Ugh! On my third night of no sleep.

[smirkymonkey]

I usually have a difficult time with sleep, but I can usually manage to get some sleep during the night, however fleeting.

This is the third night in a row where I have been up all night without any sleep at all. I had a very long nap on Saturday, and a very short one on Sunday that was really unsatisfying - barely a nap at at all. I have to work today. I am debating whether to call in sick or just take a vacation day.

I have some things to do. Nothing that is hugely urgent and there are a few things that I would do anyway. I am still WFH so it's not like I have to go anywhere. I'm just wondering if I should kind of pretend to work later today or just suck it up and take the day off, because eventually I will fall asleep. It just won't be normal hours.

Anyway, thought some of you insomniacs out there could offer some advice.

[TEB]

1. Book off

Take the day I called in yesterday put a personal day for today on my staycation week.

[DonaldsRump]

3. Agreed, and consider taking melatonin to help for insomnia.

Of course, check it to make sure it's ok for you.

Sick or vacation, I guess these days it's about the same. Try for sick, since you can hopefully use your vacation days for something else.

[smirkymonkey]

9. I have been using melatonin, and usually it has been working, but for some reason

this weekend has just been really off.

I think I might go for the sick day. Thanks!

[smirkymonkey]

8. Good advice.

Thanks TEB. Now I just wish I had all your cute pups here with me!

[PJMcK]

2. Try using melatonin as a sleep aid

During the pandemic, it’s helped me sleep. All natural and very subtle.

[smirkymonkey]

14. Yes, I have been. And it has been helping.

But this weekend has been unusual. I am not sure why. Maybe it's just all the Trump stress.

I should probably go on a news diet for a few days. Thank you for your advice!

[secondwind]

4. I don't know what your line of work is, but I would take the day off.

There’s so much going on out there, and you may be more vulnerable to catching it.

[smirkymonkey]

16. We are still able to WFH, I work for a large corporation on a customer team in

marketing/sales. Fortunately, they are not making us come into the office. I am very conscientious so I will always check my email even if I am home sick to make sure things get done.

I even check in on weekends, so they know I am not a slacker. I just always feel guilty. However, I just don't think I am going to make it through the day since I am finally completely exhausted from lack of sleep.

Thank you!

[Mike 03]

5. I just cancelled something scheduled for today for the exact same reason.

My heart goes out to you and every DUer suffering from insomnia, because insomnia can really affect every aspect of life, including mood and cognitive function.

I'm trying a lot of different things but they don't always work:

Full spectrum CBD oil
Lemon Balm
L-Theanine
A product called "Sleep" put out by Nootropic Depot that contains Lemon Balm Extract, Uridine Monophosphate, Bacopa Monnieri Extract, Magnolia Bark Extract, Oleamide, PrimaVie® Purified Shilajit (this is not an endorsement or advertisement, since I can't yet tell how well it works)
Phosphatidylserine
Magnesium L-threonate

Sometimes I take a tablespoon of black seed oil, which relaxes the upper respiratory muscles for the kind of anxiety that makes you feel a little short of breath. Beet root extracts might also help with this.

Two things I have but don't use very often because they contain alcohol and valerian (valerian sometimes gives me restless legs syndrome): Anxiety Soother and Valerian tincture by Herb Pharm.

I suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome so some things like melatonin or any over-the-counter sleep aid that work for other people make RLS much worse, so I avoid those (but I really wish I could take them). Valerian may also set off restless legs.

Some DUers have recommended something called Ashwagandha. I have this but haven't integrated it into my sleep stack because I need to do more research.

On and off I'm experimenting with St. John's Wort, also for its mood benefits.

Best of luck to you and everyone else here who suffers from intractable insomnia.

If any DUers see mistakes or errors in anything I'm taking, or have other recommendations, please advise!

[smirkymonkey]

17. Thank you Mike!

I appreciate your feedback! I take melatonin semi-regularly, and usually it's pretty good, but this weekend has been unusual. I also take various vitamins and minerals (Cal, Mag, Zinc) which should help too.

I take Benadryl when I have a problem drifting off, but not eve that has been working. I have tried CBD gummies and oil, but I get killer headaches from the substance so I had to give it away.

