Sleep (or lackthereof)
Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:26 pm
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.
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.