chinese passages.

[IkuTube]

The power of the mind:
 
-  The more we think we can't sleep, the more we think about the possibility of having insomnia, the more we will stay awake.  Subconscioulsy, we are empowering the mind to expect it.  Trick is, when we do not fall asleep instantly, just do not fight it as it will only make it worse.  Just accept it and learn to relax.
 
Louise Hay in her book, Heal Your Body, the underlying cause of insomnia is:  Fear. Not trusting the process of life. Guilt.

The affirmation to heal this condition of insomnia is: “I lovingly release the day and slip into peaceful sleep, knowing tomorrow will take care of itself.”
 
Interesting read - Insomnia: The Art of Letting Go
 
 

[thaiboyz]

Sleepless nights can be annoying especially when we have important events to tackle on the following days. Some of the nights , I would sleep for an hour or two. There were some nights I was up the whole night without closing my eyes. I do realise time passes quickly and then the first light upon the dawn arrival.

If there are important meetings and errants to attend on the following day. I would just pop half pill to get my sleep, otherwise my eyes will be sored and will easily lose my focus on matters.

Getting professional help is a must and most of then would advise to tone down our activities few hours before bed time . Maintain a regular time to go to bed and try to avoid disturbance such as noise by shutting them put. Also remember to off our mobile phone or put it to silence.

[alien]

Agreed, insomnia gets even more frustrating if u need to wake up early to go to work or have impt things to do the next day. When u lay on the bed and when u realise the time is tickling away and yet u still cld not sleep at all, really very annoying.

[IkuTube]

My friend swears this works for her.

 

http://on.aol.com/video/insomnia-acupressure-treatments-33170931

[Guest sportsathletic]

Thanks for the webby!

[Guest wozzit]

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...

 

I have to travel a lot and for years have found it difficult to get to sleep when travelling. A long time ago my doc prescribed Stilnox. I find half a tablet is fine to get me to sleep. Also if I've got off to sleep ok but wake up in the middle of the night, a half tablet gets me another 3 or 4 hours. When I am at home, I try not to use it and sometimes I'm ok. Other times I lie awake worrying I can not sleep  n that becomes a vicious cycle coz the more u worry the more u stay awake.

 

I've read that some people who take Stilnox a lot can sleepwalk in the night, get some food and then back to bed. I have never experienced any side effects at all. But my doc now says he wants to reduce the number of pills I get even for travelling. But I dun understand why coz it is not addictive in the dose I take. I've tried melatonin n it dusnt work for me. Also tried some of the over the counter stuff they sell in the US. Waste of money. I guess I have to give a sleep clinic a try.

[robin]

I was one of those who took Stilnox & sleep walk. During those years, I used to sleep nude. There was one night where I woke up in the middle of the night standing completely nake in the living hall! Since then, I never dare to sleep nude ;p

Subsequently, I still have several nights of sleep walking, but at least I don't have embarrassing moments since. After talking Stilnox, at times I also have memory lost. So in short, I think Stilnox does have some negative side effects. FYI, each time half a tablet is enough to knock me out.

Edited July 23, 2014 by robin

[thorzguy]

Our body changes over time. I used to drink coffee like nobody business and being able to snore the next moment. Nowadays, it has affected me a few times when I took coffee in the evening.

 

The mind plays a very important role. It either allow or prevent you from sleeping. Also, exercising promotes sleep. Not intensive ones though. Ok, rough/vigorous sex before bed doesn't count.

Edited July 23, 2014 by thorzguy

[marriedmly]

Our body changes over time. I used to drink coffee like nobody business and being able to snore the next moment. Nowadays, it has affected me a few times when I took coffee in the evening.

 

The mind plays a very important role. It either allow or prevent you from sleeping. Also, exercising promotes sleep. Not intensive ones though. Ok, rough/vigorous sex before bed doesn't count.

 

agree.

 

coffee has some effect on some people

keeping them awake

 

but has no effect on others

 

its all the brain that tells u what to do

[Guest Guest]

Feeling anxiety and cld not sleep now. How?

[Guest Guest]

Serious insomina, 3am plus still cant sleep!

[Guest Guest]

My friend swears this works for her.

http://on.aol.com/video/insomnia-acupressure-treatments-33170931

Think i need to try this since i am still wide awake now!

