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BS: Insomnia
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Subject: Insomnia, what do you do? From: Steve Latimer Date: 09 Jul 02 - 02:14 AM So, I'm in the throws of it right now. I was tired all day at work, came home, went to bed at a reasonable hour. Now's here's the kicker, it's happened to me for as long as I can remember. I was very close to falling asleep when a thought hit me that woke right up. That was at about 11:30. Since then the thought has escaped me, I've practiced my picking for about an hour and a half, done some net surfing, had two glasses of wine, but I'm still very tired and awake at the same time. Any suggestions? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull Date: 09 Jul 02 - 02:26 AM Drink LOADS of beer, if that doesn't work, drink a bottle of rum.john |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Steve Latimer Date: 09 Jul 02 - 02:28 AM John, Thanks for the suggetions, but I have to get up for work in the morning (that thought crossing my mind doesn't help!!) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: hesperis Date: 09 Jul 02 - 02:30 AM Welcome to the club. Calcium helps me sometimes. Not tonight, though. Oh, well... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: C-flat Date: 09 Jul 02 - 02:30 AM The only thing to do is read until your eyes give up. C-flat(a regular sufferer) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Steve Latimer Date: 09 Jul 02 - 02:33 AM C-Flat, The problem I have with reading is I get into it. I might try grabbing one of my fiance's Martha Stewart magazines, that should do it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull Date: 09 Jul 02 - 02:34 AM Try listening to the BBC World Service, though you might get addicted to Westway, (it's a radio soap opera)! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Steve Latimer Date: 09 Jul 02 - 02:37 AM John in Hull, Now that's an idea. Perhaps I'll turn the T.V. on to some infomercials. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull Date: 09 Jul 02 - 02:42 AM No, not TV, the light will keep you awake! Get into bed, turn all lights off so it's completely dark, and listen to radio, if you can't get the World Service try a classical station. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Jack the Sailor Date: 09 Jul 02 - 02:44 AM Melatonin sometimes works, warm milk is not just a cliche. I don't have either here so I'm still up :) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: KingBrilliant Date: 09 Jul 02 - 02:45 AM The only thing that works for me (and works like a dream) is to stop worrying about whether or not I'm going to sleep. Instead I just enjoy lying quietly and letting my mind run loosely wherever it will. I figure if you lie quietly and mentally drift then you are getting almost the same benefit as if you did so unconciously. Its a technique I have perfected on noisy festival campsites - sometimes it drifts you off to sleep anyway, but if it doesn't then you still get up feeling rested and ready for the day. KRis |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Steve Latimer Date: 09 Jul 02 - 03:08 AM Well, I have to be up in four hours, so I'm going to try most of these suggestions. John From Hull, I don't like Rum, and I'm not going to waste the Duty Free bottle of 12 year old Scotch on Insomnia. Thanks though. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: fogie Date: 09 Jul 02 - 04:42 AM Whatever you do you're going to be drowsyish in the morning ,so do what I do and drink the first specimen of my own urine in the morning, not too much though or you'll feel that you're in a foreign airport- at least I do! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: KingBrilliant Date: 09 Jul 02 - 04:49 AM Fogie! My sister does that too. I can't remember the science behind it though. Something to do with balancing your body chemistry? Sounds foul, but those that indulge seem to swear by it. Never been able to face it myself though. KRis |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Jack the Sailor Date: 09 Jul 02 - 05:00 AM Your kidneys go through the trouble of filtering out all that crap then you just drink it back in???? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: GUEST Date: 09 Jul 02 - 05:19 AM Milk, it doesn't even need to be warm. You can also chew up a couple of calcium tablets with it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Hrothgar Date: 09 Jul 02 - 05:25 AM Somebody has to do this. Did you hear about the dyslexic agnostic insomniac? He lies awake at night and wonders if there really is a Dog. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: GUEST,Oakley with a bruised arse Date: 09 Jul 02 - 05:26 AM Listen to Radio 4's Moneybox live. Does it for me every time and the effects last for days. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: greg stephens Date: 09 Jul 02 - 08:40 AM camomile tea. With honey. Shot of whisky as optional extra, improves taste slightly and increases effect dramatically. Read self-help book, or anything shortlisted for the Booker Prize. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: GUEST,Mikey joe Date: 09 Jul 02 - 08:49 AM I'm suffering from it the last few nights. I've tried lavendar, Nytol, Horlicks, you name it but no luck. Mj zzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Catherine Jayne Date: 09 Jul 02 - 10:53 AM Well the only problem with drinking lots before you go to sleep is you need to get up every half hour in the night to 'pee' and when you eventually wake up you have an aweful hangover. I tried reading til my eyes gave up last night and sure enough it worked but I woke up a couple hours later still wearing my glasses which are now bent. How glad am I that I picked up my new pair from the opticians this morning!!! a very tired Cat !! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: mack/misophist Date: 09 Jul 02 - 11:00 AM This sounds stupid, but it works. The two parts of the body that are most often tense are the eyes and the jaw. Carefully relaxing them will often help. And Catsphiddle is absoultly right about liquids. Don't drink too much. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Ebbie Date: 09 Jul 02 - 11:00 AM I operate on the principle that my brain can only actively work on one thing at a time. So what I have done for years is to tell myself a serial story; sometimes it's even a little frustrating that I have to keep repeating the same parts because I fell asleep the night before. First I set a theme: a plane crash in the remote far north or a ship wreck somewhere far off the traveled path or whatever else I want to examine. The only rules: I get to have some of my favorite people along but the opposing side is that some of my least favorite people have to be there too. Then I start the story and just watch to see where it goes. It continually surprises me to see the innovations, alliances and dramas that crop up. Try it sometime- you might like it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Liz the Squeak Date: 09 Jul 02 - 02:44 PM Don't eat too soon before bed either.... the body starts to work on breaking it down, so even if you do drop off, your head is asleep but your body is busy digesting so it doesn't rest. I find posting to Mudcat helps my insomnia - or is that causes it.....? Sometimes it's a really supportive place and others it just adds fuel to the insecurities and paranoid delusions I already have...... Mostly I think it's because the snoring of Manitas keeps me awake and the computer is in the other room..... bummer when we have guests though. I got woken up the other day by a line for a song going round my head that wouldn't get out until I'd written it down. It wasn't this song, but this covers most things..... to the tune of Brahms' lullaby.
I can't sleep, I can't sleep,
I can't sleep, I can't sleep,
I can't sleep, I can't sleep, Sweet Dreams. LTS
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Mudlark Date: 09 Jul 02 - 03:18 PM Ebbie...great idea for continuing saga. I'll try it tonight. The dark room, radio on low works well for me, altho it has to be talk...music is no help (about the only time this is true!). But I do worry about my head filling up with this drivel while I sleep...my subconscious is now fully informed about UFO's, toxic con trails, chupa cabras (alien desert creatures) and out of body experiences. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: GUEST,guest Date: 09 Jul 02 - 03:27 PM In recent clinical tests it was found that the most effective method of getting off to sleep is by visualising and then concentrating on a waterfall. Works for me and apparently a lot of other insomniacs. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Liz the Squeak Date: 09 Jul 02 - 03:30 PM I tried the waterfall thing.... had to get up 5 times for a pee. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: GUEST,Peter from Essex Date: 09 Jul 02 - 03:56 PM Get a story tape that you'd really like to listen to. Sods law dictates that you will fall asleep and once and never find out the ending. - Well it works for me. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Hollowfox Date: 09 Jul 02 - 05:07 PM 1) Lights out, eyes used to the dark, I can't sleep. so I say, "Well,you might as well get up and do something useful." Then I think about the light hurting my eyes, doing boring stuff. It usually works. 2) Start thinking about how goood the bed feels. (Doesn't work well on a stinking hot night.) 3) If it's not too far into the night, and you're desperate, take a Tylenol PM (that's the brand in the US, anyway). I drop like a stone in a well. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: nager Date: 09 Jul 02 - 06:52 PM Avoid caffeine and alcohol before going to bed and do some good exercise earlier in the day (apart from sex which is good before going to sleep). Make sure the bed is comfortable and warm and the room is as quiet and dark as possible. Also take the clock out of the room...you only keep looking at the time and getting more frustrated. Avoid any stimulating activities (apart from sex) for at least an hour before turning in at night and this includes playing music, using computers, watching gripping tv dramas, lively conversations etc. In a few words... learn to wind down. Avoid dwelling on problems when trying to get to sleep. Fantasise a little as Ebbie has suggested above. I suffered insomnia for years but have almost got over it. And don't worry if you don't get to sleep as it is not the end of the world. You might feel hungover and very tired the next day but you will get through it okay. There's plenty of other people with far worse problems. Paul
