I've always suffered from mild insomnia, but it's getting ridiculous! I just entered my first semester in an ADN program. I am sooooo exhausted at the end of the day that I should just crash in bed. But, the opposite is happening! I lie there until about 2am and cannot, for the life of me, turn my brain off! When I do finally nod off, I wake up every hour or so. Needless to say, I feel like a zombie each day.
Anyone else out there have a problem with "thinking" too much? I'm beginning to think something's off in my brain chemistry. Going to my GP later this month for a physical, and I'm going to mention it to him. I've used Ambien before for my insomnia, but it's not something I want to make routine. But, this lack of sleep is seriously starting to mess with my ability to function...plus, it's wreaking havok on my already vulnerable emotional state due to the tremendous load of nursing school. I cry every single day now over the most ridiculous things.
Okay, shutting the computer down...fixing a glass of warm milk...looking for some stinkin sheep to count...wish me luck...PLEASE!!!!!
Just wanted to second the forced imagery thing too. At night, I literally picture myself inside of an off-white, plain room, sitting in a chair, looking out a window into a peaceful environment - a calm beach, the woods, rolling hills, whatever. It really does work. The key is to remain focused on this one thing... don't let your thoughts slide into something else!
Melatonin was like taking skittles for me. I cant take benadryl, tylenol PM, etc becuase it causes my legs to jerk uncontrollably (somehow it enhances my restless legs, my PCP said???) so...its either ambien or no sleep for me. i have taken it for 4 years, and have to take 2 a night to even think about sleep. I have tried the imagery thing, relaxation techniques, etc..but nothing. A person can only function so long with no sleep. (and a hubby that snores like a freight train doesnt help...) I dont take it nightly anymore..just nights that i have something going on the next day that i need to be alert for. I go back to my PCP next month to talk about other alternatives..any more ideas??
result red eyes, tiredness, but my brain still wants to think more....
i have lost 18 pounds since NS started part diet part stress!
I can totally relate. I work FT and attend a FT program, so I end up going to bed around 12:30am... and I just lay there thinking about things: lectures, upcoming tests, etc. I can't stop. I end up falling asleep around 3:00 am or so, only to wake up at 5:30 am. It's getting ridiculous.
I haven't lost any weight yet, but I am sure I will get there. (Not the kind of diet/weight loss I would want.) I hardly have time to eat a decent meal (and don't even remember what cooking is). I'd try benadryl but am afraid it will make me a zombie during lectures. Will give melatonin a try next week. Wish me luck!
I second the benadryl/hot bath option. That's all that got me through clinicals for the last 2 semesters. A glass of red wine (or 2) helps also... (but not with the benadryl!)
There is something called 'good sleep hygiene.' Google it and you will get some good tips. No t.v. or computer for something like 2 hours prior to bedtime, only have t.v. and computer in a room outside of your bedroom, etc. Deep breathing is great, too.
Also, try a cup of chamomile tea. Magnesium can help some people sleep. Or, you can always try some melatonin (of course talk to your Dr.). Melatonin and magnesium are both sold OTC and you can even get a combo. With melatonin, it takes VERY little to work--sometimes only .5 mg. The problem with diphenhydramine (benadryl & tylenol p.m.'s sleep med) for me at least is that it leaves me feeling groggy.
One last thing---you mentioned you've always suffered from some insomnia---sometimes insomnia is a result of a medical condition. It was for me. My thyroid was out of balance and that was one of my symptoms. I also know that some people with imbalances in their neurotransmitters suffer from insomnia. So, you may want to talk to your Dr. about your options. Hope you get the rest you so deserve!
Anyway.... I give this combination to my son, age 4, who has sleep problems. You should check with your Dr., but his Sleep Dr. said to start with 1mg mel. That's what's in the mel/mag combo we have. I think the mag is 100 mg.
Be careful with the form of magnesium you use--it can cause stomach/potty issues (more of an annoyance than anything--magnesium can be used as a laxative). I believe the type in the combo from Kirkman is Magnesium Oxidate. The most gentle form, I believe is Magnesium Glycinate--which I take 1000 mg of when I have a bad headache or when I feel sleep deprived and want to get some gooooood sleep. I seem to get into a deeper sleep with it. It really works. HTH!
Shutting your brain off isn't required so much as redirecting the flow. Instread of fretting over whatever is keeping you up- try to recall as much of your last vivid dream as you can. You aren't trying to restart the dream- just remember it. That can set your mind into "sleep mode" Work on developing a skill with fantasies. I'm mot talking about erotic (but that can work too) , but relive a happy moment from your childhood, have a conversation with a long gone mentor, consider the many ways you would spend the lottery if you won. All you have to do is turn off the "gotta get this done" part of your brain. GET OFF THE COMPUTER for an hour before you try to sleep- read, take a bath, meditate.... The computer is WAY too stimulating for most people to set the brain up for a good nights sleep. As far as staying asleep- I haven't a clue- limit caffeine, cool-dark room, white sound machine- you will have to find your own path to staying asleep. I'm sure you know, drugs are only a very short term solution. Best of luck.
I have the same problem. I discussed it with my doctor and was given an anti anxiety med.
I only take it when I 100 percent need it. The last thing I want is to become dependent but like he said to me nursing school is temporary. I find that I am less stressed because I am sleeping better which means I get more done during the day. Due to getting more done I am less stressed and sleep without them 5 or so days a week.
You know your meds, you know the side effects. Trust your judgement.
I myself would not take a sleeping pill the primary reason I cant sleep is anxiety. So take care of that and sleep comes soon after.
I'm halfway through the program, and I have the worst sleep of my life now. It's not only school, it's a combination of things:
I have some apnea,
I have many disturbing dreams regarding things like work (I bartend while in school), family tragedies (had a family member murdered years ago), and also school.
I'm taking Ambien pretty much most nights. And yes I have to take one and a half at this point (been taking them for a year or so). I don't like being on Ambien, and I know it's not an answer for the rest of my life, but my quality of life would be horrible without them.
I don't wanna take anti-depressants because I'm not really depressed. I just can't turn the mind off. I don't even care about work, but it is a stressful occupation and is notorious for "wait-mares" (waiter nightmares).
Then there is the clinical day, when I have get up at 4:00 a.m. There is no worse time for me to fall asleep than when I know I have to get up extra early.
So I will be taking Ambien for at least the near future.
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inland18mempire
193 Posts
Just wanted to second the forced imagery thing too. At night, I literally picture myself inside of an off-white, plain room, sitting in a chair, looking out a window into a peaceful environment - a calm beach, the woods, rolling hills, whatever. It really does work. The key is to remain focused on this one thing... don't let your thoughts slide into something else!