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Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 7:21:29 PM   
shylilbear


Posts: 125
Joined: 11/25/2011
Status: offline 		Dear CollarChat peoples,

I tend to have a lot of trouble falling asleep. I have tried all of the "tried and true" methods of getting myself to sleep. Warm milk, reading, soft music, warm bath, meditation, an intense orgasm or ten. More than once all of the above in the same night. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Benedryl does a pretty good job (usually) of knocking me out, at least until I develope a resistance to it. Then it might as well be pink sugar pills. Which seems to be the case at the moment. Daddy doesn't want me being dependant on pills to help me sleep, and he's asked me to stop taking the benedryl. I don't have a problem with that, especially considering the above mentioned resistance which tends to lead to taking dangerously high doses of the stuff.

Now all I have to do is find something else to put me to sleep that's not in a pill and actually works consistantly. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, especially if anyone has a trick that's not usually on the "tried and true" list.

Sincerely,

Sleepless near Seattle

_____________________________

The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.
To err is human, to really fuck things up takes a computer.
Profile   Post #: 1
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 7:32:34 PM   
poise


Posts: 9509
Joined: 7/3/2010
Status: offline 		I used to have to read till my eyes got tired enough for sleep. There were times I
actually brought encyclopedias to bed as I had nothing else to read. Kinky, eh?
Bad idea for me, as it was actually fascinating stuff in there!

If tv is permitted in the bedroom, try putting on a show that you can follow
along with just by listening to it, eyes closed, like a news channel, or the history channel.
What makes this different than the white noise of music is that you are participating in
the show by actively listening to it, so it keeps your mind (hopefully) off anything else.

Sweet dreams!

_____________________________

When the path ignites a soul, there’s no remaining in place.

(in reply to shylilbear)
Profile   Post #: 2
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 7:33:21 PM   
Aileen1968


Posts: 6062
Joined: 12/12/2007
From: I miss Shore, New Jersey
Status: offline 		A shot of Jack.

_____________________________



(in reply to shylilbear)
Profile   Post #: 3
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 7:41:27 PM   
kalikshama


Posts: 14805
Joined: 8/8/2010
Status: offline 		Are you getting enough exercise during the day? (Don't exercise too close to bedtime.)

Also see Sleep Hygiene: Helpful Hints to Help You Sleep




< Message edited by kalikshama -- 1/31/2012 7:55:26 PM >

(in reply to shylilbear)
Profile   Post #: 4
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 7:51:32 PM   
kalikshama


Posts: 14805
Joined: 8/8/2010
Status: offline 		As we age, our bodies produce less melatonin, which is helpful for sleep. I take 1 mg; my mother takes 3 mg. Unlike other OTC and Rx, there are no side effects - especially no hungover feeling the next day.

I find the sublingual version works best: http://www.iherb.com/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-1-mg-100-Tablets/24649?at=0

Here's what Dr Andrew Weil has to say:

Q Need a Strategy to Stay Asleep?

I don't have any trouble falling asleep. My problem is staying asleep. I wake up in the early morning hours and watch the clock for two hours or more before being able to fall back asleep. What can I do?

A Answer (Published 4/2/2002)

Updated 6/06/2007

Your problem is a very common variation of insomnia. In fact, it is even more common than having trouble falling asleep in the first place, particularly among older people. To change it, the first thing you have to do is try to determine the cause.

Consider these possibilities:

* Are you physically uncomfortable? The condition of your bed, mattress or pillow can be an impediment to a good night's sleep. Your mattress might be too soft or too firm and your pillow might not be the right kind. Replacing a worn mattress can help - check yours for signs of wear at least twice a year. If your bedding isn't the problem, see an osteopathic physician who specializes in OMT, osteopathic manipulative therapy. A session or two of this safe and effective treatment can be life-changing.

* Is your bedroom noisy? You can overcome this by purchasing a "white noise" generator, an inexpensive but effective device for making soothing sounds (ocean waves, waterfalls, tropical rain, for example) to mask jangling ones.

* Is your mind overactive? If you can't sleep because of thoughts whirling through your head, try the Relaxing Breath which can help you put aside the thoughts that are keeping you awake. A few stretches can help, too.

* Are you getting up to urinate and then not able to get back to sleep? Both caffeine and alcohol can increase nighttime urination. They can also disturb sleep in other ways.

Two supplements, melatonin and valerian, can help you sleep, but I don’t recommend taking either one for sleeplessness that occurs in the early morning - they could make you too drowsy to get up when the time comes. I suggest using 2.5 mg of melatonin to overcome jet lag, but only for one or two nights, and only when taken at bedtime. A lower dose, 0.25 to 0.3 mg, is more effective for regular use, but again, it should only be taken at bedtime. The same is true for valerian (Valeriana officinalis). It is an effective natural sleep aid, but you should take it only before you initially fall asleep.

