Sleeping problems...
07 April 2015, 08:32 AM
#31
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Wrong approach.
Don't exercise late in the evening if you're already suffering from the disorderly sleep or a lack of sleep. Instead go for a run in the morning before going to work.
Yes, sleep deprivation will cause you to feel this way. Lack of concentration, foggy brain, walking on the cloud, physical disorientation, erratic behaviour, verbal slurring and stuttering and all that.
Some people report that self-medicating with a herbal remedy St. John Wort has helped them to sleep better. Mind charity has a page on it:
http://www.mind.org.uk/information-s.../#.VSN0h8tFBjo
http://www.mind.org.uk/media/715755/...-wort-2014.pdf
A lot of adult ADHD/Autism (borderline, trait bearers and full fledge) and some other disorders affected folks report irregular sleep or hardly any sleep. A lot of people without any of the disorders (including sleep disorders) are actually stressed, but are living in denial about it. Some are on a treadmill with the usual miseries of the life hence the restlessness, but they're oblivious of it. If physiological reasons have been ruled out, then the other option is to look into underlying psychological reasons for sleep deprivation, with some valid psychotherapeutic help. In addition, one needs to self-regulate with better diet, exercise and fluid intake. Moderate (if you can't erase) caffeine, alcohol and nicotine intake. Not just what's inside your mind, but try identifying other environmental stressors too, that could be causing your sleep problem. Attempt to rid them or learn to adjust with them with some help.
Good luck.
Don't exercise late in the evening if you're already suffering from the disorderly sleep or a lack of sleep. Instead go for a run in the morning before going to work.
Yes, sleep deprivation will cause you to feel this way. Lack of concentration, foggy brain, walking on the cloud, physical disorientation, erratic behaviour, verbal slurring and stuttering and all that.
Some people report that self-medicating with a herbal remedy St. John Wort has helped them to sleep better. Mind charity has a page on it:
http://www.mind.org.uk/information-s.../#.VSN0h8tFBjo
http://www.mind.org.uk/media/715755/...-wort-2014.pdf
A lot of adult ADHD/Autism (borderline, trait bearers and full fledge) and some other disorders affected folks report irregular sleep or hardly any sleep. A lot of people without any of the disorders (including sleep disorders) are actually stressed, but are living in denial about it. Some are on a treadmill with the usual miseries of the life hence the restlessness, but they're oblivious of it. If physiological reasons have been ruled out, then the other option is to look into underlying psychological reasons for sleep deprivation, with some valid psychotherapeutic help. In addition, one needs to self-regulate with better diet, exercise and fluid intake. Moderate (if you can't erase) caffeine, alcohol and nicotine intake. Not just what's inside your mind, but try identifying other environmental stressors too, that could be causing your sleep problem. Attempt to rid them or learn to adjust with them with some help.
Good luck.
I was so tired, I missed this post
I used to be a sound sleeper and the GP did offer me anti depressants but I don't want to go down that road if I can help it. Sounds like St Johns Wort is along similar lines so I may give it a go as its herbal 
I can pinpoint when I stopped sleeping, when I split from my partner of many years. 3 years later, I thought it would have improved though, its just got worse
Thanks for all of the replies, really helpful
07 April 2015, 08:44 AM
#32
The cure is to teach yourself to relax and recognise your sleep window then take it, afternoon naps help too, reading about something I'm not interested in also helps, but if your mind is racing with thoughts of the day or other stresses you're always going to struggle and you'll wake up when you do drop off because as above, your sub-concious thoughts are waking you.
It's all in the mind, which is why weed helps some people and helped me for many years, but the negatives outweigh the positives. I literally ended up clubbing myself to sleep with weed and alcohol to stop my mind racing, when I stopped doing that I barely slept for almost 3 weeks, then as it slowly got out of my system and I'd taught myself to relax and clear my thoughts my sleep improved.
Now when I yawn I go to bed, I still don't sleep for more than 4/5 hours at a time as a general rule but I can take a pee and get a couple more hours if I don't turn lights on and don't fully open my eyes, I was never a big sleeper and always been fine with ish 5hrs once every couple of months I might get 8hrs straight.
