sleep problems

My heart goes out, as almost 2 and a half years ago, out of the clear blue I was hit with chronic insomnia. I can't get over that Zolpidem doesn't work! What dosage are you on? 5mg will usually knock me out. I also use Mid-Nite which is at Target. Chewable melatonin concoction. I would go to the dr and see what they can do. Also, keep the lights low..maybe take a warm shower/bath. Turn off the t.v./pc. Have you tried reading? I feel you!

I have the same problem. Popcorn works for just munching. Don't buy ice cream! This helps with the eating.

bump

If you have had this problem over a week call your doctor. I had this too, turned out I had an OVER-active thyroid.

if you feel you reeeeally want ice cream, but the skinny cow ice creams! buy them at target. they're cheaper there than anywhere else.

A few things that have worked for me...

1. If you have a computer or a tv on in your room....turn it all off 30 minutes prior to the chosen bed time. Never sleep with a tv in your room or a computer screen. Something about the light from the screen and your brain...I don't know the science behind it but if you do remove these items, it will give your brain a chance to calm down. If you need something to do... try folding laundry (its so boring that it puts me to sleep) or just color (pick up a cheapo coloring book at the dollar store...)... maybe read (this can be tricky as I have books that keep me up much longer than needed).

2. If you feel that eating is a big issue, tell yourself no more food after *insert reasonable hour here*... I go to bed by 11pm so I pick 9:30pm as my turn off eating point. I also brush my teeth right away as it is part of my night time routine already and this gets me in the "mood" to relax.

3. On the food part... donate or throw out the junk food and stock up with healthier options so if you do get the munchies...that is what you are allowed to reach for.

4. Are you drinking enough water? From what I have been told (and it is true for me), I sometimes forget that I am actually not hungry but perhaps really thirsty. I now am glued to my bottle of water. I am awful about water in general but when I get hungry, I do a "water checK' with myself, especially if I know I shouldn't be hungry yet.

If you feel that it is more serious than this, definitely check in with your doctor too... good luck!

So sorry to hear! That is a difficult situation. You might have to try several things, as in the post above. Turning down the lights and not sitting at the computer or any screen can make a huge difference. You may find you have to be in bed by or certain time or your brain "wakes up" again - like a second wind. Maybe you're feeling tired at 10:30, but then you stay up to finish something and then you're awake again, so try to get to bed the second you feel even a little tired. Sip some chamomile tea. Make bedtime quiet, low lights, try to have your teeth brushed early so you don't wake up with the toothpaste! Look at your whole day...did you get exercise? Did you eat early enough so you're not digesting too close to bedtime? Do you need a relaxation CD at bedtime? Try writing your to-do list for tomorrow down on a piece of paper so you aren't thinking about all the million things. Read something that is "fluff" reading...not a tense murder mystery. No Criminal Minds on late-night before bed! LOL I wish you the best of luck and lots of quality sleep!

A few things I would suggest:

-no TV/Computer 1.5hrs before deisred bedtime
-develop a routine (washing face, brushing teeth etc...)
-take a warm bath before going to sleep with aromas like lavender or something calming
-drink chamomile tea 30min-1hr prior to bedtime
-getting in the habit of meditating 5-20 minutes before laying in bed
-remove all electronic devices from bedroom, even the alarm clock (set it far away from your bed if possible)
-using the age-old method of repeating to your body "I am relaxed" while imagining all your muscle getting more an more relaxed - even starting from the toes and saying to yourself in your mind "my toes are now relaxing, the muscle are completely relaxed..." When you think they are relaxed enough, let go of the tension once more by taking deep breaths and imagining the tension leaving your body as you exhale... Do this from toe to head for every body part and I would be surprised that you would could go past the hips (if you don't let your mind get distracted and only think about how relaxe you're getting).

Another tip - if you say to yourself "okay, I need to get to sleep..." You are actually DOING something, which means you are NOT relaxing and letting your body shut down... It's important that stressing over no getting to sleep is an activity that gets the hr going.... Also, I would stay laying down UNTIL I fell asleep. And go to bed at the same time every night. Your body will get used to shutting down for bedtime.

I feel your pain. Have tried pretty much everything everyone has suggested other than the hard core prescription stuff: I do have a low dose Elavil prescription. And nothing has worked!!

I'm looking to change up my routine once again to see if that makes a difference. For me, that will mean reading a bit before bedtime, rather than just going upstairs when I am ready to go to bed, and moving my workouts back to the morning once again.