If you eliminate all these possibilities and still wake in the early morning hours, I would suggest getting up and reading or doing something else useful rather than watching the clock and worrying about the sleep you're losing. Taking your mind off the problem may relax you and enable you to fall asleep again.

Andrew Weil, M.D.


(in reply to shylilbear)
Profile   Post #: 5
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 7:54:37 PM   
Kaliko


Posts: 3381
Joined: 9/25/2010
Status: offline 		I love Dr. Weil. :)

(in reply to kalikshama)
Profile   Post #: 6
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 7:57:55 PM   
kalikshama


Posts: 14805
Joined: 8/8/2010
Status: offline 		Me too!

Spontaneous Healing and 8 Weeks to Optimum Health were a big help to me when I was very sick in the 90's.

(in reply to Kaliko)
Profile   Post #: 7
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 8:01:12 PM   
xssve


Posts: 3589
Joined: 10/10/2009
Status: offline 		A shot of Jack and an intense orgasm.

(in reply to kalikshama)
Profile   Post #: 8
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 8:11:48 PM   
Winterapple


Posts: 1343
Joined: 8/19/2011
Status: offline 		Give up caffeine. Or limit yourself to a couple of cups of
coffee or whatever. Get decaffeinated tea or soda if
you drink that. If you can't hold to that try not
to have caffeine after five in the afternoon.
Keep your bedroom dark, cool and quiet.
No tv, no radio. If you need white noise use
a fan or a white noise machine. No music,
no words.
Try to get up and go to bed at the same time
everyday. Avoid naps.
Start preparing for a sleep an hour or so before
you go to bed. Turn off the tv, get off the
computer. Take a warm shower or bath. If you
sleep in anything make sure it's made of a breathable
smooth fabric. Buy the highest thread count sheets
you can afford.
Drink a couple of cups of chamomile tea
or sleepytime tea by celestial seasons.
Try to relax maybe read a few pages of a
book, write in a journal but only for a bit.
Turn the lights off and get in bed. Try to think
of peaceful things or images. You could try a little
sleep pillow or sachet filled with herbs usually
lavender. Try to disconnect and relax your
mind and your body.
Get your body on a schedule, lose cafffeine,
quiet, cool and dark room, start relaxing and
getting ready for bed at least an hour before
going to bed. Hope this helps. Voice of experience.


_____________________________

A thousand dreams within me softly burn.
Rimbaud




(in reply to Aileen1968)
Profile   Post #: 9
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 8:14:59 PM   
shylilbear


Posts: 125
Joined: 11/25/2011
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: poise

I used to have to read till my eyes got tired enough for sleep. There were times I
actually brought encyclopedias to bed as I had nothing else to read. Kinky, eh?
Bad idea for me, as it was actually fascinating stuff in there!


I've tried that too, and as soon as I put the book down, shut the light off and close my eyes, I'm wide awake again.

quote:


If tv is permitted in the bedroom, try putting on a show that you can follow
along with just by listening to it, eyes closed, like a news channel, or the history channel.
What makes this different than the white noise of music is that you are participating in
the show by actively listening to it, so it keeps your mind (hopefully) off anything else.

Sweet dreams!

I don't have any tv at all lol. Maybe I can find something on the computer.

_____________________________

The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.
To err is human, to really fuck things up takes a computer.

(in reply to poise)
Profile   Post #: 10
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 8:17:44 PM   
Winterapple


Posts: 1343
Joined: 8/19/2011
Status: offline 		I meant to say at the first if you think you can't give
up caffiene try to stick to two cups of coffee
in the morning. The less caffiene and the most
time from when you consume it til when you
go to bed the better.
If some of your problems are anxiety related
caffiene can add to jittery nerves.
I also find a number of herb teas soothing
and relaxing. I like raspberry or blueberry tea
the aroma is great. Also good if you find yourself
craving something sweet before bedtime.

_____________________________

A thousand dreams within me softly burn.
Rimbaud




(in reply to Winterapple)
Profile   Post #: 11
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 8:18:18 PM   
shylilbear


Posts: 125
Joined: 11/25/2011
Status: offline 		I've actually tried that too. It does make me good and drowsy, but I can't actually fall asleep. It's a very weird feeling to be all relaxed and drowsy, but wide awake at the same time.
quote:

ORIGINAL: Aileen1968

A shot of Jack.



_____________________________

The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.
To err is human, to really fuck things up takes a computer.

