Old Style Insomnia help!

pawpurrs

I really need some sleep, since return from holiday and jetlag, have not had a good nights sleep in two weeks, mostly nothing at all or just an hour, tis driving me nutty

Might have to go to the good ol doctors tomorrow, if i dont sleep tonight, the more i dont sleep, the more i think I must which in turn keeps me up!

ocemeer

Have you tried some lavender oil or scent on your pillows it does help a lttle bit, though the only thing that gets me 4 hrs or more a night is to absolutly blow a gasket in the gym and eat slightly less than i would do normally...not too healthy but sometimes I really need the sleep.

wigginsmum

What works for me in the short term is either Nytol (not the herbal one) or Night Nurse, both bought over-the-counter at Boots or similar.

pawpurrs

wigginsmum wrote:

What works for me in the short term is either Nytol (not the herbal one) or Night Nurse, both bought over-the-counter at Boots or similar.

funilly enough, i was thinking Night nurse although not for insomnia, i remember having it when i had the flu and it knocked me out!

carol_a_3

Try listening to some quiet music with headphones, Richard Ashcroft works for me everytime.

Or, try a relaxation technique. Lay on your back and slowly tighten then relax your feet, then your calves, knees, thighs etc etc. Then hands, arms, shrug your shoulders etc etc. Hold the tightening for a few seconds each time. Gradually work up your body until you reach your forehead. Then try and imagine you are walking along a lovely beach with the waves lapping or through a gate into a green field where you lie down and hear the birds singing, then count backwards form 100 if you are still awake by now!!

It's making me yawn just typing it. More importantly, try not to worry if you don't sleep, it won't kill you and you will get back into your normal pattern in due course. Try not to resort to medications or you may come to rely on them.

pawpurrs

i have a relaxation cd that i listented to last night, and it did sent me off, but unfortunately i awoke an hour later.

Im sure i will get back to my normal routine soon, thanks guys x

Mrsbojangles_2

Sorry your having trouble sleeping, I went through a stage of this after a bereavement. I would definately stay well clear of nytol, night nurse or any other chemical based sleep stimulent, its not the best road to go down IMO.

This is how I solved my problem, I got a Paul Mckenna audio tape called "Sleep Like A Log" you can pick them up cheaply on Ebay (couple of quid) I was sceptical when my mum gave me the tape but it really does work!

Also, if its possible try and rearrange your bedroom, so your bed is facing opposite to wear it is now, I don't why but that helps too.
Hope this helps x

arkonite_babe

What works best for me is a warm bath then a mug of hot milk. Works every time. Hope this help you

troll35

The relaxation technique I use on the odd occasion I can't sleep or if I wake up too early is based on the relaxation part of the exercise class I go to. It uses controlled breathing. Basically you lie on your back breathing gently and steadily in through your nose and out through your mouth. You concentrate solely on the breathing, feeling the air go in and out, your ribcage and stomach lifting and sinking. After a few minutes of this you focus your attention on the different parts of the body, with each exhalation you feel a different part of your body growing heavier and sinking into the bed. Hopefully after 5 to 10 mins you will be so relaxed that sleeping is inevitable. I've virtually fallen asleep several times in the exercise class (I did once when I went to yoga!).
Good Luck

Pink.

We are not allowed to ask for or give medical advice on MSE, so can I make it clear from the beginning that I am not looking for medical or even herbal advice....

But....

I am a poor sleeper at the best of times. I work evenings which involves driving so I need to be alert and often come home with my mind buzzing. I usually spend some time on here before bed, but no matter how exhausted I feel I just can't seem get to sleep.

Does anyone have any Old Style tips/hints/advice that might help me to get to sleep earlier, so that I can be more alert and therefore more productive/moneysaving in the morning?

Pink

Mrsbojangles_2

Sorry to hear of your sleeping problems, I know how it feels I used to be the same. Get yourself on Ebay, buy yourself a tape of Paul McKenna "Sleep Like A Log" tape, probably cost you a couple of quid, it worked miracles for me, highly recommend it.