STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Dizzy · Marc Jacobs

Insomniac...

jen · Kate Spade

Yes. I couldn't sleep since I was a child. I lay in bed for 2+ hours every night even though I only get 5-6 hours of sleep every night. Usually I fall asleep around 2 or 3, but sometimes I'm up till 4. My doc gave me Xanax and described it as having a glass of wine before bed to calm my mind down and help me relax. Also, taking in a "herbal" remedy always knocks me right out

curiouscookie · BCBG

If you don't want to take some kind of medication...
Try not to watch the news or any other stimulating shows 1-2 hours before bed. If you enjoy reading, or listening to music (something softer, soothing) make yourself a cup of Chamomile tea(Tazo's Sleepy Tea or other brands) with a little honey and take that to bed with you and try to read yourself to sleep!

That might help !!!
Good luck...

lsubatgirl · Gucci

I've been having this problem for the past week. I just can't get to sleep and I toss and turn all night and I'm wide awake. It is so frustrating. I have no real advice but wanted to see what others have to say.

Have you started any new medicines lately? I am taking a decongestant and an antibiotic for a sinus infection and noticed my sleeping patterns have changed since I started taking it. Hopefully I will be able to sleep once I get off the meds next week. I also noticed that I can't sleep when I take Zyrtec at night so I have quit taking that medicine. Just a thought.

CarrieS · Marc Jacobs

How weird you posted this, because I posted something over in the General Chat section about Ambien yesterday...

Anyways, I'm not that bad, but I've developed insomnia within the last year and get it 1-2 times every couple of months. I have no idea why it started (no stress, no new medications or anything) and it's starting to make me anxious to go to bed at night. I also seem to be immune to taking OTC sleeping pills and melatonin. I've done other things that are supposed to relax you (warm baths, etc.), but the second I lay down, my mind starts whirring and I can't stop it.

I've never been a good sleeper either; I always toss and turn (blankets are always on the floor in the morning) and wake up at least once in the middle of the night.

I had insomnia last night and the night before and because I'm so frustrated, I'm actually going to the doctor this afternoon. I don't have the luxury of waiting until I get tired (on the nights I get insomnia), because I usually have to be up for work the next day, so I'm hoping my doctor will give me a prescription to something that will get me to sleep at night (only taken when needed though). I really don't want to have alcohol always be what I turn to when nothing else works.

Insomnia also somewhat caused my car accident this summer too, so I need something to sleep when I get it..

-- Edited by CarrieS at 13:12, 2006-01-03

Metric · Gucci

Dizzy- how old is your bed? My bf used to have bad insomnia (he would toss and turn for hours) and since we have gotten a new bed he sleeps like a baby.

I am usually a pretty sound sleeper and since we adopted our dog (and I now walk for 2 hours a day) I sleep like the dead. Maybe you need to burn off some energy?

halleybird · Hermes

I have had insomnia on and off for most of my life. My dad & one of my sisters have it too. I think for me, it's my anxiety and OCD, which seems to surface more at night (I have irrational fears that keep me awake). I have never responded well to medicine; I have some anxiety pills that knock me out cold, but I need to sleep at least 12 hours when I take them, and even then I feel tired, so I never use them. Behavioral therapy/relaxation always worked best for me, but it doesn't always work.

Some things to consider: do you exercise? That may help. Also, try not to do anything in your bed except sleep -- don't read or watch TV in your bed. Oh, and try not to use the computer in the hour or so before you sleep.

I feel for you, though, I really do. I've been there (and will be again, I am sure).

blubirde · Chanel

Oh man, Dizzy, I feel you. I also don't do well with sleep meds because I drag all day afterwards (same with cold meds - I'm just weird I guess). What started helping me was exercise, yoga, and a pad of paper and a pen by the bed. I had to burn off some of my energy during the day with some kind of exercise, relax at night with a bit of yoga (specifically an inversion for about 5 minutes minimum - it's amazing what it will do for you), and I started keeping a pad of paper and a pen by my bed so I could write down all the things I would think of.

I was always remembering things I needed to do or things I hadn't done or whatever while I was lying there trying to sleep. Writing them all down helped reassure me that I wouldn't forget them in the morning.

HTHs!

Dizzy · Marc Jacobs

You know what, I used to exercise almost every day and I barely have worked out at all in the past three weeks. Bet that's a lot of the problem... Plus, my bed is getting old and less comfortable than it used to be... I'm going to try the yoga and pad and the tea tonight too... Thanks guys for all the tips!