Has anyone found something that really works for insomnia ...I'm up with the owls...any suggestions?
Hmm. Well, I'm nocturnal, so maybe this isn't the information you're looking for—but I find that what really works for me is
· Always going to bed at the same time · Reading a book to wind down for half an hour first · Stretching and exercising as soon as I wake up
Things like warm milk have never done anything but send me to the bathroom, so... this is what I've got.
There must be a reason why you can't tranisition normally from wakefullness to sleep. Try and figure out what it might be. Could be physical, psychological, physiological, environmental ... or some combo thereof .... different every night but with patterns. Think about it, anyway.
Read up on what they call 'sleep hygiene'. @DarrenWalker's tips are all good. Proper adherence to good practice cures many people and significantly helps many more. One that is often overlooked is bedroom temperature - it should be cool.
A tip I discovered recently and have found useful is bilateral tapping. (It helps particularly on restless leg nights.)
Sit on the edge of the bed, once ready for bed. Tap your left knee or thigh with your left hand, then your right knee with your right hand. Repeat. It's not air guitar, it's gentle knee drumming. Tap alternately for a few minutes, then go to bed. Speed is not a big deal - whatever feels comfortable - just keep it steady and rhythmic.
Variations include double tapping (left left right right), paradiddles, and probably many other rhythms. I now do the whole thing once in bed, just bending one finger. It's the mental part of the process that is important, not the physical one. You must use both hands because what's really happening is that you are engaging both hemispheres of the brain. (i.e. tapping two fingers on one hand won't work.)
@AwalkNtheclouds Oh lord, 2020 messed up my sleep schedule too! My sympathies.
Do you have trouble sleeping once you're already lying in bed, or do you have trouble getting yourself into bed at a reasonable hour in the first place (electronic distractions, working late, etc)? Or both? I ask because I have a ton of trouble with the latter, but none with the former. When I actually lie down in bed and turn off the lights, I'm out in 3 minutes tops.
When I figure out how to break this bad habit of staying up late because "Oh I sTiLl HaVe StUfF tO dO bUt It'S oK iT'lL jUsT tAkE 5 MoRe MiNuTeS" and then that 5 minutes turns into 5 hours, then I'll be happy
I cant sleep late cus I wake up feeling like I've been locked in a suitcase all night so longer I stay in bed more sore I get . Falling asleep routine that works for me is taking one or two melatonins and listening to white noise on my phone
Indica
@CuddleDuncan paradiddles is my new favourite word.
Nice advice DarrenWalker & CuddleDuncan!
Indica! 😎
I find that the more things I schedule earlier in the day the more it forces me to get up earlier and eventually I end up passing out early due to the sleep deprivation.
For me it's different. I prefer 10-12 hours of sleep but hardly get it with work because I like staying up till midnight even when I need to wake up early. Oh look about 20 mins left till midnight. Then I'll easily pass out and give my alarm clock evil glares in the morning.
Also, I suggest to find what makes you tired. If I actually do have trouble sleeping then warm coffee or tea helps. Yes, I said coffee. Some people get tired from coffee. That's why I drink it later in the day instead of morning.
Thanks for the ideas for how to sleep better...
@Rjs5248 Lol You read my mind 😀