Posted by Susang on August 24, 2002, at 2:25:23
In reply to Insomnia Tips please!!, posted by NikkiT2 on August 24, 2002, at 0:15:49
Funny you should ask....
I experience insomnia from time to time (like tonight). Right now I'm doing something the experts say NOT to do and that is get on the computer! They say it's too stimulating. I would agree since I can get caught up in reading posts, web surfing, online shopping, or chatting when if I'd done something else I might have gotten drowsy hours before.I've heard that if you can't fall asleep after 15-20 minutes you should get out of bed and do something non-stimulating until you feel drowsy. It's suggested that you do something calming and maybe even a little boring, such as needlepoint. Watching tv and reading certain types of books can be too stimulating unless you choose carefully. Regulating room temperature can help, too; you don't want it too hot or too cold.
There are lots of suggestions about how to avoid insomnia, but those don't do you much good when it's 2 AM and you're awake. They recommend that you avoid strenuous exercise just before bed (surely they don't mean sex, do they?), avoid caffeine in the evening, reduce stress (sure!), try to schedule "worry/planning time" for other times of the day so you don't lie awake fretting, avoid spicy foods, alcohol and fluids before bed, use your bed only for sleep and sex (not tv, etc.), and keep regular sleep hours (including weekends) even if your sleep gets disrupted now and then. Naps should be avoided. Practicing relaxation techniques is a good idea.
I'm sure there are more ideas out there but that's all I can pull out of my sleep-deprived little head right now. I'd suggest an internet search but of course we're not supposed to be using the computer right now!
Heck, if you still can't sleep after a bit look for me in PB Open and we can chat.
Sleepless Sue
poster:Susang
thread:29169
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020820/msgs/29174.html