Insomnia and "Zombie" Eating
SandyCoils
Posts: 164 Member
Hi All,
*unfortunately, this is not a post about eating Zombies, please continue with your regularly scheduled post/program*
When my insomnia kicks in and I am sleepy and tired the next day I find myself "Zombie" eating just to stay awake. Once I finally get myself together enough to shake off being sleepy and realize what I've eaten to try to stay awake, I am so angry and disappointed. Does anyone else suffer from this? If so, how do you cope with it?
*unfortunately, this is not a post about eating Zombies, please continue with your regularly scheduled post/program*
When my insomnia kicks in and I am sleepy and tired the next day I find myself "Zombie" eating just to stay awake. Once I finally get myself together enough to shake off being sleepy and realize what I've eaten to try to stay awake, I am so angry and disappointed. Does anyone else suffer from this? If so, how do you cope with it?
0
Replies
-
Have you tried supplementing with melatonin at night to make sure you get the sleep you need?
I find warm broth helps, and so does enough caffeine to kill an elephant.0 -
I don't have insomnia, but I do find that being sleepy makes me greedier - not necessarily hungrier, but less likely to resist boredom eating or if I'm offered a treat I don't even really want.0
-
I have taken melatonin and Valerian root when I have been having insomnia for a few days, but this is the first day in the cycle, so I was kind of caught off guard. You know, I can't take that stuff at 1:30am, if I do, I wont be making it to work, that's for sure.0
-
It sounds like you don't have a set bed time. It may help to set one that gives you enough time to be able to supplement if needed. Also a set bed time can help reset your rhythm. Our bodies are good at routine and in fact work better when they have one.0
-
SandyCoils wrote: »Hi All,
*unfortunately, this is not a post about eating Zombies, please continue with your regularly scheduled post/program*
When my insomnia kicks in and I am sleepy and tired the next day I find myself "Zombie" eating just to stay awake. Once I finally get myself together enough to shake off being sleepy and realize what I've eaten to try to stay awake, I am so angry and disappointed. Does anyone else suffer from this? If so, how do you cope with it?
Oh man, I was wondering why you'd started eating zombies!
I don't suffer with this affliction.
Have you tried speaking with you doctor about your trouble sleeping? That would be a frist step.
0 -
never2bstopped wrote: »It sounds like you don't have a set bed time. It may help to set one that gives you enough time to be able to supplement if needed. Also a set bed time can help reset your rhythm. Our bodies are good at routine and in fact work better when they have one.
This has certainly been my experience as well. In order to get up and work out each morning, I work hard to be in bed my at least 9 p.m. If it's a Sunday and I've slept in, I can get away with going to bed at 10 and getting up at 4, but that's about it.
0 -
never2bstopped wrote: »It sounds like you don't have a set bed time. It may help to set one that gives you enough time to be able to supplement if needed. Also a set bed time can help reset your rhythm. Our bodies are good at routine and in fact work better when they have one.
This has certainly been my experience as well. In order to get up and work out each morning, I work hard to be in bed my at least 9 p.m. If it's a Sunday and I've slept in, I can get away with going to bed at 10 and getting up at 4, but that's about it.
There is a reason we give kids a set bed time....
0 -
^I agree. I don't have insomnia, but if I haven't had a good night's sleep I get a little off. I won't necessarily be hungrier, but I won't necessarily make good choices. It's not like any food is off limits, but I tend to ignore my macros and not eat as balanced because I kinda go toward cookies, candy, cereal, etc more when I'm tired, almost without realizing it while it's happening. I guess it's that "quick energy" thingI don't have insomnia, but I do find that being sleepy makes me greedier - not necessarily hungrier, but less likely to resist boredom eating or if I'm offered a treat I don't even really want.0 -
never2bstopped wrote: »It sounds like you don't have a set bed time. It may help to set one that gives you enough time to be able to supplement if needed. Also a set bed time can help reset your rhythm. Our bodies are good at routine and in fact work better when they have one.
I do have a semi-set bedtime. It's between 9:00 - 10:00, almost always 9:30. I sleep good for 3 - 4 hours then wake up and can't really get back to sleep. Then during the day, I am finding myself grazing, almost unconsciously, during the day to stay awake.
0 -
-
Call a sleep specialist. They will likely have you come in for a sleep study to find out the root of the problem0
-
SandyCoils wrote: »never2bstopped wrote: »It sounds like you don't have a set bed time. It may help to set one that gives you enough time to be able to supplement if needed. Also a set bed time can help reset your rhythm. Our bodies are good at routine and in fact work better when they have one.
I do have a semi-set bedtime. It's between 9:00 - 10:00, almost always 9:30. I sleep good for 3 - 4 hours then wake up and can't really get back to sleep. Then during the day, I am finding myself grazing, almost unconsciously, during the day to stay awake.
Did you stress to the dr that getting to sleep isn't the problem , it's staying asleep? I believe there are some time release sleep aids that you can get that may be more useful to your particular issue.0 -
never2bstopped wrote: »Did you stress to the dr that getting to sleep isn't the problem , it's staying asleep? I believe there are some time release sleep aids that you can get that may be more useful to your particular issue.
Are they OTC?
0 -
SandyCoils wrote: »never2bstopped wrote: »Did you stress to the dr that getting to sleep isn't the problem , it's staying asleep? I believe there are some time release sleep aids that you can get that may be more useful to your particular issue.
Are they OTC?
I believe there are some. Talk to the pharmacist they should be able to point you in the right direction.0 -
SandyCoils wrote: »
Benadryl... for insomnia?? I mean I take benadryl for allergies most nights and it does make me sleepy, but I still get insomnia (I've had it as long as I can remember). Plus that only helps get to sleep, not stay asleep. And sometimes it gives me restless legs, which is just delightful. I would try another doctor and follow all sleep suggestions (keep your room dark & cool, use white noise, etc.).
