Insomnia stalling fitness gains

SurfyFriend
SurfyFriend Posts: 362 Member
in Motivation and Support
Hello all, hope you're doing fine! Just wondering if any kind souls could offer honest advice?
I have an unresolved sleeping issue which stalls my progress due to the tiredness it causes me during the day.
When I go to bed at night I feel sad and have to read until exhausted otherwise I cry for hours.
I live by myself and I'll admit it can get lonely and quiet at times.
I am trying to improve my cardio fitness (running/swimming/cycling/taekwondo/surfing) but it is difficult when I don't get the essential sleep needed to recover or be energised.
Has anyone been through this or know of ways to change mindset?
Cheers :)

Replies

  • yondermountain
    yondermountain Posts: 16 Member
    I've been dealing with insomnia all my life. The most successful cure I've found is sheer physical exhaustion. However, if I exercise in the afternoon or evening I will be awake most of the night.

    Have you tried eliminating caffeine in the afternoons and evenings?

    I find that melatonin helps sometimes. So does Benedryl and Zyrtec. Alcohol is not helpful at all.

    One more trick: I turn out the lights and listen to radio talk shows (no politics, though!) that I've downloaded onto my mp3 player. Music, reading, and TV are too stimulating and keep me awake. This is very helpful to me.

    Good luck. It is frustrating.
  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    I find it helpful to my sleep to use an eye pillow to block out all light, and ear plugs that minimize noise.
  • ron2e
    ron2e Posts: 606
    Hon, if you are crying for hours there is something wrong, you need help. Please go and see your doctor as a first step, sounds like you have clinical depression. This is NOT an insomnia issue, you have to address the root problem then you will sleep like a baby. Please, there is no need to suffer this alone, help is available.
  • Maano79
    Maano79 Posts: 4 Member
    I haven't had insomnia but in February this year I had a stroke. I have recovered somewhat but the biggest hurdle for me is something called stroke fatigue. If I do something or if I do nothing, if I rest or if I sleep, I feel exhausted all the time, and at times it feels like it doesn't get any better. My stroke specialists have said that this lasts for about a year. Ironically I have found that exercise helps the fatigue. How long have you had the insomnia? Maybe seeing a sleep specialist would help.
  • javajunco
    javajunco Posts: 81
    Not me, but a friend of mine had a situation that she described exactly the way you put it. Insomnia due to sadness, reading all night to keep from crying uncontrollably. When she started taking fish oil pills, for some reason it really seemed to help. I don't know if there is anything to that, but maybe worth a try?
  • 122ish
    122ish Posts: 339 Member
    I have always had issues with sleeping that required sleeping pills, but with the help of diet and physical activity I have been sleeping much better. I also notice that 400 mg of magnesium has really helped me too I even manage to take naps now. I prefer the soft gels to pill form cause I noticed they seem to work better. I have run out and I notice a difference within a few days.

    I tried melatonin but it wasn't as effective and left me tired during the day, I also tried valerian root but it was too stinky for me to continue.
    I really hope u find a solution because I know all too well how debilitating lack of sleep can be
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    Hon, if you are crying for hours there is something wrong, you need help. Please go and see your doctor as a first step, sounds like you have clinical depression. This is NOT an insomnia issue, you have to address the root problem then you will sleep like a baby. Please, there is no need to suffer this alone, help is available.

    This is my thought as well. See a doctor.
  • Warchortle
    Warchortle Posts: 2,197 Member
    Well, technically it's insomnia caused by depression, so... it's actually both.
  • Joehenny
    Joehenny Posts: 1,222 Member
    I work overnight and have class in the AM. I take dyph and am out like a dead man lol.

    I would address the aforementioned crying issue though.
  • lillith1991
    lillith1991 Posts: 70
    Yea I would see a dr. It sounds like depression to me, some times it can screw with sleep patterns.
  • SurfyFriend
    SurfyFriend Posts: 362 Member
    Thankyou everyone! These are great responses and I will look into them further.
    I've had this on and off since I was about 14 and it helps when people are home or when I sleepover at my friends places. I have until August until people move in.
    Its not depression, its just at night I get an overwhelming feeling of social isolation. During the day I am great!
    I might even pester the homeowners to get fences so I can get a golden retriever.
    Until then I will look at these suggestions!
    Thanks!
  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    Just a thought: you might want to have your thyroid checked. Thyroid problems can cause depression, symptoms of depression, and can certainly disrupt your sleep. Good luck getting your beauty rest!

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