Sleep (or lackthereof)

[TradArcher]

Hello Everyone!

So... I have had this problem for the last 5-6 years, I can't sleep. Until 7-8 months ago I could get a decent six or eight hours of sleep a night, I know it isn't great, especially for someone as young as I am, but compared to the sleep I get now, it is good. Within the last six months I have been getting progressively less and less sleep. It is now to the point where I am lucky to sleep for three or four hours a day.

I am at a loss as to what to do. We (my family and I) have tried just about everything: OTC, prescription and homeopathic drugs and remedies, ranging from chamomile tea to melatonin tablets to narcotics (prescription), But to no avail. I have also tried all of the commonly recommended "sleep-aids" such as no T.V./radio/bright lights/vigorous activity within a few hours before bed. I have tried working myself to exhaustion during the day (i.e. 4-5 mile run, weightlifting, spending the day doing yard work, all in one day). I have tried cutting out all caffeine and processed sugar from my diet, and got nothing from it. I have also gone to a psychologist to try and work out any stress/anxiety problems; no good.

After thinking about it for the last week or so I think I have narrowed it down to a few things. Bear in mind that these are just a sixteen year old's thoughts. Actually thinking may be the problem. It seems that when I am in the quiet I am not able to shut my mind off. I run through the most random thoughts, the most inconsequential things seem to plague me. But when I am actively engaged (such as when I am in class or at Church) I have no problem focusing, no unrelated racing thoughts (I do tend to think of everything that I can that is related to the subject ), I have been tested for ADD and ADHD and the tests showed that I do not have it.

Anyway, thanks for bearing with my ramblings. Any input or thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

God Bless.

[B. W.]

Hi TradArcher,

Have you seen a doctor? There is an actual disorder that can cause this but I can't remember which on (There are about 70 different type of sleep disorders plus other biological things that can cause this too).

Try going to the Mayo Clinic web site and check you symptoms... Also have you seen a neurologist about this? If not, try to find a good one in you area and set up an appointment as well…
-
-
-

[TradArcher]

I have seen a few doctors for it, but they all say the same things. They always give me the same "get into a good routine before bed..." garbage, even when I make perfectly clear that I have tried that in the past for a considerable amount of time. I may be going to see an neurologist in the near future if this doesn't change...

God Bless

[Byblos]

I have seen a few doctors for it, but they all say the same things. They always give me the same "get into a good routine before bed..." garbage, even when I make perfectly clear that I have tried that in the past for a considerable amount of time. I may be going to see an neurologist in the near future if this doesn't change...

God Bless

There are many, many reasons for insomnia, most are physical, some are psychological or both. When was the last time you had a complete physical? How is your blood sugar? Do you snore when you do fall asleep? If yes, is it obstructive (do you stop breathing for a short period then start again with a loud snore)? This could be an indication of sleep apnea. Were your tonsils and adenoids removed? If not, are your tonsils close together? Are you clinically depressed? (you will need to see a specialist to determine any of the above). A friend of mine (who is much older than you) had the exact same conditions and it turned out he needed a mood stabilizer. He's now on a low dose of Cymbiax and he's sleeping like a baby (Cymbiax is usually prescribed for bipolar but in a low dose it works wonders with mood stabilization).

P.S. I also had the same issues you're describing where I could not sleep because my mind would wander in a zillion directions. I too was told not to have any lights or sounds around in the room but still I could not sleep. This was all through my college years which was absolutely horrible with all the studying and final exams and not being able to sleep. Fast forward to after I got married and my wife could not possibly sleep without the TV being on. Guess what? I started sleeping better because I was concentrating on whatever was on TV instead of my mind going crazy. Go figure ...

Get yourself checked thoroughly. Good luck.

[zoegirl]

I too, like having the radio on and have in the past had a TV in my room and okalced it on timer. I can't, however, claim to hav any of the same level of difficulty falling asleep.

[Gman]

For me I use Ambien (knocks me out cold)... I've also heard that drinking a lot of milk before you go to bed helps also. Also watching TV before you go to bed does not help because it excites your mind.

Lastly, eliminating sin from our lives also helps ease the body... Helps you sleep. Also no alcohol.. Wine is the worst.

[B. W.]

I just listen to my wife at night as she rambles on ...

Works everytime
-
-
-

[billybeejr]

Have you tried praying?

[ageofknowledge]

For me I use Ambien (knocks me out cold)... I've also heard that drinking a lot of milk before you go to bed helps also. Also watching TV before you go to bed does not help because it excites your mind.

Lastly, eliminating sin from our lives also helps ease the body... Helps you sleep. Also no alcohol.. Wine is the worst.

You don't have to drink a lot of milk. Just take a calcium tablet at lunch. Calcium is what does it. Try sleepy time tea. Don't drink a bottle of liquor and pass out. Alcohol is terrible medicine. Avoid it all together.

[AbduGimba]

We used G-Monster Saturday night; I used one serving and so did my girlfriend. My girlfriend got totally different effects from the product than I did. I just got relaxed and chill; as I do when I did a cap of scoop, but my girlfriend said it was too trippy for her, if we were at a club I think she would have wigged out. Should she cut down the dosage or do women feel different effects from some products than men?

http://www.narcomundo.com/legal-drugs/a ... g-monster/

[ezer]

When I have trouble sleeping I read a few Psalms it works for me.