I can't sleep
 

It's been seemingly weeks since I've had a good nights sleep. For the past 4 or 5 days I've woken up between 2 and 3 am and haven't been able to fall back asleep. I had to use my last unscheduled vacation day today because I've been up since 2:33 am.

What should i do? How can i fix this problem? I'm exhausted.

Try not using any screen based electronics after about 7 pm. This includes TV. Also get an over the counter melatonin supplement. Finally, if you are waking up at 3, go with it and get up and do something. Use the time to get something done and you will likely fall asleep earlier.

This has worked for me in the past....

There are many reasons as to why a person can't sleep.

You need to figure that out.

You may have anxiety problems or stressed out that is making it difficult for you to relax? Maybe you're overweight and have breathing problems? Maybe you don't have a set schedule to sleep and work revolving shifts?

First thing you should do is consult with your doctor about this issue. I would recommend a sleep study.

I usually just hang out at night and watch the baseball game, i was wondering if TV and playing around on my cellphone was maybe having something to do with it. I usually don't have trouble falling asleep, but staying asleep.

I also think my job has been getting to me more than usual.

I used to take melatonin, but it got to the point where it wasn't working for me anymore. This was a few years ago though, so maybe it would work again.

I've been thinking about going to the doctor and trying to get some ambien or something.

Many things can effect sleep. Diet, Alcohol/Drug(both prescription and recreational use) Consumption, Lack of Exercise, Stress/Anxiety, Depression, Various Medical Conditions.

I'd analyze the above first as it relates to your lifestyle and then adjust as necessary. Taking prescription meds should be your last alternative. When I am having problems sleeping, it's generally one of two things for me - Stress/Anxiety relative to work or because I have been eating like shit. I find if I can maintain a good healthy diet and exercise regularly, then I can manage any stress related sleep issue.

Good luck!

Trying doing a good 1 hour workout. Either lifting of cardio or both. I have been sleeping great since.

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Non-addictive supplement that I have found to work much better than melatonin. I experience sleeplessness quite a bit as well, and this is the only thing that seems to work.

I drink on the weekends, but rarely if ever on work nights. I had a few last night though, so i was also curious if that had something to do with it.

I think it is a lot to do with stress/anxiety from work. My mind races when I'm laying in bed.

Maybe i need to go see a shrink?

Why would you do this, when you have random guys on the Internet to consult?

Oh, you know. Free medical advice is free medical advice.

Plus I'm likely not the only person on CP to ever deal with this issue, it's not life threatening, so any and all advice is appreciated.

Yeah, but I'm mostly just giving you shit. But, in seriousness, if it's bad enough to be costing you vacation days I wouldn't spend to much time listening to us "but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night" types. I'd consider consulting a doctor.

I know. I'm just cranky :) it's all good

Come to find out my primary care physician retired. So i guess i can spend my afternoon finding another one.

I had an insomnia problem in 2000 that drove me nuts for about 6 months. Finally I read a segment in Dale Carnegies book on worry/anxiety. One chapter was devoted to insomnia. In it he basically says Docs claim its non threatening and usually goes away on its own and some folks barely need any. That worrying about sleep is the best way to NOT fall asleep


I then stopped obsessing about needing sleep when i hit the pillow and it went away. (Having kids will end much of your sleeping anyway)