However, I will look into your other suggestions and see if I can order online. Thank you again for your advice!

[Mike 03]

38. Seriously, I would take those if I could, in a second.

They do make me very drowsy. If only I didn't have RLS. Maybe one of these days I'll try them again just as an experiment.

Thank you!!!

Take care and I hope you get over this rough patch.

[usaf-vet]

32. CAUTION to all who are on BLOOD THINNERS and monitor their INR. I know some of the suggested above..

...... WILL alter your INR.

Coumadin or warfarin (same drug) the two most commonly used blood thinners will interact with some of the suggested remedies.

Do your own research when others honestly trying to help don't always know about the interaction with blood thinners.

See this Google search of Warfarin and St John's Wort as an example: https://tinyurl.com/yyrpqde6

[Mike 03]

37. Thank you so much for the heads up!

Luckily, I'm not on any blood thinners, but your post is very important and wise!

[safeinOhio]

6. I'm not a drinker, never have been.

However, I've found 1/2 oz of whiskey in a cup of decaf coffee really helps me fall asleep lately.

I'm lucky to be retired, so I can usually ride it out and take a nap during the day.

[smirkymonkey]

18. Thanks safeinOhio.

I will definitely keep that suggestion on the list, since I'm pretty deperate right now. Unfortunately, I do not have any whiskey or coffee in my apartment. Stopped drinking coffee years ago and never drank whiskey, but if things get bad enough, I'll give it a try.

[SheltieLover]

7. Yale is offering free "Science of Well Being" course

https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being?utm_source=gg&utm_medium=sem&utm_content=01-BrandedSearch-US&campaignid=380484307&adgroupid=102187343498&device=m&keyword=&matchtype=b&network=g&devicemodel=&adpostion=&creativeid=433079694377&hide_mobile_promo&gclid=CjwKCAjw1ej5BRBhEiwAfHyh1A0IRa9YY54EVHFSddNiFGJsPxbaZ0weGGnsBs3ybJHN5lmwp5F3IxoClVQQAvD_BwE

Its really great! A few DU members have tried it & said they felt better after the 1st video.

When you sign up, the site instantly provides the 1st week of videos to watch.

Good stuff! Nearly 20k reviews & full 5 star rating.

I'm sorry to hear you are suffering with insomnia. Sleep deprivation is awful! I really hope this helps you.

[smirkymonkey]

19. Thank you, SheltieLover!

This looks great! I will give it a try.

Thanks for your kind words! Insomnia is the worst. I am just so grateful that I do not have to go to an office at this point. I am actually starting to feel sleepy - finally!

[SheltieLover]

20. You are so welcome!!!

Yaaaaaay! Sleepy is great! REM deprivation is awful! Glad you are staying home today.

Sending sleepy vibes to you!

I hope you enjoy the course! Great stuff!

[barbtries]

10. my counselor said

that some people swear by melatonin, but i haven't tried it. my sleep is a mess. And I have to work today too, as I write I am planning to sleep another few hours, as much as i can.

i've had terribly bad sleeping habits for decades, but the pandemic and trump and republicans have made it worse.

[smirkymonkey]

21. I know what you mean. I swear it is Trump related.

I just feel chronic stress and anxiety over him and what he is doing to this country. He is harming us all, in so many ways. I think it will be years before we understand the extent of the damage he has caused us, as a nation and psychologically.

[SheltieLover]

22. Yale is offering free "Science of Well Being" course

Have you tried this?

https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being?utm_source=gg&utm_medium=sem&utm_content=01-BrandedSearch-US&campaignid=380484307&adgroupid=102187343498&device=m&keyword=&matchtype=b&network=g&devicemodel=&adpostion=&creativeid=433079694377&hide_mobile_promo&gclid=CjwKCAjw1ej5BRBhEiwAfHyh1A0IRa9YY54EVHFSddNiFGJsPxbaZ0weGGnsBs3ybJHN5lmwp5F3IxoClVQQAvD_BwE

A few folks have tried it & said they felt much better after the 1st video.

When you sign up, the site immediately provides the 1st week of videos.

I hope this helps!

[Cetacea]

11. Medical intervention

I don't mean to scare you but if it goes int four or five days you are risking some serious health problems, including psychosis.

[smirkymonkey]

23. Oh no! That's scary.

I am hoping to nap today since I am finally starting to feel kind of tired. I hope that will help. Thank you for the advice though, it's good to know what a serious thing it can be.

[Cetacea]

25. Some ideas

Last edited Mon Aug 17, 2020, 11:27 AM - Edit history (1)

Try overloading on carbs (no protein!) They are presursors for serotonin, which will make you sleepy. Also, calcium and magnesium. Warm bath, preferably with epsom salts. Sugar also helps produce serotonin. Read an analog book.I wouldn't recommend melatonin as if you don't fall asleep you'll feel very weird for the hours that it is working. Good luck!

[Cha]

12. Aloha, Smirky.. I hate not being able

to sleep at night. I have a few natural aids I alternate with.

Spray Melatonin, CBD oil 550 Mil. & Tryptophan.

Good Luck!

[smirkymonkey]

24. Hey Cha! How are you?

Thank you for your advice! I do use melatonin, and usually it works pretty well, but for some reason, nothing has worked this weekend.

Unfortunately, I have tried CBD oil and gummies and they gave me terrible headaches (happens to a small % of the people who use them) but I will also look into tryptophan. I really don't want to take any heavy sleeping aids since they kind of scare me.

Thanks again!

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

13. It's possible you are sleeping more than you think you are.

I've read stuff about sleep studies, where someone goes into the place, is put into the sleep room and wired up, falls asleep immediately, wakes up after 8 hours and says, "See! I told you I never sleep!"

I have had my own bouts of insomnia. Sometimes, the only way I can tell I actually did sleep was that I was dreaming, even when I thought I was awake.

The other thing I'll say is that sleep is crucial. People need more than is generally acknowledged. There are a LOT of books out there, and I'd encourage you to read several of them. Do what you need to get adequate sleep. You need it and deserve it.

Not sure if this is helpful, but what I most want to convey is sympathy and support. Hang in there. Love you.

[smirkymonkey]

40. Yes, very helpful!

Thank you! I definitely go through nights like that where I feel like I didn't sleep, but was probably in a quasi-sleep, but this was 3 nights of just not even being tired and trying to sleep where I was just on the internet or watching a movie. Trying to nap during the day for a few hours, but sleeping like you described.

Thank you very much for your helpful suggestions!

[torius]

15. Benadryl

Works great for me. I can’t take it often because it has side effects but when I really have insomnia it’s a nice pleasant way to drift iff to sleep.

I also find hypnosis recordings very helpful to rest and sometimes relaxing enough to fall asleep. If you’re new to it, it’s not like movies depict it with people falling into a zombielike trance, it’s just guided relaxation/meditation. Meditation recordings are similar and work too.

[smirkymonkey]

53. That is pretty much my go-to medication, besides melatonin and vitamins, but there

are nights when it does absolutely nothing for me.

I do listen to hypnosis and nature sounds tapes, but for some reason the last three nights have just been particularly bad. I slept quite a bit today during the day, which is why I am so late getting back to people. I'm up late now, but hope to get a few hours in before work tomorrow.

Thank you for your suggestions!

[Arkansas Granny]

26. I would probably take the day off. When I run that low on sleep,

I don't do my best work, anyway. And, as you mentioned, you are going to fall asleep sometime. Best not to do it while working. Hope you get some rest today.

[smirkymonkey]

54. Thanks AG!

I ended up taking the day off and it was probably the best thing I could do. I slept most of the day but got a little work in very late in the day. My manager was very understanding.

Unfortunately, since I slept most of the day, I am up now, but I feel like I will be able to sleep for a few hours this morning before work. Thanks for your well wishes!

[LittleGirl]

27. I find that lack of exercise or just not moving

all day can cause insomnia for me. I try to get 10k steps a day and my Fitbit helps track my sleep cycles. Hubby and I take a walk every night after dinner which usually tops off my step count. If I do yard work or house work, sometimes I’m too tired for a walk after dinner and then need a hot bath. I use epsom salt and lavender soap in the tub and that relaxes my muscles and brain. I take magnesium glycinate before bed. There’s at least twice a month these hints don’t work but I’m grateful to be retired. I used to take benedryl but read some research about dementia so stopped that in January. Hugs xx

[smirkymonkey]

55. Yes, you are so right!

I have been so sedentary during this "quarantine" and it's really affecting everything. Now that it's getting a little cooler I think I need to go out and walk a few miles.

I just had my 15 year anniversary at work and we get to pick a "milestone" gift from a catalog, so I am debating between a mountain bike and a stationary bike. I'm leaning toward the stationary bike since I will be able to use it during the winter months and it will be safer.

I think exercise will be a huge benefit. I remember when I was athletic when I was younger and how wonderful it was to not be able to keep my eyes open because I would be so physically tired at the end of the day. It was such a great feeling!

Thank you!

[LittleGirl]

56. You're welcome!

I hope the suggestion helps you. Now, get some sleep! LOL

[Jillgirl]

28. Are you able to start the work day and then call in sick when you can't keep going?

Fellow insomniac here.

It may be different for you, but on the morning after a difficult night I can usually function. Later in the day I may crash.

If it's like that for you, then why not work while you can? Working in the morning may make it a little easier to catch some Z's later in the day. And you won't use as much leave. And -- depending on your relationship with your boss -- you may be able to give some notice of your absence rather than just call in and say "I can't start my shift now."

Good thing you don't have to drive! So you don't have to plan around transportation.

Checking email when you're off duty may contribute to your stress and thus to your insomnia.

[smirkymonkey]

57. Hi Jill, and welcome to DU!

Good to see you here!

I was able to take the day off and my manager was very understanding. I still have a huge balance of sick/vacation days to take, so it wasn't a problem and he knows that I always check in on vacations and days off, so he was ok with it.

He even told me to just take care of myself and not bother to check in, but of course I did once I woke up this afternoon. It's nice to work for a very understanding person and a good, flexible company.

Thanks again and welcome!

[Jillgirl]

70. Thank you, smirkymonkey

Sounds like your manager is wonderful. That one thing can make a huge difference in the quality of your life.

Sounds like you got a good nap yesterday. That can boost the quality of your day greatly.

For myself, I've notice that insomnia comes in waves. Once I start to sleep a little better I find myself in a good pattern for a while. I hope that you got some sleep last night and that you're getting into a better sleeping pattern.

[Blues Heron]

29. could be the melatonin is messing you up

try 1/2 tablet claritin + 20mg of cafeine.

[smirkymonkey]

58. Do you think?

How would that be? It's possible. I'm not taking it tonight and I'm feeling drowsy, but it's kind of late (I napped most of the day).

I only have some cold brew iced tea that is half black tea and half rose herbal tea, so that's my only option for caffiene. Gave up coffee a while ago as well as Diet Coke. It's good, but I don't notice that it makes me more or less tired one way or the other.

[Blues Heron]

72. I use generic claritin, break them in half

Also caffeine pills - use a pill crusher to break a 200mg tab down into ten roughly 20mg chunks.

I found melatonin to be quite strange - it wasn't the "natural valium" I thought it was. Gave me a pretty bad nightmare once. Once it kind of worked, But didn't really help consistently.

The caffeine trick I discovered by accident - it's enough to tickle your synapses without making you wired, the claritin too is touted as "non drowsy" but for me it is "drowsy". the two together - 1/2 tab claritin and a 20mg chunk of caffeine- do the trick for me when needed.

[Vinca]

30. I hear you. I've been dealing with insomnia for the past few months.

After no success with melatonin and not wanting to take a drug like Ambien, I discovered a medication I took for post herpetic neuralgia several years ago does the trick. It's Gabapentin if you want to check it out. When I had the neuralgia I was taking 1800 mg. a day, but as an aid for sleep they start you at 100 mg. to see if it helps. I've found I need 200 or 300 mg. to get the job done. I haven't had any side effects at all and apparently they're pretty uncommon with this drug. It seems to be very safe.

[smirkymonkey]

59. Yes, melatonin is kind of hit or miss w/ me.

And Ambien or other heavy drugs like that scare me. I do have a Dr's appt at the end of this week so maybe I will look into the Gabapentin.

The hardest thing I have been on is Hydroxyzine, which is basically an antihistamine and not much stronger than Benadryl. It only works if I am already really tired. As I have said, I am afraid of harder medications, but I will inquire about Gapapentin and see what my doctor has to say.

Thank you for the advice!

[mucifer]

68. Benadryl and other antihistamines taken on a regular basis are bad

for your memory and can put you at a higher risk for dementia:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/common-anticholinergic-drugs-like-benadryl-linked-increased-dementia-risk-201501287667

Best wishes Smirk. I only got 3 hours of sleep tonight. Hoping for a bit more. But, not counting on it.

[Soxfan58]

31. What I do is

Fill in my fantasy Biden Cabinet. I drift off before I get to Sec. of Agriculture.

[smirkymonkey]

60. *snort*

Good idea! I like it! Very uplifting!

[Hestia]

33. As crazy as it sounds, there has been sunspot activity, which has been very low

for years, has been picking up and there was a CME headed our way last week. Some people are affected by/sensitive to the charged particles. Weather is affected too, like the Durecho last week. We are heading toward our 11 year cycle of high activity. Everything is picking up, hurricanes, etc., this year. And of course electronics are affected.

Just an FYI.

[smirkymonkey]

61. That's interesting.

I am one of those HSP's and I wonder if I am affected by it. I find that I go in cycles with this kind of thing, but this is the worst it has been in a long time.

If you are so inclined, please IM me more about this, as I find it interesting.

Thank you!

[tavernier]

34. Make your room a little colder than what you normally like

and add a blanket. That helps my insomniac friends.

[smirkymonkey]

63. I LOVE sleeping in the cold!

I grew up in upstate NY and we did not heat the upstairs at night (kept the vents closed) as my parents did not like the heat.

However, I slept like a rock in the cold and even when I went to college and lived in a sorority house we slept in a "cold dorm" which was the top floor of the house where the windows had to stay open year round even in below zero weather. We just bundled up with down comforters and heavy blankets and again. It was such a sound, deep sleep.

It has been hot here in Boston, but has cooled down into the low 70's over the last day or two which is tolerable. I have AC and a fan, and I do keep it very cool. I am one of those people who cracks the windows open even when it's in the 30's or 40's at night because I love the cool night air.

Bottom line, I agree with you about sleeping in the cold or cooler air. It always helps!

[Warpy]

35. I've been sleeping 4 hours at night

Last edited Mon Aug 17, 2020, 08:56 AM - Edit history (1)

and waking up when the pain medication wears off. Melatonin helps me sleep, but it doesn't work on severe pain. You're not the only sleep deprived zombie out there. This has been a horrible summer in the southwest and that's not helping. They're doing something aggressive to my street today, heavy equipment should be arriving in about half an hour. Sleep is going to elude me until I get another 4 hours tonight.

I have no advice unless you want to try drugs. I've just got sleep deprived commiseration.

ETA: Bright red sunrise, so it's not a total loss.

[smirkymonkey]

65. Hey Warpy!

I'm sorry to hear about your pain. I hope you can find something that works for you that lasts a bit longer. I am not sure what your condition is, but I always find that external pain patches, creams, roll-ons, etc. in combination with OTC pain meds help me with neck/shoulder/back aches. Ice packs are also very helpful.

You also have the problem of excessive heat, and while we have had some scorching days here in New England, it has been mercifully temperate over the past few days and I have AC, which works well when its in the 70's/low 80's, but not so much if it gets hotter than that.

I hope you can get some sleep soon, and hopefully so will I. It seems as though it's almost an epidemic in this country. I think Trump Trauma is causing a lot of us an unnecessary amount of anxiety and it's very unhealthy.

Take care!

[Warpy]

77. You're right about the free floating anxiety

Oh, the morons are still being told to blame libruls who are after their fat tin god, but it's certainly a factor. It's one reason people out there are on their last nerve.

After we finally get a vaccine, it will take a few years to get back to normal, whatever that will mean. People will wonder just how we got through this, those of us who actually do get through this.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

36. Here are some helpful tips that helped me correct my sleep patterns....

1) Limit caffeine intake. 2 cups of coffee or tea in the morning. Drink fresh water.
2) Eat a healthy diet. Lean proteins, good veggies, fruits, healthy fats(Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Avocado, Coconut Oil in moderation.
3) Limit Sugar and Alcohol consumption.
4) Get exercise. A 2 mile walk can do a lot of good to relieve stress, lower blood pressure, help burn calories more efficiently.
5) Get an annual Physical. Blood work, Chest X-ray, etc. There could be something chemical going on. Toxins build up in the body that often prevents one from sleeping regular hours.
6) Clear the mind. Often an active mind, unfinished work, increases stress which deprives one of sleep.
7) See your Doctor if you are continuing to have sleep issues. I have a prescribed sleep Aid that I seldom use. An Internist is one to prescribe that after Lab work is completed.

I was having trouble sleeping as well. There are times I am deprived if there is a Low Pressure inthe area. The Osteoarthritis in my knees can cause pain that is difficult to settle down. I walk 20 to 25 miles a week, eat a healthy diet, limit my coffee and Alcohol consumption. I wok on relieving as much stress as I can. That is the #1 issue that deprives one of restful sleep.

[smirkymonkey]

66. Thank you, ProudMNDem!

All very good suggestions! And I can see where I am falling short and what the problem may be. I am seeing my doctor in a few weeks, so hopefully I can get a full work up then to make sure nothing serious is wrong. Until then, I have a few follow-ups w/ some other docs just for maintenance. I could ask for meds, and I might, but serious drugs scare me a bit.

I drink a ton of water, but I also drink a ton of cold-brew iced tea. A mix of black tea/white rose tea in the am and then herbal rose/holy basil tea in the PM. My diet in quarantine could be better. I made some really healthy Kale/white bean/tomato soup the other day, but was really craving some Chinese food, so I ordered that on Friday and I'm still eating it.

I will try my best to adhere to your advice. I know that these things are essential for good sleep hygeine, yet easier said than done. Thank you and best of luck to you with your pain and stress!

[Nay]

39. I have moderately serious insomnia and that asshole Trump hasn't made it

any better. I got a tip from a pharmacist: use 5 mg melatonin tabs that are made to dissolve under the tongue, and use them that way. That has helped me absorb it better, it seems. So, here's what I do every evening:

For three hours before bed, do not look at screens (computer, TV, or phone). Read a book, do some embroidery, do some drawing or writing on paper, anything that's soothing and not digital.


1. Dissolve 5 mg Natrol brand melatonin under your tongue (a friend uses 10 mg as she's even worse off than I am)

2. About an hour later, take one or 2 Gaia Herbs SleepThru tablets, which contain 3 herbs to help relaxation.

3. At the same time, make tea from 2 heaping teaspoons of chopped valerian root (health food store or Vitacost.com online) -- pour hot water over roots and steep for 10-15 minutes.

Go to bed after your tea and read a 19th century English novel (I'm reading Middlemarch by George Eliot). I like the novel, but the 19th century phrasing means your brain, already tired, will scream out for sleep and you'll only read a few pages before you pass out.

Oh, and stop taking any of that over-the-counter stuff or Nyquil except for emergencies -- it really screws with your memory and has shown to advance dementia.

[smirkymonkey]

67. Hi Nay!

I love your advice! My biggest challenge is pulling myself away from a computer screen, and I know that. It will take discipline, but it has to be done. I have a ton of books in a pile to read and I just need to un-plug and start reading.

Sublingual melatonin sounds like a good idea, I will look into that as well as the herbs and tea. Valerian tea doesn't taste that great, but I do like Sleepytime Vanilla Chamomile, so might have to sub. I haven't been drinking hot tea this summer though. It's something I do in the colder months.

19th Century English novels are a great idea! I can lose myself in that world! I haven't read most of those books since college, but I would be reading them with new eyes and a new appreciation. That is a great suggestion!

The only OTC stuff I take is Benadryl and the occasional enteric coated Bayer if I have any pain, but I would like to do without if possible.

Thank you for your help!

[Nay]

73. I just now remembered one more sleep trick that works intermittently for me.

It's a breathing exercise that is supposed to relax you in a specific way so that you drift right off. It works about 70% of the time for me.

As you lie there, breathe in for 4 counts -- hold your breath for 7 counts -- then breathe out for 8 counts with a small 'huff' of breath at the end. Continue breathing like this. It may take 30 repetitions for you to sleep, but what was really fascinating to me was that I could FEEL when it was working: I would notice all of a sudden that I had lost count somewhere, and the next second I was asleep! It was the weirdest feeling! If it's not going to work, you can tell in about 40 tries.

[smirkymonkey]

75. Thank you!

I will give that a try tonight! I think with all this new advice, I should be able to at least get some decent sleep this week. It's funny, but I kind of feel like my sleep issues have really coincided with Trump's term as president.

Not that I slept perfectly before, but I never had problems like this. I honestly believe he is bad for my health - bad for everyone's health!

[Nay]

76. Agreed. Daily anxiety is really bad for everyone's health, and destructive people

like Trump are just awful for this society.

[skypilot]

41. Iodine.

Almost two years ago I was having serious insomnia accompanied by mild anxiety attacks. After some Googling I came a upon a site that discussed insomnia as one of the symptoms of iodine deficiency. I simply went out and bought some iodized salt and added several dashes of it to a glass of water and drank it before I went to bed. Also bought an iodine supplement. It has worked wonders for me.

[smirkymonkey]

42. Thank you!

I have never heard that before, but I will try it. I have been thinking it might be somekind of vitamin/mineral deficiency so I am going to look into a good multivitamin.

Thanks, skypilot!

[skypilot]

43. You're welcome.

I can't stress enough how well this has worked for me. I used to dread going to bed even when I felt really drowsy because I would still end up lying awake for hours while quietly freaking out. Haven't had that problem for almost two years now. Hope it works for you.

[tavernier]

69. That's funny because I'm a salt person

and I sleep like a log. But also I have quite low blood pressure so salt is allowed for me.

[skypilot]

74. I am more of a pepper person...

...and was using kosher salt when I salted my food. Never paid any attention at all to iodized vs. non-iodized salt but it made a huge difference.

[Fla Dem]

44. Had a similar discussion with folks last week.

Last edited Mon Aug 17, 2020, 06:10 PM - Edit history (1)

Volunteer at a food pantry. During a lull in the action some of us were discussing how we are having trouble sleeping. One of the guys said he used to have trouble as well. Some of his problem was anxiety driven. He said he started using a drop or 2 of Hemp Oil under his tongue before going to sleep. Worked like a charm. Rarely has a sleepless night now. No side effects, not groggy in the morning. It just promotes a restful mind that allow him to sleep.

He just sent me the link to the product he uses. THIS IS NOT AN ADVERTISEMENT!!!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085G5L5N4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Haven't ordered it yet so don't know how it will work on my issues. Most nights I sleep fairly well, but like Saturday night, I went to sleep just before midnight, woke up at 12:20 am, then couldn't go back to sleep until 4:30 am. That's why I asked him on Monday to send me the link to the product he uses.

Good luck.

[Kali]

45. ...

[Kali]

46. links to articles

https://www.precisionnutrition.com/hacking-sleep

https://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-sleep

[Skittles]

49. why do they always assume everyone sleeps at night

A LOT of people work nights and sleep during the day......and I have always hated the advice to "always go to sleep at the same time" - LOL, people who are on-call cannot do that.

[Kali]

50. yeah, that is the problem with giving generalized advice

unfortunately people who have different lifestyles/jobs/whatever have to do a little extrapolation or adjusting

OMG my son once worked for this place that had an absolutely insane schedule. and it changed every 12 days! 4 12 hour days, then 3 off then 4 nights, then like 7 off then 10 12 hour day. it was so distruptive and stupid. nights? fine just leave it for at least 6 months or whatever. but changing up and doing long shifts then days off...it was stupid and crazy. he didn't last a whole year just because of that, the work was fine, but the random ass schedule...

[Skittles]

51. when I was growing up, my dad alternated all three shifts

on the calendar it would say D for Days, N for Nights, S for Swings (evening), and O for Off - he alternated all the time - and he had six kids and a wife who did not drive, and we moved almost every year! (military) - no surprise that I also have a bizarre schedule, usually 12 hour nights.....I always find it somewhat strange hearing people with normal shifts having sleeping problems - I doubt they are regularly kept awake for five hours by weed eaters, for example

[Kali]

52. I am not one of them, but lots of people have sleep problems

a lot caused or at least exacerbated by screens, poor diet and excercise, and just the general anxiety the modern world can cause.

personally, I am a pretty good sleeper. that is probably my one good health habit LOL

[smirkymonkey]

64. Thank you, Kali!

Very helpful! I am in violation of a few of those things, especially not turning off the electronics. I have a pile of books to read, and I can't wait to read them, but I am afraid I am a little bit of an internet addict. I just need to be more disciplined about it.

Again, thank you! This is really great!

[Laffy Kat]

47. Melatonin? nt

[haele]

48. Jeff Bridges sleeping tapes.

He's got some free online for download.
Very - Zen. He channels the Dude, along with making calming, rambling, story suggestions.

Spouse used to listen to him to bring down the stress level.
Also, background sounds like rainstorm, ocean, campfire, or train journey; if you don't have Pandora, just playing the 8 or 12 hour YouTube channel.

Get off the screens a half hour before going to bed. Clean up, take a bath/shower, meditate, read a book - just anything other than TV, phone, or computer - or doing the household budget. Household budgeting before bed keeps me awake a good 5/6 hours...

These non- medicinal practices have been proven to help with sleeping.

Also - make sure your AC filter is clean, if you have one. Or that your fan blades are not inhabited by dust eagles. Breathing clearly helps sleep immensely.

Pillows under the knees can help too, taking stress off pressure points in the hips, knees, and back if you suffer from circulatory, leg and back problems.

I sometimes use vapo-rub or lavender oil across the bridge of my nose and right over the eye ridge. Just enough to smell and clear the sinuses.

Good luck. And sleep well.

Haele

[Niagara]

62. I'm late in replying, SM.

Like you, I have bouts of insomnia. Besides political stress, I have body pain while trying to sleep and during sleep. It makes it so that I no longer sleep for an eight hour shift like a normal person. I'm also to the point where I have night sweats all the time which also makes it difficult to get a full nights rest.


I'm not a doctor and you should always check with your health care provider if you have one to make sure that you're not going to be taking something that will harm you.


Johnson's has a lavender scented bedtime bath soap and lotion. I would imagine that someone could use the bath soap as a shower gel instead of in a bath. The scent of lavender helps put people to sleep. The last time I went shopping for bed pillows, they had some with lavender scent inside the pillows.



A Magnesium supplement of 225mg and vitamin B6 are suppose to improve sleep for most people. Sometimes vitamin deficiencies can cause sleep disturbances.



Chamomile tea. I drink a lot of green and black tea, but for some reason I have never tried Chamomile tea.



Tonight I took a Benadryl. I don't do this every night so that it doesn't become a habitual thing.



One of my favorite supplements that worked automatically for me in the past was GNC's Evening Primrose Oil Capsules at 1000mg. I haven't had any extra money to buy this again and I'm not sure if all brands work the same. I've been looking at the Spring Valley brand because I'm desperate for sleep. I didn't have any body pain, night sweats or sleep issues while I took this supplement. Again, please check with your provider if you go this route. What may be causing my sleep troubles may not be the same for you.


Here's hoping that you find something that works for you. I know it's not fun being tired all the time.

[North Shore Chicago]

71. Not sleeping so sucks!

You have had very good advice on this thread, hoping one or two works for you. I don't have much to add except have you tried Celestial Sleepytime tea?

Good luck to you, and we will both sleep much better after Nov. 03.

[CTyankee]

78. If you like and trust your primary care doc you should contact him/her. You might have

underlying physical issues which manifest in sleeplessness. Also, are you anxious? I know we all are because of Trump but your anxiety might be getting out of hand.

I would recommend just to contact your PCP and letting him/her know what is going on. This is not normal and perhaps they can recommend therapy or medication.