Why Can't I Sleep?

[katiegrl]

I feel like crying, this is getting ridiculous. I cannot remember the last time I had a good night's sleep!

 

I fall asleep at around midnight then up at 2:00 or 3:00 am.

 

I drink a glass of milk to calm down (heart racing) then maybe I will fall back to sleep at 5 if I am lucky, up at 6:00!

 

I do have Bipolar II which I am managing and my moods are fine. I run and do yoga.. Eat healthy.

 

Don't want meds again as they make me feel numb like a zombie.

 

I just want to sleep!

 

Any ideas? I will try anything at this point.

 

Oh and the OTC stuff, even melatonin, makes me feel drowsy the next day, which is worse than feeling tired. Ugh!

 

Thanks in advance!

[LivingWaterPlease]

Have you tried taking magnesium daily? Also, passion flower root powder (or tea but make it strong) and/or valerian root powder or tea or a combo of both should make you drowsy.

 

Lavender essential oil will help you relax.

 

Valium is made from Valerian root and Valerian root is nonaddictive. You could switch back and forth between Passion Flower root powder to Valerian root powder nightly or weekly.

[katiegrl]

Have you tried taking magnesium daily? Also, passion flower root powder (or tea but make it strong) and/or valerian root powder or tea or a combo of both should make you drowsy.

 

Lavender essential oil will help you relax.

 

Valium is made from Valerian root and Valerian root is nonaddictive. You could switch back and forth between Passion Flower root powder to Valerian root powder nightly or weekly.

 

I will try it. Thanks.

 

Health Food store just a block away... I am sure they carry.

 

When should I take the magnesium, morning or night? Do you know how much I should take? In milligrams?

 

I take a multi every day, is there not enough magnesium in that?

[jen1447]

Might sound predictable coming from me but do you masturbate before bed? (Or first thing after you go to bed?) Nothing like a good orgasm or few to get you evened out.

 

Believe it or not, morning orgasms (and periodically thru the day even) can help your equilibrium overall, so morning/afternoon masturbation might help you sleep at night too.

 

Not sure if you're getting any/much sex right now so don't neglect the O. Your body needs them even if you're not in a relationship.

[katiegrl]

Might sound predictable coming from me but do you masturbate before bed? (Or first thing after you go to bed?) Nothing like a good orgasm or few to get you evened out.

 

Believe it or not, morning orgasms (and periodically thru the day even) can help your equilibrium overall, so morning/afternoon masturbation might help you sleep at night too.

 

Not sure if you're getting any/much sex right now so don't neglect the O. Your body needs them even if you're not in a relationship.

 

Actually yes! Which is how I am able to fall asleep at midnight!

 

Should I masturbate again when i wake at 2 or 3? I am so frustrated that I woke up, I am not really into it, but maybe I should.

 

Funny you mention sex, since the ex and I broke up last Dec I have only had sex once with a new guy I was dating but broke up with cuz wasn't over my ex.

 

I can't do casual sex, not interested, rather do it myself.

 

My insomnia was never this bad when ex and I were together, and sleeping together....

[Buddhist]

It sounds like you're in the triphasic sleep pattern, it's something a lot of people are finding hits them out of nowhere, especially with your heart palpitation. I had similar, was diagnosed as anxiety. Had all medical tests to make sure it's not health related.

 

For me, it passed and fairly quickly. It happens because you are processing subconscious material in your sleep and when you wake up wth heart palpitation it's because you were processing fear. I recently started a therapy designed to dig up this trauma and consciously process it. The triphasic sleep pattern went away when I started doing this. I can easily sleep 9hrs+ each night now.

 

You might think is woo, that's your call but we are currently in a rare astrological retrograde pattern where 5 planets were retrograde all at the same time (started end of May) it's caused a lot of people to be processing their past in this way. This retrograde pattern will end in late June, so relief is almost here.

[266696687]

There's lots of things you can try to help you sleep better.

 

Drink a mug of horlicks.