(in reply to Aileen1968)
Profile   Post #: 12
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 8:28:03 PM   
Winterapple


Posts: 1343
Joined: 8/19/2011
Status: offline 		You don't want the light or sound of a computer or tv
in your bedroom. My doctor said that was a big no
no for good sleep hygiene.
Don't excersise to close to bedtime.
And yes get the best mattress and pillows
you can.
I've also used melatonin and didn't have any
problems with it but I didn't take it regularly.
But setting a sleep pattern and having your bedroom
be a place for rest relaxation and not a place
to watch tv or play on the computer and cutting
back or getting rid of caffiene will probably help
you more than anything.



_____________________________

A thousand dreams within me softly burn.
Rimbaud




(in reply to Winterapple)
Profile   Post #: 13
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 8:28:19 PM   
Kaliko


Posts: 3381
Joined: 9/25/2010
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: shylilbear


quote:

ORIGINAL: poise

I used to have to read till my eyes got tired enough for sleep. There were times I
actually brought encyclopedias to bed as I had nothing else to read. Kinky, eh?
Bad idea for me, as it was actually fascinating stuff in there!


I've tried that too, and as soon as I put the book down, shut the light off and close my eyes, I'm wide awake again.



I used to do the same thing with the World Almanac, thinking it would put me to sleep. It turned into me loving the book and finding all those facts fascinating. Even so, though...it allows me to relax and read, but the items are so short that I can't become engrossed in anything. It just tires my eyes.

Also...I don't actually put the book down. I will often fall asleep when reading, with the light on and with the book having fallen across my chest. If you're not single or you can't stand sleeping with the light on, that might not fly. But I can sleep with a strobe light over my pillow, it doesn't matter.

(in reply to shylilbear)
Profile   Post #: 14
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 8:32:53 PM   
shylilbear


Posts: 125
Joined: 11/25/2011
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: kalikshama

As we age, our bodies produce less melatonin, which is helpful for sleep. I take 1 mg; my mother takes 3 mg. Unlike other OTC and Rx, there are no side effects - especially no hungover feeling the next day.

I find the sublingual version works best: http://www.iherb.com/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-1-mg-100-Tablets/24649?at=0

That's one thing I haven't tried yet. I will definately look into it. Thank you

quote:


Here's what Dr Andrew Weil has to say:


Q Need a Strategy to Stay Asleep?

I don't have any trouble falling asleep. My problem is staying asleep. I wake up in the early morning hours and watch the clock for two hours or more before being able to fall back asleep. What can I do?

A Answer (Published 4/2/2002)

Updated 6/06/2007

Your problem is a very common variation of insomnia. In fact, it is even more common than having trouble falling asleep in the first place, particularly among older people. To change it, the first thing you have to do is try to determine the cause.

Consider these possibilities:

* Are you physically uncomfortable? The condition of your bed, mattress or pillow can be an impediment to a good night's sleep. Your mattress might be too soft or too firm and your pillow might not be the right kind. Replacing a worn mattress can help - check yours for signs of wear at least twice a year. If your bedding isn't the problem, see an osteopathic physician who specializes in OMT, osteopathic manipulative therapy. A session or two of this safe and effective treatment can be life-changing.

* Is your bedroom noisy? You can overcome this by purchasing a "white noise" generator, an inexpensive but effective device for making soothing sounds (ocean waves, waterfalls, tropical rain, for example) to mask jangling ones.

* Is your mind overactive? If you can't sleep because of thoughts whirling through your head, try the Relaxing Breath which can help you put aside the thoughts that are keeping you awake. A few stretches can help, too.

* Are you getting up to urinate and then not able to get back to sleep? Both caffeine and alcohol can increase nighttime urination. They can also disturb sleep in other ways.

Two supplements, melatonin and valerian, can help you sleep, but I don’t recommend taking either one for sleeplessness that occurs in the early morning - they could make you too drowsy to get up when the time comes. I suggest using 2.5 mg of melatonin to overcome jet lag, but only for one or two nights, and only when taken at bedtime. A lower dose, 0.25 to 0.3 mg, is more effective for regular use, but again, it should only be taken at bedtime. The same is true for valerian (Valeriana officinalis). It is an effective natural sleep aid, but you should take it only before you initially fall asleep.

If you eliminate all these possibilities and still wake in the early morning hours, I would suggest getting up and reading or doing something else useful rather than watching the clock and worrying about the sleep you're losing. Taking your mind off the problem may relax you and enable you to fall asleep again.

Andrew Weil, M.D.



I'll give the white noise a try. I think I still have a program that does that here on the computer.

Sometimes deep breathing and meditation helps, except for when my mind is hell bent on imitating a runaway train.

Nothing short of a cork is going to stop my nighttime need to pee lol. I'm usually playing tag with the bathroom at least twice every night even if I haven't had any caffiene at all that day. I could try limiting liquids in general a couple hours before bedtime though. That might help.