My mum used to say it's because I'm frightened I might miss something.
It's all in the mind, which is why weed helps some people and helped me for many years, but the negatives outweigh the positives. I literally ended up clubbing myself to sleep with weed and alcohol to stop my mind racing, when I stopped doing that I barely slept for almost 3 weeks, then as it slowly got out of my system and I'd taught myself to relax and clear my thoughts my sleep improved.
Now when I yawn I go to bed, I still don't sleep for more than 4/5 hours at a time as a general rule but I can take a pee and get a couple more hours if I don't turn lights on and don't fully open my eyes, I was never a big sleeper and always been fine with ish 5hrs once every couple of months I might get 8hrs straight.
My mum used to say it's because I'm frightened I might miss something.
07 April 2015, 09:07 AM
#33
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Now when I yawn I go to bed, I still don't sleep for more than 4/5 hours at a time as a general rule but I can take a pee and get a couple more hours if I don't turn lights on and don't fully open my eyes, I was never a big sleeper and always been fine with ish 5hrs once every couple of months I might get 8hrs straight.
My mum used to say it's because I'm frightened I might miss something.
My mum used to say it's because I'm frightened I might miss something.
When my kids were young I used to go to sleep, 2 hours, get up etc but I was getting quality 2 hours, now its just the lightest sleep ever
Thanks for your replies ditchmyster
07 April 2015, 09:10 AM
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Although it is generally promoted for mild-to-moderate depression, SAD and mild-to -moderate anxiety cure, it apparently also helps with sleep. I also know some night shift workers and some round-the-clock medical professionals that take it, and report that it has helped them to sleep much better. IMO Mind charity wouldn't have it on their page, of it had some serious side effects. You can read in the Mind pdf that although it is not supported by clinical trials but based on its long standing use, it qualifies as a registered, licensed and regulated product by MHRA in the UK; under the Traditional Herbal Medicine scheme.
I can pinpoint when I stopped sleeping, when I split from my partner of many years. 3 years later, I thought it would have improved though, its just got worse
Thanks for all of the replies, really helpful
07 April 2015, 08:26 PM
#37
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I have the exact opposite problem, I can't stay awake! I have seen myself sleeping for 20hours during weekends at times. I am constantly tired and lethargic regardless of idiot or exercise.
07 April 2015, 09:25 PM
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07 April 2015, 09:36 PM
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i do 12hours a day humping 18 ton off gas cylinders off my vehicle and back on normally 1000 bottles i get home have my tea quick hour in the chair watching telly then couple off cans bed 10pm im 50 btw no need for gym go bed and normally cope with 6 hours sleep
07 April 2015, 10:23 PM
#44
I have had a few years at different times with struggling to sleep. and when I could get to sleep I had Obstructive sleep apnoea (hypopnoea type) – (a partial blockage of the airway that results in an airflow reduction of greater than 50% for 10 seconds or more), that's not fun when you wake up 20 times a night feeling like you are suffocating 
I have had 2 nose jobs (1 septoplasty and 1 septorhinoplasty with alignment), my breathing is a lot better, but still not great. since the last op the OSA has stopped.
I have had good results using avon products called 'sleeptherapy' http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-AVON-S...-/321220696450
the main thing I do is clear my mind when I lay in bed, never think about work or problems, if you start thinking of something, tell yourself to stop thinking
I have had 2 nose jobs (1 septoplasty and 1 septorhinoplasty with alignment), my breathing is a lot better, but still not great. since the last op the OSA has stopped.
I have had good results using avon products called 'sleeptherapy' http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-AVON-S...-/321220696450
the main thing I do is clear my mind when I lay in bed, never think about work or problems, if you start thinking of something, tell yourself to stop thinking
08 April 2015, 10:16 AM
#46
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Nick172sport- I go to bed exhausted most days but still don't stay asleep!
10 April 2015, 11:06 PM
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Its hard to say because Ive struggled with depression/other mental health stuff for 10 years, and my diet has been a disaster for almost as long, so its hard to say now what is down to those things and whats from a chronic lack of sleep, but it definitely makes a lot of it 10x worse.
