Fitness affected by Insomnia

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  • Kevalicious99
    Kevalicious99 Posts: 1,131 Member
    I have had days when 7-8 hours to fall asleep was the norm. Well, math tells you that doesn't leave much room for sleep.

    But my sleep has gotten much better .. and exercise I think is a big part of that. I exercise almost every day now and my sleep is much better. My brain .. just is just more calm and that allows for better sleep.

    The real trick .. de-stress your life. Stress will kill your sleep and your weight loss too. That is most likely the real reason for your insomnia .. at least it was for me.
  • SweatLikeDog
    SweatLikeDog Posts: 320 Member
    Try cutting out all caffeine for a week. Drink water and nothing else. Make your last meal of the day low carb, higher fat, higher protein for a week. Also, go to bed at the same time every night, set the alarm for the same time every morning. The body likes regularity.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    I'm a terrible sleeper, I've invested a lot of research and experimentation into my own sleep so here's what works for me:

    1. No TV, phone or kindle in the bedroom. The bed is for sleeping in.
    2. Podcasts! It sounds nutty but I swear, I got an ipod and filled it up with podcasts about history, science, pop culture etc. I got a little Bluetooth speaker for it. It does help with bedtime but much more importantly, it helps with the middle of the night wake up and spiral into negativity and panic stuff. As soon as I wake up, I push play and even if I don't fall back asleep right away, at least I'm distracted enough that I don't freak myself out. Audiobooks, meditation, same same. And even a Spotify playlist called "Deep Sleep".
    3. Have a bedtime. It's annoying even for me, but I make myself hit the hay at about the same time every night. It took awhile, but now I actually get sleepy at that time.
    4. Unisom. I know you're looking for non-drug stuff, but it's over the counter and non addictive and doesn't give hangovers, so I recommend at least trying it out.

    But really, having something to listen to (so I can keep the lights out and eyes closed) is by far my #1 lifesaver.
    I'm a wreck when I'm tired, I just lay around and eat junk. No control whatsoever.
  • StraubreyR
    StraubreyR Posts: 631 Member
    I have insomnia too. I agree with audio books/podcasts/old sitcoms on TV (nothing loud or violent). I find if I can focus on listening, my mind stops spinning and I will fall asleep.

    I have had some success with Valerian root extract. It's as least as good as any prescription things I've tried, and non-habit forming.
  • RachelAngel01
    RachelAngel01 Posts: 77 Member
    I feel for you! I have been struggling with insomnia since our house burned down last March....thankfully we were all ok, but it has just been so overwhelming trying to put all the pieces back together. I fall asleep just fine, but wake up in the middle of the night and never go back to sleep....brain keeps racing.

    Regular exercise has helped some, but I don't have any other tips...I wish I did, 'cause I'd probably be sleeping better too.
  • desidieter
    desidieter Posts: 195
    Thanks again, everyone, for your thoughts, suggestions, and empathy. I have some great takaways from this thread. Hopefully things will improve soon! :smile:

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