can't sleep

MB37 had some great ideas. I have been a horrible sleeper my entire life, so I don't feel confident giving advise about it, as it remains a problem for me. I do know sleep issues impact my health, mental and emotional outlook and social and family life. Things I have found to be useful:

Not studying right before bed or I get "whirly brain" and continue to try to problem solve in my sleep.

Working out strenuously, or at least taking a walk - walking with my husband and dogs in the evening is great (plus he is captive and has to listen to whatever issues I have, so I get a sounding board and some exercise!) plus it reduces stress.

A soak in the hot tub or shower before bed.

Sunlight and outdoor activity.

No caffeine or sugary drinks at any time. Period. Just getting off sugar and a poor diet helped a LOT.

No alcohol (I might get drowsy, but always wake up)

I have an herbal mix of Valerian, hops, and chamomile that works well without too much grog. Also tried a homeopathic remedy, but it didn't work for me at all.

Benedryl or Tylenol PM if I need to break a cycle of not sleeping. 1/2 tablet of TPM will work wonders for me sometimes. Other times it does nothing and I need a full dose (weekends only.)

Eating some nonfat/lowfat yogurt or a string cheese a couple hours before bed. If I don't get enough to eat, hunger will keep me awake and make me more anxious, but I might not pin point it as hunger.

Meditation or candlelight yoga or stretching before bed. If I can blank out my brain for a bit before I even get to bed I am way ahead.

My mom's old trick - early in the evening she would make a list of what she needed to attend to the next day. Once it was listed, she didn't "have" to think of it until the next day. That way, whatever it was tentatively taken care of for the moment, so could be let go. So much better than rolling it over and over all night! Sometimes she even kept her little notepad by the bed. If she was stressing about something in the night, she could write it down, then let it go, and rest assured it would be dealt with when it was the right time. But, she also wrote down her dreams, too!

Good luck!

Weird I know, most others I have talked to have said they have been eating more with the stress but I am finding I force myself to eat during the day and I am just simply not hungry. I have already lost 5 lbs over the last 4 weeks but I am hoping it will not turn into a problem.

I've been having the same problem. Try some Boost or Ensure (with fiber) :) to help supplement your diet and get some added nutrition. Your brain needs all the vitamins and minerals it can get. I've been doing that on days that I don't feel like eating.

Best to you,

Diane