Have a warm bath an hour before trying to sleep.

Read something light and cheerful before bed.

Go to bed and wake up the same time everyday. Keep to the routine as much as you can.

 

 

Some things to avoid that tend to keep you awake.

 

Don't watch TV an hour before sleeping.

No mobile phone in the bedroom. (no laptops or tablets either).

No caffeine after 5pm.

Avoid high sugar content foods in the evening.

Exercise before 6pm. (Exercising in the evening can disturb your sleep).

 

If you do wake up in the night and find it hard to fall back to sleep.

 

Get up but keep the lights off. Turning the lights on makes you wake up fully and will keep you awake for longer.

 

If you are waking up worrying or stressed try and divert your thoughts away by thinking about mundane tasks (shopping list) or your to do list for the next day. This takes practice but is a useful skill especially during times of stress.

 

Remind yourself this is temporary and the feelings you have now will pass with time.

 

Remind yourself that problems and worries seem worse at night time but things are always brighter in the morning.

[katiegrl]

It sounds like you're in the triphasic sleep pattern, it's something a lot of people are finding hits them out of nowhere, especially with your heart palpitation. I had similar, was diagnosed as anxiety. Had all medical tests to make sure it's not health related.

 

For me, it passed and fairly quickly. It happens because you are processing subconscious material in your sleep and when you wake up wth heart palpitation it's because you were processing fear. I recently started a therapy designed to dig up this trauma and consciously process it. The triphasic sleep pattern went away when I started doing this. I can easily sleep 9hrs+ each night now.

 

You might think is woo, that's your call but we are currently in a rare astrological retrograde pattern where 5 planets were retrograde all at the same time (started end of May) it's caused a lot of people to be processing their past in this way. This retrograde pattern will end in late June, so relief is almost here.

 

Last paragraph, I believe it! I have been having strange dreams too about my past, so something is definitely going on there!

 

Late June?

 

Okay at least there is a light..... this sucks!

 

Thanks B!

[Buddhist]

The best thing to do if you don't want to mess about with medications etc is to just work with it. When you wake, don't lie in bed tossing and feeling pissed off that you can't sleep. Get out of bed. Get a journal and write down whatever thoughts you are having. You will likely find you get deep insight into your life in these periods. Once you do that tiredness will naturally come back on, go back to bed and sleep. The worst thing you an do is resist the process because you will just toss and turn all night.

 

You're awake because your mind has something it wants to tell you, pay attention and your body will rest again.

[katiegrl]

The best thing to do if you don't want to mess about with medications etc is to just work with it. When you wake, don't lie in bed tossing and feeling pissed off that you can't sleep. Get out of bed. Get a journal and write down whatever thoughts you are having. You will likely find you get deep insight into your life in these periods. Once you do that tiredness will naturally come back on, go back to bed and sleep. The worst thing you an do is resist the process because you will just toss and turn all night.

 

You're awake because your mind has something it wants to tell you, pay attention and your body will rest again.

 

This is golden ...... and makes sense. Tnx again!

 

I DO just lie there stressing, which doesn't help!

 

@226669....these are the typical things my doctors have suggested, which I have tried, don't work for me.

 

I actually need noise in the background, TV usually.... and eating a light carb with milk before bed relaxes me.

 

I'm a weirdo what can I say... lol

[jen1447]

Actually yes! Which is how I am able to fall asleep at midnight!

 

Should I masturbate again when i wake at 2 or 3? I am so frustrated that I woke up, I am not really into it, but maybe I should.

 

Funny you mention sex, since the ex and I broke up last Dec I have only had sex once with a new guy I was dating but broke up with cuz wasn't over my ex.

 

I can't do casual sex, not interested, rather do it myself.

 

My insomnia was never this bad when ex and I were together, and sleeping together....

 

I'll keep my suggestions limited to sex-related stuff, so keep in mind that a. it's not necessarily what's wrong or the only thing that's wrong, and b. if my suggestions seem to work, it doesn't necessarily mean they did if you were addressing other things as well.

