help I need sleep

jellyfishjen

Have been awake since 3.30am so kept trying to get back to sleep but gave up at 4.30am. I am on Melatonin. 3rd day. I will stay on it for the 3 week course but at this stage I seem to be getting worse not better. I went to bed at 10pm finally went to sleep guessing around midnight, woke at 2am, and then again at 3.30am. I actually don't know that i did sleep but was in more or a heavy doze. I spoke to my doctor about my poor sleeping, and how I had heard about Melatonin from others on this site. She agreed it would be good to try. But before, I would wake, roll over go back to sleep, wake, roll over go back to sleep all night long, guessing up to 15 times a night. Now I'm thinking at least I went back to sleep. I am constantly tired and so it is now effecting my energy to exercise and even to stay focused on eating right. And we all know how important for weight loss proper sleep is needed.

rileysowner

Did your doctor do anything more than agree Melatonin was worth trying? I hope so as sleep problems can indicate other health issues.

I have no idea what can help, but I have nothing.

hmblank73

Try adding a Benadryl to help fall asleep,it used to work for me. Now that I have an infant, all I need is a pillow to fall asleep, & sometimes that isn't even required.

quietlywinning

Stretching good before bed helps me with sleep. I don't know why, other than stretching relaxes the muscles, but I have found that I sleep SO much better if I stretch right before bedtime. No other exercies, though - you don't want to get your heart rate up, you just want to get your body to relax.

sheclimbsrocks

Is this anxiety related? just started getting shiatsu massage and it has helped me sleep through the night and just generally be more relaxed and focused. You could also try meditation.

LillysGranny

Have you tried all the normal things:

no caffeine?
no exercising late in the day?
no tv or anything but sleeping in bed?
working out intensely enough early in the day to nix any stress?
standardized your bedtime routine and go to bed-get up schedule?

dakitten2

Did you doctor suggest having a sleep study done to diagnose a sleeping disorder? Mine did, turned out I have sleep apnea and have to use a cpap machine at night to help me sleep.

I also take a prescription med called Ambien CR. You might ask about that one. The regular Ambien is for people who have trouble going to sleep. The Ambien CR is for people who have trouble going to sleep and then staying asleep.

I was sleeping a lot like you, maybe going to be at 11:00 and then waking up by 1:30, 2:30 or so and couldnt go back to sleep.
I would continue to pursue this with your doctor as there are a number of sleep disorders or other things causing your sleep disturbance.

Hope this helps.

jakejacobsen

I was much the same, I got refured to a sleep dr who had a sleep study done on me, found out I have Sleep apnea its where you stop breathing during your sleep. I was never getting into my rem cycle of sleep. I have so much more energy now that its treated its unbelievable. Sleep apnea can be fatal so I wouldn't sit on it I would push the dr to do a study. Also as far as the Melitonen goes try changing the dose I take 5mg when I need my mind to slow down, so I can fall asleep. Also make sure you go to bed within 15 minutes of taking the pill, and have a light snack before bed if you body is hungry it will wake you up to tell you so. Also quit drinking a few hours before bed.

bellawares

Has your doctor checked your hormone levels?

jellyfishjen

Thanks everyone. Yes doctor checked me over so to speak. Have recently had blood tests, my diabeties is under control, through weight loss and diet, no need even for medication there. All tests came back good. I am trying also meditation and relaxation methods. Maybe underlying stress. I am now getting so anxious about getting sleep that, that is my stress. I will try the stretching tip.

jellyfishjen

Thanks more suggestions came in while I was replying. If this doesn't work will definetly ask about a sleep study and hormone check.

ARMom8251

I am not sure what else to try as I had problem with sleep and I mean I was taking an unhealthy amount of sleeping pills a night to try to get to sleep and I still woke up. I took melatonin 5mg for a while and it really helped my sleep. I feel better than I have in years, but if that doesn't work I have no idea!

lakersfan4life

ZANAX

two bars and you'll be out like a light, probably for a day or so.

spyder_rose

Have you tried Valerian? I used that for a while, but did often wake up feeling "drunk"..

Another thing I worked out is my anti-nausea meds help me to sleep... I take 2 and I sleep like a baby. I don't have to use them often...

Do you have much caffeine? Maybe cut it out altogether if you do?

I'm not sure.. try to relax, as hard as it is... a warm bath before bed????

xo