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Steve Latimer Date: 09 Jul 02 - 07:05 PM I hope that I'm not posting to this thread again tonight, I'm exhausted. I like the waterfall idea, and of course the sex one. (Honey, wake up, I can't sleep. Hell, she'd probably knock me out with a left hook). |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull Date: 09 Jul 02 - 07:33 PM fogie-I can tell you are local! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: SINSULL Date: 09 Jul 02 - 07:42 PM Years ago, after what at that time seemed to be a major trauma, I was unable to sleep or eat for three days. When I closed my eyes I started reliving the problem and immediately opened them again. Ambien for three nights did the trick. Only took half a tablet but it knocked me out within 15 minutes for eight hours. On the fourth night I was able to sleep without it. Something to do with re-establishing the sleep pattern. Use it only in desparation though. It can be addictive. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Celtic Soul Date: 09 Jul 02 - 07:57 PM Melatonin, Chamomile, Valerian, Excercise... If none of that works, try reading something *incredibly* boring. I recommend stereo instructions. If that doesn't work, whatever you do, do *not* have a clock that is within visual distance. It is better *not* to know how little sleep you have had. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Amergin Date: 09 Jul 02 - 08:27 PM One of the pills the docs have me on is trazadone at night...and the effexor for the daytime...because I suffer from insomnia...and have as long as I can remember... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Gypsy Date: 09 Jul 02 - 11:01 PM Having suffered from premature waking and insomnia for years......if there is a full moon, i take OTC sleeping aids prophylactically. No caffeine, or sugar at night. I eat at least 4-5 hours before retiring.....digesting food will keep me up. Late night thoughts are a big problem for me. So i keep books of short, light stories on the headboard of the bed to switch tracks. Try to go to bed at the same time each night, and wake up at the same time in the AM. Sleeping in can screw up your sleep cycle.....becomes viscous, the more you sleep in, the later you stay up, needing to sleep in, etc. Better to drag ass out of bed, and go on short sleep rations for the day, then you will sleep on the subsequent night. I can usually tell if i am going to have problems, so will take any OTC that is available, so i WILL sleep. But they can rebound, so use caution. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: GUEST Date: 10 Jul 02 - 12:08 AM Awake for 16 hours what's perhap....guess its now time for an 8 hour nap.
Sorry you are so aflicted
Did it happen with any of your other fiancees....perhaps, this is not the one? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: katlaughing Date: 10 Jul 02 - 01:06 AM Notice how everyone wants to take a nap after a big turkey dinner? I can't remember the details, but apparently there is something in turkey which really does help to induce sleepiness, though I agree it should be at least 2-3 hours before going to bed. I got out of whack when we were going through housebuying, new job, and living in two states and the doc put me on trazadone at night. It really helped. I also find certain types of music and/or radio works well, too. Some experts say not to read in bed, but that's one habit I will not give up...though I guess it could be one reason all of my family seem to have problems with insomnia...hard to put a good book down! Good luck, tonight! kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull Date: 10 Jul 02 - 01:14 AM I never eat turkey, though I have killed thousands of them (I used to work in a turkey factory), there is all kinds of chemicals in them! They are fed on a chemical rich diet and when they are packed they are dipped in water, so frozen turkey contains a lot of water, which then turns to ice and increasese the weight, and the profits for the turkey producers. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: katlaughing Date: 10 Jul 02 - 02:08 AM Well, I don't either, John, but over here we do have free range, organic turkey available. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull Date: 10 Jul 02 - 02:21 AM We do over here as well, although they are quite expensive, I believe free range is always preferable to factory reared food, not only in terms of animal welfare, but also, taste and food saftey.As I stated on another thread, I now eat very little meat, (though this is mainly for health reasons, not animal welfare), as I have seen how it is reared and slaughtered and produced.You are what you eat! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Barry Finn Date: 10 Jul 02 - 04:03 AM Nothing wrong with the left hook idea Steve, my wife hits me with one every so often, works great, I go out like a light every time. Actually, just 2 nights ago that happened, work as usual, again, just like a charm. Last night & tonight my jaw's a bit to sore for the same remedy, tried waking her & asking her about the sex solution. Did it work? I'm downstairs & when I'm ready to finally fall asleep (& get off mudcat), she told me to take myself & my 2 black eyes & crooked nose to the couch or she'd put me to sleep for at least for a solid week. Now when she can't sleep, whoa, as a husband, I get to stay up too, until she tires her self out exercising her fists on my face, then we both can get some rest. I do not recommend this type of solution for those who are faint hearted or who enjoy eating & seeing. Hope you have at least as good or better luck than me. I bid you goodnight. Barry |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Trevor Date: 10 Jul 02 - 06:25 AM Reminder to self: be somewhere else the next time fogie empties his clarinet in the pub! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: mack/misophist Date: 10 Jul 02 - 11:25 AM The waterfall idea reminds me that, years ago, many people had good luck with tuning a radio between stations and using it as a white noise generator. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Gypsy Date: 10 Jul 02 - 11:27 AM Turkey contains tryptophan, that is why it makes you sleepy. Of course, the amount of fat and simple carbs comsumed with it (generally) don't hurt, either |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: the lemonade lady Date: 10 Jul 02 - 11:36 AM Try listening to the weather forecast on the radio. Gets me every time! And I really want to listen to it - sad or what! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: GUEST Date: 10 Jul 02 - 05:24 PM NEWSWEEK Articel on Insomnia http://msnbc.com/news/777061.asp?pne=msn |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Catherine Jayne Date: 10 Jul 02 - 05:38 PM NOTE TO SELF: Must eat more turkey!! Thinking about water makes me want to 'pee' as does listening to one of those indoor water feature's and/or tapes/CD's with water sounds! Sex sounds good but I don't think my blokie would be too impressed if it happened everynight continuously especially when he has work in the morning.......or maybe he would be more than impressed, well thats food for thought! Sweet dreams Cat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Steve Latimer Date: 10 Jul 02 - 08:16 PM I had a great night's sleep last night, I didn't need any of these suggestions, however I was a zombie at work yesterday. I figure one more good night and I'll be right as rain. Steve |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: GUEST Date: 10 Jul 02 - 08:22 PM You are hooked up with the wrong blokie. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: mack/misophist Date: 10 Jul 02 - 09:08 PM Post coitum, omnia animalia triste est. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Bert Date: 11 Jul 02 - 01:37 AM The folk remedy is a hop pillow. I've never been bothered enough to try it, a couple of beers works just as well, but not too many though or I wake at 2 O'clock really dehydrated. KingBrills method works really well. Just stop worrying about it, most people with insomnia really sleep more than they think they do. It just SEEMS like you've been awake all night, but mostly you drift in and out of sleep without realizing it. Worrying about lack of sleep is more of a problem than actual lack of sleep, just relax and the poor old body will take care of itself. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Catherine Jayne Date: 11 Jul 02 - 06:15 AM Guest...who's "hooked up with the wrong blokie"?? cat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: GUEST Date: 12 Jul 02 - 01:38 AM if your blokie doesn't want to hook up everynight there is something the matter with your blokie most guys are willing anytime, anywhere, even after a hard day's night or a bout of influenza. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: GUEST,GUEST Date: 12 Jul 02 - 02:42 AM Maybe you should be hooked up with someone who isn't your grandfather.
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: GUEST,Guest Date: 12 Jul 02 - 07:24 AM This thread seems to have gone off on a tangent and into a personal attack. I don't think it is anyones business who catsphiddle is 'hooked up' with. Sex is not the be all and end all of a relationship what ever happened to trust and honesty? Anyway back to the subject. I always found drinking a cup of hot chocolate or cocoa helps....a milky drink. Oh well must be my age!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Liz the Squeak Date: 23 Jul 02 - 09:16 PM Well, take it from me, the hot chocolate doesn't work. It's 2.15ish am GMT/BST and I'm still wide awake.... grrrr. Haven't been troubled with it for months, and now it's back. Anyone else got any bright ideas - preferably involving ingestion of large amounts of chocolate..... LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull Date: 23 Jul 02 - 09:22 PM Hello lIz, tou should get a Big mug od choclate and put sume rum in it 9or baleys) 9Baleys is a wumons drink) or you can aks you doctor foe sleping tablits but if you ever been mad or depresssed he wo'nt gibe you any 9my doctor wont gibe me any either) so drink beer.john Hope that helps.john |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Ebbie Date: 23 Jul 02 - 11:59 PM Liz the Squeak, there, of course, is caffeine in chocolate. Sad but true. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: GUEST Date: 24 Jul 02 - 01:21 AM Been awake for eleven straight days....now THAT is something to ssqquueeaakkabout.
