Sleep help...

ShannonS921
ShannonS921 Posts: 194
in Health and Weight Loss
I have heard a lot of people talk about getting enough sleep being an important part of the weight loss journey. That being said, I struggle to get 4-5 hours of sleep a night. I generally have pretty bad insomnia and it isn't fun. Does anyone have anything they do that helps them get a good night of sleep every night? I prefer not to take sleeping pills because I have two children and worry that something will happen and I'll sleep through it.

Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • JoeCampbell85
    JoeCampbell85 Posts: 140
    How you seen a sleep specialist? There could be an underlying issue. Sleep apnea is a very real, very serious issue, especially in overweight and obese individuals. If you are laying down at the same time every night and struggle to stay asleep this could be an issue. If you have trouble falling asleep then I'm not sure. I'm not big on homeopathic treatments but you may need to find something to relax. Re-examine your sleeping situations. Are all lights off, do you only use your bed for sleeping (exceptions apply :P - just no watching TV in bed!), etc. If you can't fall asleep because you have a bit of hidden anxiety about the safety of your children then a specialist may help.

    I'm plagued by the opposite problem. I am the unfortunate person that doesn't feel rested unless I get 10-12 hours of sleep. I've even seen specialist and I sleep pretty soundly. It takes be about 2 seconds to fall asleep because, in reality, I struggle to get more than 7 hours of sleep a night.

    tl;dr: see a sleep specialist.
  • ShannonS921
    ShannonS921 Posts: 194
    Hey Joe, my issue is more that I can't fall asleep. Once I'm asleep I'm pretty much staying that way. I do watch TV in bed occasionally, but not a lot. I'm just very restless. Unfortunately, I don't feel rested EVER...I'm tired all day but then can't fall asleep at night. I really wish that I could fall asleep in 2 seconds! LOL
  • weblur
    weblur Posts: 140 Member
    My brain is usually the culprit when I can't sleep, so I have to find ways to shut it off. Listening to guided imageries and guided meditations sometimes helps (I listen to Belleruth Naparstek). It doesn't always work, but sometimes. I've also tried melatonin but that only worked for a week or so. Sometimes listening to audiobooks helps, depending on the narrator.
  • ShannonS921
    ShannonS921 Posts: 194
    I may have to look into the guided meditations. A friend of mine mentioned them but I can never turn my mind off and am doubtful...but I'll look into it and see! Thanks, weblur!
  • earthboundmisfit
    earthboundmisfit Posts: 192 Member
    I agree with others, you should probably see a sleep specialist. I sleep best when I get plenty of exercise during the day. But you shouldn't work out too close to bedtime, that can interfere with your sleep.
  • SharonNehring
    SharonNehring Posts: 535 Member
    I listen to Belleruth sometimes too. I also use a white noise machine with the sound of waves. When my brain won't turn off, I'll start writing everything down. It's like purging my brain which allows it to turn off for a while.

    Melatonin is an over the counter gentle sleep aid which can sometimes help. You could also try diphenhydramine, which is also mild (Benadryl) and is the main ingredient in most sleep aids you can buy at the store without prescription. Neither should knock you out so much that you wouldn't hear your kids.

    I would talk to your doctor first though. There are several medical issues that can affect sleep which should be evaluated since this sounds like a long term problem for you. Lack of sleep has been proven in many studies to cause weight gain.

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