[riverrobles]

Zopiclone ,as prescribed by my doctor

[Muscleanstr8btm]

Sometimes even if u exercise might not make u get tired n doze off easier. I have experience before body tired but mind too active, and resulted insomnia! I believe many times it is the mind tht is too active or anxiety, something like think too much when u lay on the bed, thts y u cant fall asleep or perhaps cld not have deep sleep. If a person does not have deep sleep, it is like not sleeping at all.

I used to experience the same thing but i managed to find a resolution by diverting my mind. My mind also restless because of my daily task (9-5 job, freelance job, online business, hook up etc). This is what I did before sleep;

1. Dink a glass of warm milk

2. Stop staring at any screen (phone, ipad, TV, laptop) 2 hours before sleep

3. If you are with ur partner, start cuddling and get comfortable. I did sex in the morning

4. Reading a novel - it gives us an imaginary feeling that might cause us to divert our anxious mind

5. Music for the soul - my partner gave me a song compilation that made me want to sleep because it is in French - I don't understand the lyric but I enjoy the melody. You can also download some app through that produce a song for you to sleep.

I been diagnosed by a psychiatrist that I have an anxiety disorder and I am also have a restless mind. My insomnia was at the top notch. This is what I do on a regular basis;

1. No alcohol or caffeine, even though I need my morning coffee to start my day.

2. I replace my morning coffee with a sex at early morning, a very light workout and a healthy + clean breakfast

3. Eating clean - I cook everything at home (breakfast, lunch, dinner), even my snack

4. Always make sure that the room is always clean and tidy.

p/s : I am not having insomnia now but I am doing some work because it is quiet now and I have a peaceful mind to work.

[alien]

Seems like some of u r seeing a psychiatrist to solve ur insomnia problem? Sometimes i wonder does it really help improving or solve ur insomnia, esp if u are given medication. Always find taking medication is not gd and sure will have side effect.

 

Actually on and off i also wld have insomnia which makes me very frustrating and afraid night fall, cos dun know if i wld be insomnia again on tht night. I have done some of the things tht u guys have mentioned above, but dun find it effective enough. Cld be i am too anxious which makes me even harder and difficult to sleep.

[riverrobles]

Seems like some of u r seeing a psychiatrist to solve ur insomnia problem? Sometimes i wonder does it really help improving or solve ur insomnia, esp if u are given medication. Always find taking medication is not gd and sure will have side effect.

 

Actually on and off i also wld have insomnia which makes me very frustrating and afraid night fall, cos dun know if i wld be insomnia again on tht night. I have done some of the things tht u guys have mentioned above, but dun find it effective enough. Cld be i am too anxious which makes me even harder and difficult to sleep.

 

Hi alien, at first I went to the doctor due to insomnia but then I was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder and its due to stress / burn-out at work (I have 5 projects that were running at the same time) and other worries like being gay(thinking I will die of AIDS, will have STDs, live alone, always thought of these on a daily basis) and family (thinking my mother would die , my brothers will get into an accident, those things I kept on thinking daily). I think it is better to get a check-up and go to a psych, I got help from my boss and my company paid for my treatment. The doctors are aware about those medication being addictive, they would also check a follow-up check-up to a month or two until they ask you to stop taking medication. The psychiatrist would also recommend you to go get a psychologist for counselling. My boss and HR was also very supportive, apparently I'm not the first one diagnosed with anxiety disorder in our company :-)

[alien]

Guess it is common for pple nowadays to have anxiety disorder, just depends how serious or mild your case is, and how u r able to deal with it.

 

Gd for u tht your company supportive and even pay for your treatment. Cos many pple wld view going to see psychiatrist and psychologist is very personal and uncommon, so better not to reveal to so many pple included your company. So far have your anxiety disorder condition improved or cure?

[riverrobles]

It's nothing to be ashamed of actually esp if its for treatment.

It has improved , I don't take Zopiclone anymore to make me sleep . 

I have Faverin for the anxiety but only when I need to. The last time I went to the psych was Feb, I ll just come back after 2 months.

Edited March 13, 2015 by riverrobles

[alien]

Always find tht if u have anxiety disorder, 100% u will also have insomnia problem. Cos seems like i have some anxiety problem, and now it affecting my sleep lately. May be i still not able to handle when my anxiety trigger off?!

[riverrobles]

My recommendation is to get a referral letter from your company doctor or from your polyclinic or neighbourhood clinic to a specialist in IMH. The institute has both psychologists for counselling and psychiatrists to give medication.

 

Mental health is a serious matter and even me at first I thought I can manage my sleepless nights just by home remedies like drinking milk etc but if all else fail you really need to go to IMH or any psych ward from our hospitals here. Forget about the stigma of going to IMH (there is none), you prioritize your health first. Actually you'll found out no one cares about you going to a psych , its just you overthinking.

[Muscleanstr8btm]

My recommendation is to get a referral letter from your company doctor or from your polyclinic or neighbourhood clinic to a specialist in IMH. The institute has both psychologists for counselling and psychiatrists to give medication.

 

Mental health is a serious matter and even me at first I thought I can manage my sleepless nights just by home remedies like drinking milk etc but if all else fail you really need to go to IMH or any psych ward from our hospitals here. Forget about the stigma of going to IMH (there is none), you prioritize your health first. Actually you'll found out no one cares about you going to a psych , its just you overthinking.

Totally agree and mental illness can give a big impact in your life. Just want to share, I have anxiety disorder that was not went through a proper medication since I was a kid and it was severe when I was working in Sg. I thought it is common to have this anxious feeling till I got a series of panic attack regularly till I fall into deep depression. I'm unable to work properly and decided to quit my job. Now, I can only do my online business from home and can't be left alone because a pressure or a little stress can cause a panic attack.

Our brain is the root cause of everything and if we have a 'short circuit' at that area, it will affected a lot of thing in your life. Meeting psychiatrist is a common thing now. Even a big name or star seek help from psychiatrist. That is why there is a psychiatrist around.

[alien]

Looks like i am not the only person facing my anxiety problem. Haha. Agreed tht mental n anxiety illness can change ur entire life completely, esp if it is not treated properly.

So ur panic attack resulted tht u cant be left alone? Meaning u have to be someone with u all the time?

[Muscleanstr8btm]

Looks like i am not the only person facing my anxiety problem. Haha. Agreed tht mental n anxiety illness can change ur entire life completely, esp if it is not treated properly.

So ur panic attack resulted tht u cant be left alone? Meaning u have to be someone with u all the time?

It is not necessary but I am just phobia if I am alone or there is no anyone that I am familiar is around. This is because I went through a series of panic attack (you know how bad the situation if you are having it) alone at home. You can't let the panic attack to end by itself because it might get worst. You need to fight it and in my case, I need someone to guide me especially on breathing.

[alien]

Panic attack really a very scary thing. But if u r lucky enough to have someone with u, then u can fight it better. If not also no choice but to go thru it by urself, just have to learn to breath slowly first and then find something to do in order to divert ur attention and thoughts. So does your panic attack getting lesser so far?

[Muscleanstr8btm]

Panic attack really a very scary thing. But if u r lucky enough to have someone with u, then u can fight it better. If not also no choice but to go thru it by urself, just have to learn to breath slowly first and then find something to do in order to divert ur attention and thoughts. So does your panic attack getting lesser so far?

I am a yogi actually and I know how to breath normally yet not perfectly but because of anxiety disorder + my 'kam cheong-ness' = Blank Mind

It is not bad as before because I left all my stress behind and do the thing that I love now.

[alien]

Not easy to leave all your stress behind, cos stress is something tht u cannot control. Haha. Just like i want to tell myself not to think so much, so as no to trigger any anxiety attack, but not as easy as i tot to be. This is the reason why i still have problem sleeping now.

[Muscleanstr8btm]

Spend some money to cure it in every way that you possibly can. Trust me, you will not regret it if you see some improvement.

[alien]

Looks like i cannot escape of curing it thru medication. Since i find medication used to treat anxiety n insomnia no gd for the body.

[Muscleanstr8btm]

I do Eat, Pray, Love

[alien]

Anxiety attack often happen during at night, also dun know why? The later the night fall, the more build up of the anxiety wld be. Haha.

[Muscleanstr8btm]

U r anxious because you are not getting sex from someone maybe? Middle age crisis? LOL

[alien]

May be u r rite. Haha.

[Muscleanstr8btm]

It's not a daily routine but when we got a chance because I am now staying with parents in Penang and he is in KL. I crashed at his place for a month before decided to stay at Penang. Too much info now

[alien]

Guess having a love one with u really helps a lot when a person has anxiety condition. I feel tht dealing with anxiety alone surely will slow down the recovery rate a lot, although it still can be done alone lah.

Anyway, hopefully i am able to sleep well tonite, since it is already near midnight soon. Haha.

[HendryTan]

For night-owls of BW who have problem sleeping and still up at this hour,

try this 8-hr youtube video.

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32550445

____________________________________________________________________ 

  

Beneath a wooden footbridge on the River Bonet in County Leitrim, a small waterfall makes a noisy sound.It rushes along, cascading down rocks, breaking the wild silence of the rural countryside.

It is a scene featured in a YouTube video that is now helping millions of insomnia sufferers, from Belfast to Beijing, who are struggling to sleep.

The eight-hour footage has been viewed over six million times and is now part of medical research used in several London hospitals as part of a clinical trial.

The man behind the video is visual artist Johnnie Lawson from County Leitrim.

"People who were finding it difficult to sleep began writing to me from all over the world - North Korea, the Central African Republic, Beijing and across the UK.

"They started leaving me messages, saying the recordings were helping to relieve their insomnia," Johnnie said.

"I've even had people watching my videos from inside the Vatican."

Peaceful serenity

 

The filmmaker posted his first video to YouTube five years ago, and to his surprise, it quickly attracted a fan base that he was not expecting.

Dr Dorothy Wade is a health psychologist who works in the intensive care unit at University College Hospital, London.

"The aim of the trial is to prevent intensive care patients from being traumatised and to cut the high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder found in ICU survivors," she said.

"As part of the therapy, nurses give patients tablet computers with different relaxation materials on them. This includes Johnnie Lawson's videos of tranquil nature scenes."

The trial involves researchers from University College Hospital, University College London and the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre in London.

Mr Lawson started making the videos as a way to bring nature into people's lives.

"I consider myself lucky to live in the unexplored and peaceful hills of County Leitrim," he said.

 

Unlikely fan

 

Comments left under his YouTube videos each tell their own story of how the posts have helped people.

"I am in the middle of Manhattan. I didn't even know such serenity existed," said one New York resident.

"Thanks for helping me stay focused over a few 19-hour research and writing sessions," added one Boston student.

As the popularity of Johnnie's videos increased, so too did their length.

"Insomnia suffers would fall asleep listening to some of my videos, but they'd wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of silence.

"That's when I started making eight-hour long videos, like the waterfall on the River Bonet," Johnnie said.

"If people woke up during the night, they'd be met with the sound of nature.

"It would put them back to sleep again."

He has also captured the Cladagh River in Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, on film

 

Mr Lawson has filmed 174 videos near rivers and lakes in counties Leitrim, Fermanagh and Sligo.

Locations in Fermanagh include the Cladagh River, Lough Macnean, the Marble Arch Caves and St Patrick's Holy Well outside Belcoo.

[yewtee-]

thanks for sharing!  been having sleepless nights for the past few weeks... which had never occur to me before

[Guest sleepless]

Thanks for sharing. I'm having severe insomnia. Any other good stuff?

[alien]

If u have severe insomnia, maybe need to seek medical help. Cos do not take long-term insomnia lightly, as it might evolve into more serious problem.

[Bern]

Thanks for sharing. I'm having severe insomnia. Any other good stuff?

 

I find that these work for me.

 

 

[Guest wozzit]

I often have a lot of trouble sleeping. In the US some yrs ago I found a CD of waves gently breaking on a sandy beach. It is so peaceful n so repetitive it sometimes helps lull me to sleep.

[Oracle]

Have you guys tried GabaNite? I'm not an insomniac but during rough nights it helps. One bottle i can knock out for 8 hour straight.

[alien]

Have you guys tried GabaNite? I'm not an insomniac but during rough nights it helps. One bottle i can knock out for 8 hour straight.

Never heard of tis. So it is even safer than sleeping pills?