[Bobbie]

As I've been reading Martin's blogs, I've attempted to try a few things. My first failed attempt was cutting back on artificial sweeteners. I have no idea if it would have actually helped me, but it was a total bust. I realized that I am totally addicted to Diet Coke. 😮

Sleepytime tea is soothing but as Martin pointed out, requires at least a trip or two to the bathroom which kind of defeats the purpose. 😛

For the last week or so, I have really made an effort to stay away from the computer. If there is a connection to the type of light given off the screen and tricking the body into thinking it's daytime, I can't find one. I haven't noticed I'm getting back to sleep any faster whether I'm tweeting or cleaning the cupboards.

I would love to hear what other folks are trying with any success.

[Martin Reed]

Thanks for coming up with this topic, Bobbie – I think it's a great idea.

As you have probably figured out from the blog, there is no miracle cure that works for everyone. However, I like to share any new ideas I come across so people can try them. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.

I am only one person. I'm hoping that we can harness 'crowd power' and really push forward on this area in Insomnia Land – so please follow Bobbie's lead and share what you've tried, or any ideas you've heard 🙂

—

If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Clarity program.

The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.

[LindsayK]

'Bobbie' wrote on '01:

As I've been reading Martin's blogs, I've attempted to try a few things. My first failed attempt was cutting back on artificial sweeteners. I have no idea if it would have actually helped me, but it was a total bust. I realized that I am totally addicted to Diet Coke. 😮

Sleepytime tea is soothing but as Martin pointed out, requires at least a trip or two to the bathroom which kind of defeats the purpose. 😛

For the last week or so, I have really made an effort to stay away from the computer. If there is a connection to the type of light given off the screen and tricking the body into thinking it's daytime, I can't find one. I haven't noticed I'm getting back to sleep any faster whether I'm tweeting or cleaning the cupboards.

I would love to hear what other folks are trying with any success.

I tried the sweetener trick too, and about gagged on unsweetened ice tea. omg, blech. My doc told me try Valerian Root, but instead of relaxing I got all keyed up for whatever reason. Also eliminated red meat, because I read of a possible link.

I certainly feel less heavy after meals, but it hasn't helped with sleep.

[mspeekay]

I started listening to podcasts when I went to bed. No reading in bed and certainly no work. I try and stop working (or tweeting etc) at least half an hour before I start getting ready for bed. Valerian tea helps, but I get the bathroom problem too!

The podcasts help. Sometimes they are guided meditations, sometimes intellectual programs that I may or may not be interested in. I think they work because they make me focus on one thing, not all the normal thoughts that go racing through my head when I'm trying to sleep. I often wake up with the iPod earphones tangled up so I'm thinking about getting one of those speaker pillows (will try and find a link)

[LindsayK]

'mspeekay' wrote on '01:

I started listening to podcasts when I went to bed. No reading in bed and certainly no work. I try and stop working (or tweeting etc) at least half an hour before I start getting ready for bed. Valerian tea helps, but I get the bathroom problem too!

The podcasts help. Sometimes they are guided meditations, sometimes intellectual programs that I may or may not be interested in. I think they work because they make me focus on one thing, not all the normal thoughts that go racing through my head when I'm trying to sleep. I often wake up with the iPod earphones tangled up so I'm thinking about getting one of those speaker pillows (will try and find a link)

I had never heard of these pillows until you said something. This one is even reccommended for insomniacs. lol

http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2006/05/cozy_tunes_speaker_pillow.html

Might consider investing in one of these. Hmmmm.

[mspeekay]

I also found this one

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/sound-asleep-pillows/index.html#BVRRWidgetID

Excellent customer reviews

[Martin Reed]

'LindsayK' wrote on '01:

I had never heard of these pillows until you said something. This one is even reccommended for insomniacs. lol

http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2006/05/cozy_tunes_speaker_pillow.html

Might consider investing in one of these. Hmmmm.

'mspeekay' wrote on '01:

I also found this one

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/sound-asleep-pillows/index.html#BVRRWidgetID

Excellent customer reviews

If either of you invest in one of those pillows, be sure to write a review for us!

—

If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Clarity program.

The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.

[primaryantagonist]

yes! valerian! i burn the powder like incense. incense works if it's something light and calming like nag champa. loose incense or powders are also good. oil burners are good, but you don't really want to fall asleep with one burning. lavendar oil is brilliant to use on your temples or diluted as a massage oil. the best thing i've found is having a clean, warm, comforting bedroom — whenever i clean mine, i always sleep better. clean sheets, no junk laying around, incense, low lights, maybe some tom waits, that's it. as if by magic! zzz it sounds easier to maintain than it is!

[Martin Reed]

'primaryantagonist' wrote on '06:

the best thing i've found is having a clean, warm, comforting bedroom — whenever i clean mine, i always sleep better. clean sheets, no junk laying around, incense, low lights, maybe some tom waits, that's it. as if by magic! zzz it sounds easier to maintain than it is!

You just reminded me of this blog post: http://www.insomnialand.com/blog/your-chaotic-bedroom-is-the-cause-of-your-insomnia/

I saw Valerian Root tea in the local hipster supermarket the other day. Has anyone tried that?

—

If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Clarity program.

The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.

[Kik]

'primaryantagonist' wrote on '06:

incense works if it's something light and calming like nag champa. loose incense or powders are also good.

/ me shudders

I hate the smell of incense. When I was living in halls, the smell of burning joss sticks would keep me up. One man's poison and all that 🙂

'primaryantagonist' wrote on '06:

lavendar oil is brilliant to use on your temples or diluted as a massage oil.

Lavender baths before bed are pretty good too

'primaryantagonist' wrote on '06:

the best thing i've found is having a clean, warm, comforting bedroom — whenever i clean mine, i always sleep better. clean sheets, no junk laying around

I second this one. Almost like being in a clean and clear space influences my mind to be the same.

[sariz]

I use a combination of “Nighttime tea” by Pukka and “Bedtime tea” by Yogi Tea. I use one teabag of each… and try to make the tea before bed and have it on my nightstand so I can drink it down if I wake up. Taking a bath before bedtime with 3 cups of epsom salts will also help and relax the body. I also listen to podcasts without music in them to help me get back to sleep.

[GoneWithTheSun]

a teaspoon of honey and a shot of whiskey!

[Martin Reed]

'sariz' wrote on '28:

I use a combination of “Nighttime tea” by Pukka and “Bedtime tea” by Yogi Tea. I use one teabag of each… and try to make the tea before bed and have it on my nightstand so I can drink it down if I wake up. Taking a bath before bedtime with 3 cups of epsom salts will also help and relax the body. I also listen to podcasts without music in them to help me get back to sleep.

I think I've tried both of those teas, Sariz. Do you find they help you get to sleep? Personally, if I drink tea within about 4 hours of bedtime, I'll be up during the night peeing – not really what you want if you're aiming for a good night's sleep!

—

If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Clarity program.

The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.

[Author]

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