Im often too tired to make the effort to do anything, seriously lack any motivation, next to no patience for anyone or anything, always pissed off and wound up about one thing or another, cant do as much physically as id like to, my brain doesnt always function to its full capacity, my hair has been falling out for a few years, migraines and probably look like **** 24/7 too lol.
Over the years ive been on all the different meds that can be used for sleep (ive had them for other reasons) and they were all ineffective and/or with side effects that really isnt worth the bother, but everyone is different and some people find them useful.
I cant do much about it for me, but i hope you can get it sorted asap, its bound to take its toll in some way or another.
What ways have you noticed it affecting you?
22 April 2015, 01:18 AM
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I'm quite fortunate that lack of sleep hasn't had a knock on effect to my health. I'm a 4hours maybe 5 tops type. ADHD unfortunately, so constantly wired then I have a massive reset once a fortnight/month and lie in. Before I got diagnosed I suffered horrendously with restless leg syndrome, which doesn't go far enough as a description tbh. Medication has knocked that out a bit but masses of exercise in the day and "caffeine management" keep things under better check. I also accept that my normal isn't the industry standard so don't get fixated by numbers. My missus is always reminding me that she needs at least 8.5/9 hrs sleep. I simply shrug and say I sleep when I'm tired. If that's 4am or 11pm who gives a flying fix?! At least worrying about sleep isn't ruining my sleep.
A cooler bedroom helps too btw.
A cooler bedroom helps too btw.
22 April 2015, 09:20 AM
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24 April 2015, 06:00 AM
#52
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Sorry to hear that Ellie, i think diet makes a huge difference. Been trying to cut down on some of the rubbish I eat. Alcohol is a no go if I want to sleep at night! I get headaches mainly, general lethargy which I then caffeine myself up to 'wake up'. My eyesight has taken a hit too- the focus muscle (can't remember the proper name) is slow causing me to squint I'm told it will sort itself out when I'm less tired.
I did have a night recently where I slept deeply for about 4 hours. Couldn't believe it!
I'm told it will sort itself out when I'm less tired. I did have a night recently where I slept deeply for about 4 hours. Couldn't believe it!
24 April 2015, 08:37 PM
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Sorry to hear that Ellie, i think diet makes a huge difference. Been trying to cut down on some of the rubbish I eat. Alcohol is a no go if I want to sleep at night! I get headaches mainly, general lethargy which I then caffeine myself up to 'wake up'. My eyesight has taken a hit too- the focus muscle (can't remember the proper name) is slow causing me to squint I'm told it will sort itself out when I'm less tired.
I did have a night recently where I slept deeply for about 4 hours. Couldn't believe it!
I'm told it will sort itself out when I'm less tired. I did have a night recently where I slept deeply for about 4 hours. Couldn't believe it!
yay for 4 hours , if only you could do that every night!
28 April 2015, 09:57 AM
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Some tricks I've tried with success:
- No caffeine after midday
- Do not eat late (after 7pm) if you do feel peckish have a banana / glass of milk
- Keep a pen & paper by the bed to write down and things on your "to do" list which are whizzing around your head
Like with our kids - having a "bed time routine" is essential - and that you stick to it.
Say you aim to be going to sleep by 10:30
- 9:40 -all electrical devises off, tidy up lock house, start bath
- 9:50 - Bath - even if you are a guy it as relaxes you.
- 10:10 - In bed reading for 20 minutes - a proper book, nothing back lit.
- 10:30 - lights out
Works for me (and the kids all be it earlier).
- No caffeine after midday
- Do not eat late (after 7pm) if you do feel peckish have a banana / glass of milk
- Keep a pen & paper by the bed to write down and things on your "to do" list which are whizzing around your head
Like with our kids - having a "bed time routine" is essential - and that you stick to it.
Say you aim to be going to sleep by 10:30
- 9:40 -all electrical devises off, tidy up lock house, start bath
- 9:50 - Bath - even if you are a guy it as relaxes you.
- 10:10 - In bed reading for 20 minutes - a proper book, nothing back lit.
- 10:30 - lights out
Works for me (and the kids all be it earlier).