_____________________________

The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.
To err is human, to really fuck things up takes a computer.

(in reply to kalikshama)
Profile   Post #: 15
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 8:38:31 PM   
Duskypearls


Posts: 3561
Joined: 8/21/2011
Status: offline 		Lilbear, hypnosis can be quite helpful for many. Check out FetLife for that.

(in reply to shylilbear)
Profile   Post #: 16
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 8:58:53 PM   
shylilbear


Posts: 125
Joined: 11/25/2011
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Winterapple

Give up caffeine.

That is cruel and unusual torture lol. At this point though I'm willing to try just about anything.

quote:


Keep your bedroom dark, cool and quiet.

I did have a blanket over my window and kept my door shut for awhile and it did seem to help some. I can't remember why I took it down, but especially now that the sun is starting to go down later and come up earlier I'm going to have to do that again. During the summer it starts getting light out around 4 in the morning, and is still light out around 10. Really annoying.

quote:


If you need white noise use
a fan or a white noise machine. No music,
no words.

I don't have a fan, but there might be something online that might work. I know there's several different types of white noise generators that I've run across before. I'll play around with it and see if anything works.
quote:


Try to get up and go to bed at the same time
everyday. Avoid naps.

This is another one of those sometimes works/sometimes doesn't. I am currently on a schedual, and I try to avoid taking naps unless I'm not feeling well.
quote:


Start preparing for a sleep an hour or so before
you go to bed. Turn off the tv, get off the
computer. Take a warm shower or bath.

I'm going to start doing this as well. Most times I'm on the computer until right before I go to bed.

quote:


Drink a couple of cups of chamomile tea
or sleepytime tea by celestial seasons.

YUMMY!! This is one of my favorites but another one of those things that doesn't always work. My body can be so stubborn sometimes that no matter what I take, I won't go to sleep.
quote:


Try to relax maybe read a few pages of a
book, write in a journal but only for a bit.
Turn the lights off and get in bed. Try to think
of peaceful things or images. You could try a little
sleep pillow or sachet filled with herbs usually
lavender. Try to disconnect and relax your
mind and your body.

All of these I've tried with varying degrees of success except the pillow. I have used lavendar lotion though and I like that.
quote:


Get your body on a schedule, lose cafffeine,
quiet, cool and dark room, start relaxing and
getting ready for bed at least an hour before
going to bed. Hope this helps. Voice of experience.

Thank you for your suggestions. I will definately play around with all of it and see what works best.


_____________________________

The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.
To err is human, to really fuck things up takes a computer.

(in reply to Winterapple)
Profile   Post #: 17
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 9:03:07 PM   
shylilbear


Posts: 125
Joined: 11/25/2011
Status: offline 		I know a few self hypnosis techniques, but I am very leary of anyone else doing it on me. Although I am fascinated by it to a degree, I'm just not entirely comfortable with the idea unless it would be with someone I absolutely trust.
quote:

ORIGINAL: Duskypearls

Lilbear, hypnosis can be quite helpful for many. Check out FetLife for that.



_____________________________

The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.
To err is human, to really fuck things up takes a computer.

(in reply to Duskypearls)
Profile   Post #: 18
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 9:05:52 PM   
littlewonder


Posts: 15659
Status: offline 		ha...I've tried absolutely everything I could think of that wasn't prescribed. Not a single thing has ever worked. I removed caffeine, I don't have a tv in my room or anything at all. I did everything everyone has suggested to me and nothing has worked. I would try reading but like you, the moment I put down the book I'm wide awake again.

Sooo...I finally went to see a dr about it. We've tried one medication after another. They either made me ill or didn't do a damn thing....

So now tonight I start a new one. I haven't taken it yet but will in a few minutes. It's called Somnote. It's a drug they use to sedate patients before surgery. According to her if this doesn't work nothing will.

I'll report back tomorrow. Wish me luck.



_____________________________

Nothing has changed
Everything has changed

(in reply to shylilbear)
Profile   Post #: 19
RE: Now I lay me down to......sleep?? What's that?? - 1/31/2012 9:09:15 PM   
Aylee


Posts: 24103
Joined: 10/14/2007
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: shylilbear

Sometimes deep breathing and meditation helps, except for when my mind is hell bent on imitating a runaway train.



Put a pen and paper next to the bed. When you find yourself not being able to stop thinking about something, write it down.

Since it is now written down, you don't have to think about it anymore.

_____________________________

Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam

I don’t always wgah’nagl fhtagn. But when I do, I ph’nglui mglw’nafh R’lyeh.

(in reply to shylilbear)
Profile   Post #: 20
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