can't sleep

jjay23

Hello all, I have literally not slept properly for around 6 weeks, my partner has been working away and ever since it has bene getting worse (sad I know) It went from around 6 hours a night to this week thinking I have maybe clocked 10ish hours in total since monday, I am exhausted, shaking and I feel sick. I would really appreciate advice on sleeping more. I feel it is affecting my weight loss too.

I have tried herbal stuff, not exercising before bed, exercising before bed, not eating after a certain time etc lol. Very tired lady here.

nicola1141

I'm sorry, that sucks!!!

Have you talked to a doctor?

Melatonin?

jjay23

I'm sorry, that sucks!!!

Have you talked to a doctor?

Melatonin?

I used to have issues with sleeping, before I would take tablets for a few days to get back into a routine and it was sorted, thing is my partner is still working away and I have a four year old. I dont want to take anything in case I cant wake up in an emergency. I may go to the doctors and see if they can suggest anything!

Lizzy622

You may need some white noise. You can turn on a fan or get some other constant soft noise going. It may be just too quiet without someone else breathing next to you.

jessthimmel134

Try melatonin. You can get it at your local grocery store near the vitamins. Your body naturally produces melatonin so it is a natural product, and it should put you to sleep within 20 minutes of taking it. When you do take it, it wont completely knock you out through the night.

pjp1125

There are a couple things that might be going on. First- exercising before bed is likely counterproductive. You are getting your heartrate up and endorphins going. Second (and this is from my own experience), when you start to shed weight, I think that whatever is stored in your fat starts to come out. I have always been a coffee drinker, and I would not be surprised if some of that caffeine got trapped in the fat.

Another thing to consider is if you are drinking caffeinated beverages after 1 pm. I can't, and won't do that ever again. Also, are you hydrated?

Chaosrose8

Definitely talk to your doctor. Melatonin or an over the counter sleep air might help. I know when my husband is out of town I don't sleep well in the house alone. Maybe a friend or family member can come spend the night with you to help you relax?

Val_from_OH

I completely understand! My husband works overnight, and I just do not sleep properly when he is not home. Sometimes I take a melatonin tablet, which can help. The thing that works best for me though is just to get in bed at a certain time and watch comedy TV or play on my iPad (or both) until I am too sleepy to do it anymore. If I just lay down and try to go to sleep, my mind races, and I end up lying awake for hours. The distractions keep the anxiety at bay until my brain can settle down. (Sometimes though, I find myself dreaming about Words with Friends or The Big Bang theory).

jjay23

Try melatonin. You can get it at your local grocery store near the vitamins. Your body naturally produces melatonin so it is a natural product, and it should put you to sleep within 20 minutes of taking it. When you do take it, it wont completely knock you out through the night.

I will deffo see if I can get some of this. I dont have caffiene given that up to help with the sleep but that was months ago. I literally will try everything and anything suggested lol. thanks everyone

sirius951

I find radio 4 or 4 extra (talk radio) playing quietly in the background stops my mind racing and helps with any anxiety or stress and if hubbys away I go to sleep hugging a big pillow or teddy bear or some such. Feel a bit daft but it helps some.

ThatSoundsHard

I've got sleep issues as well. I've had BAD insomnia for a really long time, due in part to some other issues I have. I Don't take sleeping pills. Personally, they make me feel like hell the next day and really don't do much for me as far as actually helping me to sleep. Over the years I've come up with a few different methods to help my sleep cycle from getting too too wonky. I can't afford to not sleep with 2 little kids.

This is what helps me:
1. Limit caffeine - No caffeine after 3pm
2. Make sure to get some physical activity in every day. If I'm able to I try to get out for a walk with the kids before their bedtime,
3. NO computer within 2 hours of bedtime.
4. NO TV in the bedroom. Ever. Not just before bed. I didn't realize how badly this effected my sleep until I took the tv out of the bedroom. I sleep so much better now.
5. Melatonin 30 - 60 minutes before I go to bed
6. A warm shower and 5-10 minutes of gentle yoga
7. Reading (a book- not on the tablet, computer or smartphone- basically ban all little glowy screens at least half an hour before planning on sleeping) or some other hobby/relaxing activity
8. When all else fails: Red wine.


I hope you find some things that works for you. It sucks not sleeping.

JudieJudes

Hi

Im not sure what country you are in - but when I suffered insomnia I bought an On-Line Course called 'Sleepio' (findable via Google). Its a cognitive behaviour based course. In my case it worked a treat and got me back into good sleep/bedtime habits.