[Cara]

Hi everyone,

I'm not sure where to begin, maybe just to say hello would be a good start. 🙄 Having suffered from insomnia for many, many years and tried an endless amount of ways to help (too many to count almost!) I still have the problem – and it seems to be getting much worse as I get older. I'm only making this a short post because I'm not sure how the general conversation goes – not having been able to read any of the messages here yet. I really sympathise with anyone who goes through this, it makes life so difficult and stops you functioning efficiently throughout the day. 😮 I really look forward to having a chat and send kind wishes to everyone out there ! Cara

[Margaret]

Hi, Cara,

Welcome to the list. You did just fine with your first post, not to worry. I have had sleep problems for about ten years due to a separation from my husband. He is back now and I am sleeping better. I am telling people this so they can be encouraged that sometimes something happens and your sleep problem can improve.

It is still not a perfect situation, for example, last night I was just too tense to fall asleep til around midnight and then woke up around 3 and did not go back to sleep. Most nights I get around 6 hours though and am feeling much better during the day.

It definitely keeps you from functioning at a normal level not to get enough sleep. I sympathize with everyone on the list. Knowing there are other people going through the same thing makes you feel less alone.

Margaret

[Cara]

Hi Margaret,

Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly and making me welcome. That's great – 6 hours sleep – wow ! I realise that it's maybe not all the time for you – but doesn't it feel great if you can get that bit of rest ? Have you any tips on how to get to sleep Margaret – or is it just trial and error ?

Best wishes, Cara

[ExhaustedMichelle]

Welcome to the group, Cara!

We can all sympathize with you here. I am literally closing one eye as I type this because the three hours of sleep last night just didn't cut it and I'm struggling to keep my eyes open until I've reached a proper bedtime. I'm brand new to the site also and so far everyone has made me feel really accepted and understood. I've already received some useful advice.

Don't be afraid to ask questions and share your story. I'm looking forward to learning more about you.

Michelle

[Nicole]

yes, I hear that sleep gets worse the older you get, particularly for women with menopause. I am still a while from it, but dread it. I yearn for the sleep I got prior to age 30, which is when I had my daughter and all hell broke loose with my sleep. 6 years later, it isn't any better. oh, the days I could sleep for 10-11 hours straight and then nap on top of that……..If only I knew then to cherish that ability to sleep!!

[Margaret]

'Cara' wrote on '16:

Hi Margaret,

Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly and making me welcome. That's great – 6 hours sleep – wow ! I realise that it's maybe not all the time for you – but doesn't it feel great if you can get that bit of rest ? Have you any tips on how to get to sleep Margaret – or is it just trial and error ?

Best wishes, Cara

One thing that has helped in the past is timed release Melatonin although it does not always work. Usually, it helps to lie down with a book on the sofa. I get drowsy and if I don't have any heavy emotional issues then I can go to bed and sleep. Sometimes I get to bed and am suddenly wide awake though. It is great when I have a cold because then I can take Nyquil. Ha!

There is no silver bullet and everyone is different but I hope this helps a bit.

Margaret

[Cara]

Hi Margaret, Michelle and Nicole,

What a lovely lot you are ! I will be able to write much more tonight but just HAD to say a big thank you (quick lunch-break here at the moment). Later I can maybe chat about the things I've tried ? Some reasonably successful but definitely not consistent (i.e short-lived) 🙁 others completely useless.

Thanks again and look forward to having a “natter” (UK speak !) later.