You REALLY should try the sex part dearie. If it doesn't work, at least you have an "excuse" at work the next morning.
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Kaleea Date: 24 Jul 02 - 01:37 AM on March 9, 2001, I had the misfortune to sustain neck, & back injuries with resulting nerve troubles & carpel tunnel syndrome when a 17 year old kid rear-ended my car (with his). I have been over a year without even 6 or 7 straight & interrupted hours of sleep in my bed. I have tried it all! The painkillers do little, as my system is quite resistant to them, so sleeping pills do nothing at all. My hands go completely numb to the point that the pain of it wakes me up. Then I get up & pace a while--sometimes it's difficult to remain upright without falling over! When the numbness goes down, I turn off all the lights, and I get into my recliner & cover up with something (even in the heat of the summer with a fan blowing on me at high speed), and turn on the TV with the volume just loud enough that I have to strain to hear it. Then I choose a channel which is on all night & has lots of talking, news or shopping is good. Sometimes I have something starchy like crackers, and something with milk. Studies show that eating something starchy like crackers or cookies help, as well as turkey which contains L-Tryptophan in the skin makes us sleepy. Hopefully I nod off, but sometimes nothing works. There are many clinics now which specialize in sleep troubles--if you have the $$$$!! (It won't help me cause it's the pain & numbness keeping me awake) Try to make sure the room is dark and there is only "white" noise going on. And yes, chocolate has caffien in it. The allergy & sinus meds which have antihistamines will also keep you awake, as well as the diet pills which have "guar" and "Guarana" in them. It is like super duper caffien. See your doctor to find out if there is something wrong. I quit drinking the mountain dew, and the black tea--I just drink green tea or herbal teas, & I read the ingredients. Good luck! or maybe: Good night! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Catherine Jayne Date: 24 Jul 02 - 04:27 AM If the insomnia gets that bad Liz then you really should see a doctor. I'm going next week to see mine but I suspect my lack of ability to sleep is due to stress more than anything else. If I had the money a well earned holiday would be brilliant!!! Hot milky drinks used to worked but eating and drinking lots before going to bed usually wakes me up even more. I have problems with my legs and subsequently have alot of pain. My doctor gave me Diazapan tablets to relax my muscles and to help me sleep. They worked wonders but I am not keen on taking too many drugs so when the course was finished I didn't renew the prescription. But we will see what the doctor says next week. cat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: katlaughing Date: 24 Jul 02 - 05:24 AM {{{{{{{{Kaleea}}}}}}}}}} Hope you get to feeling better. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: GUEST,kay in grandview Date: 24 Jul 02 - 06:15 AM Forget all of the above. Here are 4 more. 1. After a good rub with pure oil of clary sage (careful - not too much) you will go right to sleep. If you dont have someone else to rub you, just rub your chest or under your nose. Easy does it!! (Clary Sage is what they put in the beer that makes you sleepy, but no hangove - waa laa.) 2. The next night use the tried relaxation technique. Starting with your toes, slowly going up, relax all of the joints of the body by suggestion. "Relax, you are very tired." 3. More -- read a book that is not very interesting. 4. And, OK, you can remember Melatonin. It does work very well. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Liz the Squeak Date: 24 Jul 02 - 05:43 PM Seems to be a little plague of it at the office... I suspect the air conditioning units because it's affecting 8 of the 12 people whose desks are immediately under the vents.... It's all connected with a throat virus that's going round. I've discovered Sainsbury's Dark Belgian chocolate with ginger... better than sleeping in a wet patch, and who gives a toss about the caffiene, if it tastes that good! LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Insomnia From: Bill D Date: 24 Jul 02 - 06:26 PM Tylenol PM was mentioned...it works pretty well, as does Benedryl liquid..(same ingredient, but the liquid sometimes works faster)the important thing is that these are non-addictive..(they could become a 'habit', but that is a different matter) I do have a prescription thing which I take sparingly, as it 'can' become addictive. (Temazepam) It really works for me, but it is NOT for continouus use. ...and Melatonin DOES work for many if you plan ahead and take it an hour or so before bedtime.. (try 1/2mg. to start...you might have to cut pills in half) Large doses are not a good idea except for real problems |