Any tips for someone who can't stay asleep?

[Earl Grey]

I recently took myself off of my pain medication. The doctor had me on Percocet for I believe over 2 years but after detoxing most of what I was taking them for has slacked off greatly. Any way, the Percocet also helped me to sleep through the night, but now I sleep for an hour then wake up and have problems getting back to sleep. I have problems with my arms also, it's almost like pent up energy that will make me toss and turn all night, but that's not always the case, sometimes I just can't sleep. Do any of you have any pointers that involve a natural approach? Thanks!!

[d33na]

Re: Any tips for someone who can't stay asleep?

personally...Ive always been an insomniac...I do cryptic cross words till I fall asleep with my face in the book....its the only thing that exhausts my mind...good luck it isnt fun not sleeping

[Earl Grey]

Re: Any tips for someone who can't stay asleep?

personally...Ive always been an insomniac...I do cryptic cross words till I fall asleep with my face in the book....its the only thing that exhausts my mind...good luck it isnt fun not sleeping

Thanks for your reply. I might give it a go with the cross words. I've tried chatting online with friends till the point of exhaustion but I just get goofy from lack of sleep and end up shoving my foot in my mouth!

I love your status by the way! Makes me want to watch the Empire Strikes Back again!

[Shrew2u]

Re: Any tips for someone who can't stay asleep?

I experienced the same thing two nights ago - I fell asleep fine, then I woke up and had difficulty going back to sleep due to restlessness and twitchy arms. So, I got up and did some stretching exercises, not enough to re-energize me but enough to get rid of the restlessness. I sometimes also jump on Hulu and watch a movie or TV show.

[Earl Grey]

Re: Any tips for someone who can't stay asleep?

I experienced the same thing two nights ago - I fell asleep fine, then I woke up and had difficulty going back to sleep due to restlessness and twitchy arms. So, I got up and did some stretching exercises, not enough to re-energize me but enough to get rid of the restlessness. I sometimes also jump on Hulu and watch a movie or TV show.

I've tried stretching but it doesn't work for me. I don't know if something is messed up in my nervous system and I have come not to trust doctors enough to find out!

[Earl Grey]

Re: Any tips for someone who can't stay asleep?

Oh, and thanks for the post!

[Whatsername]

Re: Any tips for someone who can't stay asleep?

I can relate to what a lot of what was said. I am on ambien...kind of hate relying on it but don't know how I would sleep without it. My son has take Melatonin as a natural product. Beyond that..when I can't sleep, I play on my computer.

[EverLosing]

Re: Any tips for someone who can't stay asleep?

No one has mentioned it yet but exercise way before bedtime and melatonin combined usually does the trick. I had the same problem in the beginning and it was AWFUL! I have found that exercise that really pushes your limits makes the bed all the more inviting!

[JulieB]

Re: Any tips for someone who can't stay asleep?

I used to have insomnia issues (much better since Atkins tho). Some things that have worked for me, or I've had suggested are:

- Turn the alarm clock away so you can't see what time it is (this worked REALLY well for me)
- Don't do anything in bed except sleep (no TV, reading, etc)
- get regular exercise, but not right before bed
- don't eat just before bed (digestion can keep you awake)
- have a "going to bed" routine, take 1/2 hour to relax, wash your face, pick your clothes out for tomorrow, whatever, etc. Do the same thing every night. This mentally prepares you for sleep.

The first one (which is the last one I found) worked the best for me. I was a chronic clock-watcher..."if I fall asleep now I can still get x hours of sleep'...

I hope these help.

[Earl Grey]

Re: Any tips for someone who can't stay asleep?

Thank you all for your reply's. I'm a chronic clock watcher myself so I understand that one perfectly! Lol, I took the Advil PM and I slept so sound I'm groggy! First time that has happened in a long time! I hope that continues working and it wasn't just pure exhaustion that put me out!

[jcapulet]

Re: Any tips for someone who can't stay asleep?

I can relate to what a lot of what was said. I am on ambien...kind of hate relying on it but don't know how I would sleep without it. My son has take Melatonin as a natural product. Beyond that..when I can't sleep, I play on my computer.

I'm in the same boat, I take Restoril. Had sleeping problems since I was about 7 years old and tried everything: No coffee (for a full summer), exercising 5 days per week at lunchtime, going in bed only for sleeping, and some other suggestions from many books. Some days it's been so bad that I haven't fallen asleep until 7 am- 9 am. Ech.