Kindest regards,

Cara

[Cara]

<_< Hi everyone, Just wanted to chat again. This may sound silly, but it is a kind of comfort of sorts knowing that I am not alone with this problem. Over Christmas and New Year the insomnia was at its worst – I optimistically thought that once the season was over, and things were back to normal, that I may sleep better. So much going on over the holidays that my mind spins – I know that it's the same for everyone, too little time, too much to do ! Anyway, I digress….. 🙄 I'll list the things over the years that I have tried to “cure” my insomnia. Nytol, valerian, St. John's Wort, anti-histamines, magnolia & rhodiola, vitamins C & D and Bach Elixirs – to name but a few ! My doctor did once give me a short course of sleeping pills and these worked like a dream – but I know that the medical profession here are very, very reluctant to prescribe them over long periods. Last week I bought a hypnotherapy CD, really good and I went out like a light – but woke up at 2.00 a.m. having a nightmare :huh: not good – at all. I'm still listening to the CD in bed and it's very relaxing, but I'm a bit wary now and don't concentrate on it as much. I've tried all the recommended tips on “getting a good night's sleep” – no caffeine, blah, blah, blah… For a few nights I thought I would try and trick my mind – telling myself I HAD to stay AWAKE !! That didn't work either… I'm working way through so many books and novels lately – I have never read so much in my life !! But I long to sleep. I've tried going to bed early, going to bed late, milky drinks, different foods the experts recommend – all to no avail. As for getting up early – well, I'm awake anyway – so that's not a solution for me

[Cara]

I think I wrote too much there, I ran out of space !! I'm not sure how I clicked on the strange face that began my post either – obviously accidentally.

Anyway, I've probably rambled on enough. Maybe this post alone will help you sleep ??!!! 🙂

Kindest regards,

Cara

[Martin Reed]

It's good to see you in the forums, Cara! Welcome, and thank you for introducing yourself.

You certainly haven't rambled on – we love the detailed, informative posts here at Insomnia Land. The more information you share, the more we learn from one another and the more support we can offer each other.

As you can see, you no longer need to feel as though you suffer alone. Don't be shy or hesitant to get involved in any existing discussions about topics that interest you over in the insomnia sub-forum. Furthermore, don't feel nervous about starting your own discussion topics, either!

We don't judge, and we want to get to know you!

—

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 Mastery 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.

[Nicole]

You said “This may sound silly, but it is a kind of comfort of sorts knowing that I am not alone with this problem”. That doesn't sound silly at all Cara. I hate to admit it, but since I started suffering from insomnia I am very interested in other people's sleep. If I hear someone complain about a bad nights sleep my ears perk up and I want to hear all about it. It's so comforting to know that I am not alone and that maybe I am not so abnormal afterall! I also have to admit that when I hear about people having such an easy time with sleep I am envious. I guess it is human nature?

[Margaret]

Has anyone else tried turning on some background noise? I started using a space heater this winter on low and the pleasant hum is very soothing. I really think this is part of my improvement as far as my insomnia goes. I have a friend who uses an aquarium motor for this purpose.

Margaret

[ExhaustedMichelle]

'Margaret' wrote on '18:

Has anyone else tried turning on some background noise? I started using a space heater this winter on low and the pleasant hum is very soothing. I really think this is part of my improvement as far as my insomnia goes. I have a friend who uses an aquarium motor for this purpose.

Margaret

Absolutely! I've always needed background noise to fall asleep. As a teenager I used music from my stereo. In college, I used our dishwasher. (the dishes were always done!) as an adult, I've used an air conditioner or space heater depending upon the season, a noise machine, and currently the fan. I also require the tv to be on for me to fall asleep, but unfortunately my boyfriend can't sleep with it on, so he's always yelling at me to turn it off… Bedtime has become a source of anxiety for this reason. I'm also not allowed to cough, make any sounds, or move around too much or I will hear it!

[Nicole]

I use a sound machine. I'm not sure if it helps or not. I wouldn't say I've seen any dramatic results. I like having it on though.

[caz]

Hiya,

Just chiming in here about the background noise…I agree.

Absolutely against all rules and advice I have put a meditation

CD onto my Iphone and I've played it most nights when I wake up

through the night. t a gentle wave type melody with Esther Hicks

talking over top. She says you're meant to sit upright etc etc…

however I've found it amazing for getting me back to sleep at 3am.

I used to end up just getting up at 1am / 2am / 3am whenever I

woke up because I couldn't get back to sleep but now I find I can

get an extra 2-3 hours of zzzzz and it's made a huge difference!

Cx

[Author]

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