 

I'm not sure I'd masturbate again after waking up at 2 or 3, unless you happen to be really horny, but what I would suggest is that you get into the habit of masturbating for like a half hour or so after work, every day. So that'd give you two different sessions per day. (Not exactly extreme given it's your only source right now.) My thinking w/this is that it'd be less of a night time ritual this way and you'd spread the benefits of the happy cumming brain chemicals out more evenly thruout the day. This is far from science btw, I'm just going on (a lot of) experience and intuition.

 

You could add a morning session if you like for greater effect, or replace the after work one with a morning one, but I personally don't like masturbating in the morning just bc my mind is geared toward getting ready for work. I know quite a few ppl tho who do it regularly in the a.m. w/a lot of success.

 

Are you a multiples girl katie? Not trying to push this into sex help territory but if you're not, that'd be sth to get into too - tons of benefits from 'going the extra' mile so to speak.

[Methodical]

Melatonin is supposed to be good to help reset your clock, so to speak. I know ppl who work swing shifts, deal with jet lag, etc. who swear by it and say it's much better than Tylenol P.M. and the likes. You may want to do some research and decide if it's something that might help.

[Satu]

Another way of resetting your clock is to go outside at noon and spend five minutes looking at the sky.

[katiegrl]

Melatonin is supposed to be good to help reset your clock, so to speak. I know ppl who work swing shifts, deal with jet lag, etc. who swear by it and say it's much better than Tylenol P.M. and the likes. You may want to do some research and decide if it's something that might help.

 

Tnx Meth, have tried though. Makes me feel too drowsy the next day....

 

Same with all those OTC drugs.....that others swear by.

 

It is like my brain works the exact opposite of most normal folks' brains.....

 

I mean who actually needs to sleep with TV on?

 

Me! It distracts my brain from racing with other thoughts.....that keep me awake.

 

I know I really need to go back on the Bipolar meds, but God I really do not want too!

 

I think I will try what Buddhist suggested since it seems rather unconventional and just may work!

 

Oh and jen's too.

Edited June 6, 2016 by katiegrl

[VeveCakes]

Smoke a joint

[katiegrl]

Smoke a joint

 

Haha, medical marijuana is legal here....I need it!

[VeveCakes]

Haha, medical marijuana is legal here....I need it!

 

It helps, trust me!

[bluefeather]

Haha, medical marijuana is legal here....I need it!

 

that could probably do it.

 

some kind of relaxing tea might help. sometimes I watch a really boring video. I actually try to pay attention and then I pass out.

[katiegrl]

that could probably do it.

 

some kind of relaxing tea might help. sometimes I watch a really boring video. I actually try to pay attention and then I pass out.

 

Thanks bf, and to everyone.

 

My problem isn't actually falling asleep, but *staying* asleep.

 

Realistically, I can't smoke pot all night, or masturbate all night or drink relaxing tea all night, etc.

 

Really need to get to the root of why my brain refuses to shut down for longer than 2-3 hours at a time.

 

I know I have a chemical imbalance ...... but hoping the sort of unconventional approach Buddhist provided.... which is a natural remedy ......might help.

 

Will call my doctor tho cuz I really need to sleep soon.... or else I won't be able to function.

 

I once went 5 days with *no* sleep when having a bad bipolar episode. And had to be hospitalized.

 

That is how serious it is and can get....

 

Sucks.

 

But thanks again everyone.... you guys rock.

[Buddhist]

I mean who actually needs to sleep with TV on?

 

People who need white noise because they have more sensitive than usual neurological/nervous systems. My only comment there is this. Be careful what you are listening to while you sleep. Once your brain hits theta waves (deep sleep) its very susceptible to soaking up the TV content. If you have a problem with racing thoughts/anxiety then being programmed by the TV is not such a good idea. Better to get a DVD with sounds of nature (bird song/ocean waves etc) similar on it.

 

Someone I know sleeps with the radio on all night and then surprise, surprise she is in a state of mania the entire next day. She's never been diagnosed with anything but its clear she has a disturbed system if you spend 5 mins in her company.

Edited June 6, 2016 by Buddhist

[LivingWaterPlease]

Try the magnesium daily no matter what else you do, and you probably will need other remedies in addition. Probably not enough in your vitamin pill. Most people are deficient in magnesium, google it. I buy a bottle of liquid mag at the drugstore or big box discount and drink a third of the bottle every few days.

 

I order passion flower root powder and valerian root powder by the lb. Not sure if I can post where I order from on here. You can take it to go to sleep and take more when you wake up in the night for awhile until you get back on schedule. I alternate between the two if I need it.

 

Lavender essential oil is surprisingly effective, too.

[katiegrl]

People who need white noise because they have more sensitive than usual neurological/nervous systems. My only comment there is this. Be careful what you are listening to while you sleep. Once your brain hits theta waves (deep sleep) its very susceptible to soaking up the TV content. If you have a problem with racing thoughts/anxiety then being programmed by the TV is not such a good idea. Better to get a DVD with sounds of nature (bird song/ocean waves etc) similar on it.

 

Someone I know sleeps with the radio on all night and then surprise, surprise she is in a state of mania the entire next day. She's never been diagnosed with anything but its clear she has a disturbed system if you spend 5 mins in her company.

 

This is true. I often dream about whatever is on the TV..... I immediately wake up which is why I remember the dream. I have the most bizarre dreams.

 

I used to write short stories about what I dreamt about....one was actually published!

 

The DVD is an excellent idea. Sounds of the ocean or birds would be awesome....

 

I went to health food store and gal have me something with 5-HTP in it and valerian root.

 

She said it can be very strong so start with half.....I just took it and starting to feel relaxed! Yay.

 

Hopefully will sleep tonight.

 

I am soooooo glad i posted here. You guys are the best. :)

 

More helpful than my doctors!

 

Between the DVD idea, writing down my thoughts instead of tossing and turning, the magnesium and valerian root ... I think I will be fine.

[whichwayisup]

I feel like crying, this is getting ridiculous. I cannot remember the last time I had a good night's sleep!

 

I fall asleep at around midnight then up at 2:00 or 3:00 am.

 

I drink a glass of milk to calm down (heart racing) then maybe I will fall back to sleep at 5 if I am lucky, up at 6:00!

 

I do have Bipolar II which I am managing and my moods are fine. I run and do yoga.. Eat healthy.

 

Don't want meds again as they make me feel numb like a zombie.

 

I just want to sleep!

 

Any ideas? I will try anything at this point.

 

Oh and the OTC stuff, even melatonin, makes me feel drowsy the next day, which is worse than feeling tired. Ugh!

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Melatonin. Try it and see if it helps. It's an natural sleep aid.

 

Careful about Magnesium, if your body doesn't need it you might have a reaction to it (sore and upset stomach, the runs etc) so make sure you check with your Dr before using Mag.

[LivingWaterPlease]

Melatonin. Try it and see if it helps. It's an natural sleep aid.

 

Careful about Magnesium, if your body doesn't need it you might have a reaction to it (sore and upset stomach, the runs etc) so make sure you check with your Dr before using Mag.

 

 

Yes, definitely, forgot to mention magnesium can give you the runs. Google a normal amount to take. Other than the runs I doubt you'll have a problem and take too much if you use common sense.

 

(wwiu, she can't take melatonin she mentioned in first post, but great idea if she could take it).

[whichwayisup]

Yes, definitely, forgot to mention magnesium can give you the runs. Google a normal amount to take. Other than the runs I doubt you'll have a problem and take too much if you use common sense.

 

(wwiu, she can't take melatonin she mentioned in first post, but great idea if she could take it).

 

LOL thanks, I must get my eyes checked as I missed that.