Insomnia and late night snacking....

fairyfey244
fairyfey244 Posts: 6 Member
edited November 27 in Health and Weight Loss
I have insomnia, and twice a week take a sleeping pill to enable me to sleep for longer than three hours per night. I don't want to become addicted to sleeping pills which is why I limit them to two a werk. The other nights I rarely manage more than two hours sleep a night, sometimes its only 30 minutes at a stretch. These are the nights when I roam around the house, watch TV for hours, read, cook, cry. To comfort myself I usually snack. Bad stuff, often, like bread and butter and honey. Fruit, yes, that too. I am not losing weight, not gaining either, but seem stuck on my horrible 86 kilos. Should be around 65 at most. On 1200 cals limit. When I sleep through I keep to this limit, the other nights I exceed. Often by a lot. I am on a downward spiral. Is there any hope for me?

Replies

  • Tblackdogs
    Tblackdogs Posts: 326 Member
    Of course there is hope for you! But it sounds like you need some help. I would definitely talk to your doctor right away. I also think you would benefit from seeing a therapist of some sort. The insomnia and crying sound more important than losing weight right now. I know that I can't accomplish anything when I'm not getting enough sleep. Take care of yourself and remember that there is always hope!
  • amyk0202
    amyk0202 Posts: 666 Member
    I would definitely see a doctor about your sleep issues. Sleep is important for weight loss, mood regulation, healing.
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    The above posters gave excellent advice.

    Call the doctor today with your concerns. There is no reason for you to suffer like that.

    If you're not gaining weight right now, just eat at maintenance (which it sounds like you are doing already, which means you are most likely eating more than 1200 calories) and take really good care of yourself.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    edited December 2015
    @fairyfey244 - have you always had insomnia, or is it new or worse with your 1200 calorie goal? How tall are you?
  • lulalacroix
    lulalacroix Posts: 1,082 Member
    I really feel your pain and think you may need to get your sleeping issues under control first. I have suffered with chronic insomnia for over 25 years. I have tried everything in the book, most of which was very temporary or didn't even work at all. Sleeping pills are a temporary solution and when you stop taking them you may still have the same issue.

    If you can figure out the cause of your insomnia then you will be on the right track for finding the solution. For me it's that I cannot turn off my brain. I tried every kind of relaxation, turning off the lights, hot baths, no technology. Finally I learned my own solution that works for me.

    Your weight loss will be easier if you figure out your sleep issues. And you will feel so much better.
  • MelaniaTrump
    MelaniaTrump Posts: 2,694 Member
    edited December 2015
    Open your diary.
    You could be eating cocoa or chocolate after 2pm. Even a protein bar can have cocoa.
    Cokes, spicy foods, citrus, fatty/fried foods, garlic, onions, msg, tomatoes, etc.
    My mom takes melatonin 1 hour before sleep. Not harmful. Magnesium supplement and calcium can help also.
    A glass of milk at night or a mozarella stick will contain potassium and magnessium (good for sleep).
  • fairyfey244
    fairyfey244 Posts: 6 Member
    I would like to thank every one who sent in such helpful suggestions. The main message I get seems to be that I should tackle the reasons for my insomnia, and the insomnia itself. I have been trying to do this on my own for about two years, though I get sleeping pulls on prescription. I will take your advice and see a doctor about WHY I have insomnia. Can't go on like this! The reason I cry, by the way, is not (I believe) because I am depressed, but because I am just so tired, tired through lack of sleep. So. Tomorrow I will phone my doctor. Thank you again.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    Hopefully you will get a doctor who can offer more than just pills.

    My mom really liked Insomniac by Gayle Green.
  • rayleigh09
    rayleigh09 Posts: 23 Member
    What helps me is having a cut off time and drinking water or tea after the cut off time if I'm still hungry.
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