Help with insomnia

[monterey vidiot]

I have heard great things about Belleruth Naparstek's meditation CDs. Amazon and the Health Journeys site have them. Yesterday in my survivors class, someone who had been insomniac due to anxiety and fear of recurrence, said that the CDs are so soothing, she has never heard them all the way through - always falls asleep. She downloads them to her MP3 player. She said samples are available for listening on the Health Journeys site.

[Gams]

I have a terrible time sleeping at night. I fall asleep easily, but I'm always awake by 2:00 a.m. and can't get back to sleep. It really sucks when there is nothing to watch on t.v. at the hour. I usually end up watching ABC World News Now("informing insomniacs for over 20 years") , but I don't like the new female co-host much.

[toaster]

Well, having a pre-bed routine can help your body recognize that it's time for sleep, so that can be a good thing. If you are far enough away from the TV screen, it may not be an issue. Still, if the TV stays on, it could be interfering with quality of sleep.

Sherry, I hope you find some relief soon!

[MsThistlebottom]

Hi Sherry. So sorry about your ongoing insomnia. I also like Qi Gong for Deep Sleep, as well as Gentle Yoga through Somatic Exploration. A dark, cool bedroom helps. Could you take a long, leisurely walk after dinner? I also agree with Beth that TV and computer can interfere with the quality and duration of sleep.

[sherry7899]

Thank you so much for the advice and ideas. I really appreciate it. I am 44 years old, so perimenopause can be definitely be a factor. I will look into the supplements and cds.

Jane-I'd be thrilled to get seven hours of sleep-you have to limit yourself to that?! It's so rare I get that many hours in one night.

Sherry

[Jane P.]

My guess is that on some nights you get more sleep than others. What I'm saying is to never allow yourself more than seven hours. This is a real struggle at first, but over time your sleep will even out. I read an article to this effect. I will see if I can find it online and point you to it.

[F1mom]

Originally Posted by sherry7899

Thank you so much for the advice and ideas. I really appreciate it. I am 44 years old, so perimenopause can be definitely be a factor. I will look into the supplements and cds.

I'm in the same (no sleep) boat. (((hugs))) I'm on the tail end of my cycle and I haven't slept all the way through since Saturday night which is tough with little ones.

I've also tried limiting computer time after 7 pm and find it doesn't really seem to make a difference.

But getting out of bed makes a huge difference. I grab a throw, recline in my favorite easy chair and either meditate or count sheep. I'll fall asleep in the chair and usually the cat wakes me up around 5:30 am at which point I can grab another hour of sleep in bed before my DH's alarm goes off.

If I figure out any new tricks I'll let you know. T

[BigBadBetty]

My only advice is talk to your doctor. I went through a period of debilitating insomnia. I tried all sorts of natural remedies. I did not want to be dependent on something to go to sleep. Nothing worked. I finally went to the doctor again. She prescribed one of the meds I was so reluctant to try. She only had me take it 10 days. After 10 days, my body reset its clock. That was over 10 years ago. I've never needed to take that medicine again.

[bzar]

sherry, i PM'd you.

if you do a search of my VF user name with "sleep" i wrote some long posts about what i did to combat insomnia:

post #1
post #2
post #3

[Pat58]

Sherry, I had a few more alternative practice type thoughts:

Reiki - You can find a certified Reiki practitioner at most quality yoga studios and alternative health places that offer massage and body work. See http://www.reiki.org/ I bet it would help with that muscle tensing business.

Hypnosis - find a licensed hypnotherapist

Acupuncture - ask your doctor for a referral. Acupuncture is truly incredible.