As for your original question, could you try switching to liquids? Eat a regular breakfast first thing, then drink coffee, water, tea... Drinking green tea all day has really helped me with that kind of mindless grazing.0 -
WickedPineapple wrote: »SandyCoils wrote: »
Benadryl... for insomnia?? I mean I take benadryl for allergies most nights and it does make me sleepy, but I still get insomnia (I've had it as long as I can remember). Plus that only helps get to sleep, not stay asleep. And sometimes it gives me restless legs, which is just delightful. I would try another doctor and follow all sleep suggestions (keep your room dark & cool, use white noise, etc.).
As for your original question, could you try switching to liquids? Eat a regular breakfast first thing, then drink coffee, water, tea... Drinking green tea all day has really helped me with that kind of mindless grazing.
Ugghhh yes, benadryl! And you're right. It only helps me get to sleep, not stay asleep. I'll try switching to liquids. That just may help. Thanks a lot. I'm just wanting lunch to get here so I can go walking or shopping, or something.
0 -
That is my day! I've eaten everything I have as just feel blergh although I got a good sleep last night for a change.
Luckily I am at work and the only major casualty was 15 Finn Crisp crackers. Which isn't that bad considering the damage I could have done had I gone to Greggs instead of for a walk at lunch.
I haven't any really good suggestions...keep drinking lots (water, green tea...low cal stuff) and have some good grazeables available. I had grapes, melon, seafood sticks, yoghurt, salsa and crackers, carrot sticks...I often find crunchy stuff most helpful as it takes time to chew through!0 -
I did have some grapes available, but soooo much sugar and it kills that part of my goal. I also had some butter crunch cashews at my desk from Target. Those are the big guns and I use those in case of emergency, and that's exactly what it was. I'm better now that I have gotten up and out of the office. Picked up some sleep aid, so hopefully tonight will be better.0
-
I'm a total insomniac so I'm with you!
I plan what I'm going to eat ahead of time and pre-portion what I'm going to eat. If I'm eating chips, for example, I don't bring the whole bag with me. I weigh out the amount I can have (or buy pre-portioned bags) and eat that. It cuts down the "zombie" eating.
In terms of sleep, I have tried all kinds of stuff. I've been prescribed all the drugs, but hated the side effects, I've done melatonin and tea and Chinese herbal pills and acupuncture. None of it helped enough.
What really helped me was limiting technology before bed. I now get in bed an hour before I want to fall asleep and read my Kindle (the old, non-backlit one) or an actual book with my lamp on. Once I'm in bed, my phone is put away and I can't play with it. Then I read for 30 min-1 hour depending on how tired I am. Then I try to sleep. Something about the blue light of my phone or computer really stimulates me and keeps me awake. I also would get distracted browsing the internet or reading articles online and next thing I knew, it was 3AM and I would play the "if I fall asleep right now, I'll only get X amount of sleep" game. So reading is way better. I also don't drink caffeine anymore.
Good luck
0 -
WickedPineapple wrote: »SandyCoils wrote: »
Benadryl... for insomnia?? I mean I take benadryl for allergies most nights and it does make me sleepy, but I still get insomnia (I've had it as long as I can remember). Plus that only helps get to sleep, not stay asleep. And sometimes it gives me restless legs, which is just delightful. I would try another doctor and follow all sleep suggestions (keep your room dark & cool, use white noise, etc.).
Benedryl is a form of diphenhydramine, which is what most OTC sleep aids are. You can buy it super cheap in generic Benedryl form; don't pay that ridiculous amount for ZZZquil, which is the same thing.
For my hubby, this knocks him flat out, for me it doesn't do a lot. I think it depends your individual body.
I find that Nyquil knocks my out, the capsules do, but it isn't healthy to take long term.
** I eat like a PIG when I should be sleeping, that is where about 50 % of my calories come from**
0 -
holly55555 wrote: »I'm a total insomniac so I'm with you!
I plan what I'm going to eat ahead of time and pre-portion what I'm going to eat. If I'm eating chips, for example, I don't bring the whole bag with me. I weigh out the amount I can have (or buy pre-portioned bags) and eat that. It cuts down the "zombie" eating.
In terms of sleep, I have tried all kinds of stuff. I've been prescribed all the drugs, but hated the side effects, I've done melatonin and tea and Chinese herbal pills and acupuncture. None of it helped enough.
What really helped me was limiting technology before bed. I now get in bed an hour before I want to fall asleep and read my Kindle (the old, non-backlit one) or an actual book with my lamp on. Once I'm in bed, my phone is put away and I can't play with it. Then I read for 30 min-1 hour depending on how tired I am. Then I try to sleep. Something about the blue light of my phone or computer really stimulates me and keeps me awake. I also would get distracted browsing the internet or reading articles online and next thing I knew, it was 3AM and I would play the "if I fall asleep right now, I'll only get X amount of sleep" game. So reading is way better. I also don't drink caffeine anymore.
Good luck
I loved games, but this is the one I hate. I played this game all of the AM hours. My husband asks, "well, why don't you get up and work out?" Well, because I'm praying that I go back to sleep! Yeah, I've been better about putting away the phone and tablet 30 - 60 minutes before bed. I even listed to Forensic Files on my way to sleep. It's something about Peter Thomas narrating that comforts me and sends me to sleep.
0 -
I take Benedryl plus 500 mcg of Melatonin. After years of dealing with sleep specialists and prescription sleep medications (including Ambien, which caused sleep eating and sleep driving) I find that this works well enough for me.
Google "sleep hygiene" for more ideas.0
![:\](https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/resources/emoji/confused.png ":\"){kind=small}
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 176K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions