so recently i’ve started not being able to get to slepp and i’m getting pissed off at the drop of a hat so i’m wondering if anyone has any non-drug tricks for getting to sleep? i’ve already tried the “classic” (for lack of a better word) remedies (i.e. warm milk, counting sheep, etc) so any suggestions?
Re: sleeping tricks?
Warm milk will never work.
In order for you to get enough Tryptophan from milk for you to actually fall asleep due to it, you’d need about 8 or 9 gallons I think. The sheer small amount of Tryptophan, coupled with the Amino-acids in milk that prevent the Enzyme from getting to your brain anyways, basically prevents this.
Furthermore, the idea of “I’m not able to get to sleep” is very abstract, and does not necessarily indicate insomnia.
The easiest trick you can do to get to sleep easier is something most people -never- do and I cannot fathom why. Decide on a time you want to go to bed one night, doesn’t matter what time, and set your alarm clock for 8 hours later. From that moment on, go to bed at that same time, regardless of whether you’re tired or not, and keep waking up at the same time, regardless of whether you’re still sleeping or tired.
Don’t sleep for longer, don’t take naps, don’t alter the schedule if you can help it, and you’ll be getting back to sleep normally in no time.
If this is not an issue with you and you are already doing what I just suggested, then you may have insomnia and might try a few over the counter sleeping aids or an herbal supplement.
Re: sleeping tricks?
For one thing, try to develop a routine. Be in bed between certain hours.
For another, make sure you’re getting enough exercise and plenty of fresh air. When I can’t sleep I find that even tensing my whole body up and sticking my head out of the window for a minute or two before getting back into bed and relaxing helps.
Re: sleeping tricks?
jacklyn, i do that as is and just lie there until about 3 a.m. then fall asleep untill about 6a.m. and nemo i walk to and from work, come home for lunch so i’d say i’m good on exercise and fresh air
Re: sleeping tricks?
How far’s work? I’m talking like 45 mins of running every other day kind of thing?
Maybe you need to cut back caffeine after midday, less sugar in evening etc.
Re: sleeping tricks?
Walking to and from work is subjective, what’s the distance?
I walked two and from work as well but it was about a quarter mile away, so every day I’d walk half a mile, which isn’t much.
Re: sleeping tricks?
well work is about a ten minute walk away. factoring in lunch i’m walking around 40 mins a day usually 6 times a week so that’s 240 mins or 4 hours a week and the only time i drive is if i’m late.
Re: sleeping tricks?
That’s not bad, though try something a little more intense?
What’re your eating habits like?
Re: sleeping tricks?
On average, humans walk around 2 miles per hour. So if you’re only getting about 8 miles a week, while that’s great, you could still easily do more.
Try leaving earlier for work and taking a scenic route when walking, and taking one as well when you leave to go home.
Re: sleeping tricks?
I also have certain pieces of music I like to listen to to get to sleep. Or Radio 4 comedy.
Re: sleeping tricks?
will that work?
Re: sleeping tricks?
Nope, she suggested it just to see what your reaction might be. Here’s your sign.
Re: sleeping tricks?
about what pray-tell?
Re: sleeping tricks?
Thanks Kita. That Bill Engvall was a hour and a half rabbit trail at three in the morning.
Re: sleeping tricks?
I’ve found that reading for a half hour or so makes me fall asleep really fast and I don’t wake up in the middle of the night.
Re: sleeping tricks?
I found that I physically couldn’t read economics in dim light as I’d just fall straight to sleep.