As long as I can remember, I've always had a problem falling asleep at night. It takes me longer than most people. I toss and turn and toss and turn, no matter how tired I am. It runs in my family. I have parents and 2 sisters that have the same problem.
When I lay down in bed at night, a little motor clicks on in my head, and the wheels are set in motion. You name it, and I'm thinking about it. My mind decides then, that I must solve the problems of the world.
Now people that don't have problems falling asleep have a hard time understanding this. It makes no sense to them. 'Just close your eyes, and think of the mountains, the ocean, anything but what you're thinking about.' Well, now that's something I had never thought of. NOT! (my 16 year old daughter would say). I suppose that if I could do that, I would. But, it just doesn't work for me.
Perhaps, I should learn to meditate and do yoga. I would love to learn how to do both. I understand that you can gain complete control of your mind, and teach yourself to clear your head and to think about what YOU want to think about when you want to think it.
Hmmm, I may have to check into that!
But for now, I'll just spend time late at night getting things cleared off my desk, and getting caught up. There's always so much to do at midnight.
It certainly beats laying in bed, and counting sheep.
As you can see from the picture, some have no problem sleeping anytime or anywhere, and snoring too!
Lucky dog!
This article is authored by
Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
Palm Bay Florida Real Estate News
that for you
I stayed up for three days once and could not sleep. I have since been to the doctor and take sleeping pills. Sleep deprivation can do really bad thing to your body and mind.
I am one of those blogging in the wee hours of the morning, while all the normal people are asleep.
Sandy, my head hits the pillow, then CONK, I am out. Must be tired. You are right though if your mind is active with thought, you can't sleep. Maybe Ambien or other medication could ease you into a normal sleep pattern. Nothing like restful sleep. Hope you figure it out. No one likes to toss and turn.
Sandy, I have a dear friend who, like you, had this family trait. Her father, her brother, and she herself. I am not sure, but I think at least one of her children is now showing signs. She takes Ambien, can't live without it. You might think about it.
Take care.
As a former insomniac (and it does run in a family) is to make sure you are not doing anything that stimulates you for several hours before bedtime - this includes blogging.......not television either - try reading and it should help......exercise early in the date not late.....if I exercise after work, I stay awake very late......
Some of those sleep aids have side effects like eating and driving while sleeping....and I am not joking........
Hi Sandy~ There are times I am the same way, but then there are other times I can sleep. I LOVE my sleep so when I have those bouts of sleep deprivation it drives me bonkers! Ambien works like a charm!
Sandy, I totally understand, it just seems like my mind won't stop and there is a million one things to do. It has gotten worse though since I have been in real estate. I heard someone say on a commercial on HGTV that Real Estate takes over your life! Wow! But I love it! Well, it hasn't taken over my life, but it is a totally different frame of mind when you are having to run your own business! On top of that, don't have anything else on your mind subconsciously, then you will never sleep! It seems that as long as I have energy in my body then I am not going to sleep. Then all of a sudden as my body starts to slow down I have to listen. I just have to make sure that my body is not slowing down at the time that I need it to be going, and going fast! I will keep you in my prayers! This is the only thing that has worked for me!
I highly recommend yoga - it will help your body and mind. Great exercise, and more importantly, helps you train your mind to be quiet. Make it a habit, find an instructor you like, and stick with it.
I wish I could just fall asleep anytime, anywhere, Sandy. Well, OK. Maybe not ANYWHERE. But, the dog does look comfy. I have to go to bed at least an hour or so before I would like to fall asleep and start reading. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't. But, at least I get some time to myself and get to catch up on a good book, too.
2 bottles of wine right before bedtime everynight will have you fixed up in no time flat. Depending on you wine taste it could be an expensive cure though.
Sandy, I used to have that problem, before the little white pills! Hahahahahahaha! I highly recommend them!
I have had insomnia too. What I do is avoid any caffeine after 7pm, sleep with blinders on, and stay up and watch Jay Leno's monologue. Normally that does the trick.
Sandy, let everything go. just don't think. How are your Oompa Loompas doing?
Hi Sandy, Usually I don't have that problem,once my head hits the pillow...it's lights out! but often I stay up too late and don't get enough sleep, too! Maybe you're just not tired??!!
Try sleepy time tea, and lavendar on your pillow...might help and it's natural.....
Sweet Dreams, Sandy!
Two bottles of wine before sleep. I think the bathroom would become an issue. Stay away from caffiene late at night.
Hi Sandy....same problem here. I usually get to sleep without a problem, but then wake up a couple of hours later and it's off to the races and there isn't anything I can do except take a sleeping pill. I cut the tiny Ambien in 4 (don't like drugs) and it seems to just take the edge off and quite my brain enough to get back to sleep. Good luck, it's not fun :(
LOL @Laura - 2 bottles of wine....yes, the Ambien is certainly a lot cheaper ;-)
Sandy Shores...
I'm happy to say, I don't have that problem. My head hits the pillow and I'm actually aware that I'm drifting off...that's the best!!
Only when something is really troubling me do I have a hard time falling asleep.
Hey Sandy,
I know what you mean. I have a tough time unless I am just wiped out. Yoga is fun but very challenging. I would love to find the time to practice it every day...
I need a few more hours..
Ann
Hi Sandy to Sandy, I toss and turn and count sheep and nothing works. So, I just get out of bed and go to work, instead.
Gary, My husband is the same way. He hits the pillow and is dead to the world. I envy people like you two.
Andrea, I think it does run in families. I know my family all has this problem
Julie, You're right. If I eat too late, I can't sleep at night. Have to be so careful.
Vickie, I have heard wonderful things about Ambien also.
Jamie, You definitely have to turn everything off in order to be able to fall asleep.
Tim, I have heard that yoga is wonderful. I would love to try it. I think I would love it. I am going to check into it. Thanks!
Heather, I have the same problem. It usually takes me an hour or two to fall asleep. Ugh. Bailey sleeps well and he snores alot!
Laura, 2 bottles of wine, my dear, I would be knee-walkin' drink on 2 glasses of wine! I would imagine that would get very costly!
Caren, Hmmm, the little white pills do the trick, huh?
Rob, I'll have to try sleeping with blinders. Although without my contact lenses I'm pretty blind already.
Hi Tony Tony, My Oompa Loompas are fine, thank Mr. Oompa Loompa. I have a hard time just letting everything. Not that easy for me.
Miss Mary, Lucky you that you don't have problems sleeping. I am going to try some sleepytime tea tonight.
Hi John, Laura mentioned the 2 bottle of wine thing too. I am such a lightweight, I told her 2 glasses would put me on the floor. You know, I don't drink any kind of caffeine at all.
Gail, Sometimes like you mentioned, it's just a matter of shutting your mind off. Then everything's fine.
TO, What is it with men? You guys are so lucky -hit the pillow and you're out! Lucky you!
Ann, Oh, well, maybe one day we'll get it figured out.