Sleep Issue Help..

[chicamarun]

I have been having a really hard time sleeping. Both getting to sleep and staying asleep. Then I wake up and feel (and apparently look) exhausted.

I don't have any caffeine after 1pm (2-3 at the latest) and do a lot of stuff during the day - living on a farm down that kinda goes with the territory.

Anyone have any suggestions? I figured it would go away - being an energy blast or something as my body got use to the lower carbs (I haven't gone above 30 carb per day in over 2 months because that's my # at the moment).

I am finding if I don't have my coffee in the morning - I will pass out.

So any helping ideas?

[kate58]

Re: Sleep Issue Help..

I know that it may seem unlikely when you are not having caffeine late in the day, but I'd think about cutting it out. Especially cos you say that you'll pass out if you don't have it in the morning. That's an addiction and obviously caffiene affects you quite a lot. No normal body actually 'needs' caffeine, it's not a requied nutrient!

The reason I say this is because I cut out a huge amount of caffeine by giving up a 2-3 litre diet coke habit when I started this. I still have the odd cup of coffee, though definitely not every day, maybe once or twice a week if I am out and usually in the morning or at lunchtime.

I keep it low because on every occasion I do it I sleep badly that night. The odd thing is that when I was drinking all that coke AND regular coffee I slept like a top. It's like cutting it back makes me ultra sensitive to caffiene, could be the same for you.

[kelly50]

Re: Sleep Issue Help..

Hi, Chica, I posted about this same thing a few weeks ago. I found taking a 1000mg fish oil/Omega 3 supplement 3 times a day helped after about 2 weeks. Not sure why, but it really has. If you are taking any medication, please check with your doc before starting the fish oil as it can interact with some medications. Also, I only drink decaf coffee after 8am. Good luck to you.

[purplecat]

Re: Sleep Issue Help..

I have been having a really hard time sleeping. Both getting to sleep and staying asleep. Then I wake up and feel (and apparently look) exhausted.

I don't have any caffeine after 1pm (2-3 at the latest) and do a lot of stuff during the day - living on a farm down that kinda goes with the territory.

Anyone have any suggestions? I figured it would go away - being an energy blast or something as my body got use to the lower carbs (I haven't gone above 30 carb per day in over 2 months because that's my # at the moment).

I am finding if I don't have my coffee in the morning - I will pass out.

So any helping ideas?

I have found that Melatonin (can be found in the vitamin aisle) helped me sleep when nothing else would (had chronic insomnia). After a few weeks of taking it my body adjusted itself and now I'm able to fall asleep and stay asleep on my own.

[julirama723]

Re: Sleep Issue Help..

I would give up the caffiene--your body is probably addicted to that small amount (even though you cut back) and it's throwing you off. Caffiene is not a required nutrient, you'll feel much better without it! Once you give it up completely, your energy should return.

[hopejoy]

Re: Sleep Issue Help..

Also calcium, magnesium suppliments help with relaxation... I also take my potassium at nite...
Also make sure you are getting enough sunshine on your skin during the day... sunshine helps me relax and I sleep better when I get some sun.
Also exersize... not just work, but sustained exersize will relax you as well, taking a long walk for the purpose of unwinding and relaxing... letting your mind go... helps.
Also, your thoughts, tv, etc... try to avoid too much stimulation at night...
Warm bath...
massage...
talking about what you might be worrying about....
just some ideas that help me.
liz