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-   -   Getting to Sleep (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/medical-health-discussion-94/getting-sleep-144992/)

Polar Bear 02-25-2015 03:29 AM

Getting to Sleep
 
As you might be able to tell if you read the time I posted this, I wasn't able to get to sleep tonight. :grumpy: It doesn't happen every night, but it's been happening occasionally lately. I've never had any problem before...it's new to me.

Anybody have any sage advice or sure-fire miracle tricks to get to sleep when the zzzz's just don't want to come??

pooh 02-25-2015 04:50 AM

I will have nights when sleep can take its time coming. What seems to help is my iPhone and either Netflix or Naturespace. Will put on an older movie, I like old Poirots, and just lower the volume. The movie sort of becomes white noise and very soon, off to dreamland. I also use Naturscapes to drift off. For this you need headphones. One of the quickest sounds I use for sleep is a thunderstorm. Again, it becomes a type of white noise and soon....zzzzzzzzz.
There are many guided sleep apps that also get you off to dreamland.

Madelaine Amee 02-25-2015 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polar Bear (Post 1019060)
As you might be able to tell if you read the time I posted this, I wasn't able to get to sleep tonight. :grumpy: It doesn't happen every night, but it's been happening occasionally lately. I've never had any problem before...it's new to me.

Anybody have any sage advice or sure-fire miracle tricks to get to sleep when the zzzz's just don't want to come??

Unfortunately (for me) these are the hours that my head just will not shut down and I find myself playing the same old scene over and over, and it's usually something that has annoyed me either that day or in the past. I practice Yoga which encourages deep breathing, sometimes it helps and other times the mind just goes off on it's own.

By the way, I read somewhere that getting up and using a computer or watching TV is even worse for you because the bright light does something or other making it even more impossible to sleep.

If it's a really bad night and I am wandering around the house looking at the time, I do end up taking an Ibuprofen, just one, and that knocks me out.

zcaveman 02-25-2015 08:32 AM

It does not happen often but when I get the toss and turn and turn and toss I eventually give up and get up and sit and read for a while. Then I try sleeping again.

Z

Dr Winston O Boogie jr 02-25-2015 09:56 AM

Quote:

By the way, I read somewhere that getting up and using a computer or watching TV is even worse for you because the bright light does something or other making it even more impossible to sleep.
I've read/heard the same thing, but it is the one thing that actually helps me. If I don't fall asleep within 45 minutes of going to bad, I get up and play FreeCell or something for 15 minutes and I go back to bed and fall asleep.

Mudder 02-25-2015 10:03 AM

Learn a few simple mediations, say them to yourself over and over if you have. You will find that after some practice you won't even get thru the whole thing....you'll be sleeping.

tomwed 02-25-2015 10:13 AM

I can recall every golf shot I hit on any given day. I don't know why because I forget names, dates and places all the time.
I replay the game in my head when I can't fall asleep. If I do get to the end of the round, I get up and watch TV.

Lovey2 02-25-2015 10:50 AM

Celestial Seasonings Sleepy Time tea....

Hancle704 02-25-2015 10:51 AM

Occasionally, I take a low dose OTC Melatonin pill. Seems to help me. Cardiologist once told me that he takes them too. A friend said a cup of Chamomile tea helps.

Recently I have found Aleve PM helpful if arthritis pain is problem.

Barefoot 02-25-2015 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polar Bear (Post 1019060)
As you might be able to tell if you read the time I posted this, I wasn't able to get to sleep tonight. :grumpy: It doesn't happen every night, but it's been happening occasionally lately. I've never had any problem before...it's new to me. Anybody have any sage advice or sure-fire miracle tricks to get to sleep when the zzzz's just don't want to come??

I used to go to sleep around 2 or 3 AM and sleep for six hours.
My yoga teacher calls it "drunken-monkey brain", when you just can't turn off your thoughts.
I've tried sleep meditation/hypnosis tapes in the past, with little success.
But recently I've been very determined and experimented with a whole plethora of Sleep Apps.
I eventually found some sleep hypnosis tapes that are incredibly effective for me.
A lot of companies offer a free introductory sessions and if you like it, then you can download the full App.
I use my iPad and listen with headphones on. They lull me right off to dreamland, and I sleep longer.
I have three or four favorite Apps. Some are free!

Villages PL 02-25-2015 11:51 AM

This is a tough question to answer when you stop to think that whole books have been written on this subject. But I'll mention a few things that have helped me to get good sleep.

What you do during the day paves the way:

I find that a daytime nap can be a good thing to restore energy but it shouldn't last more than about 20 to 30 minutes. And it shouldn't be too late in the day otherwise it may interfere with nighttime sleep.

Caffeine: Some people, like myself, are slow to process caffeine. But even if you're not, try not to overdo your consumption. And remember that caffeine is in chocolate too. It might be best to stay away from all caffeine after 12 noon.

Exercise: This is probably the single biggest thing you can do for yourself to help get a good night's sleep. Go for a long walk. You can split it up if you like with ten minutes in the morning after breakfast, ten minutes after lunch, and ten minutes after dinner. In addition to that, you should do some weight training every morning (at home is fine) for at least 15 minutes to a half hour. And you don't need a lot of equipment, just a couple of hand weights. I have a whole routine that includes some pushups, deep knee bends etc.

Snack: Sometimes I'll wake up at 4 am and can't seem to get back to sleep. In that case I'll go to the fridge and get a small slice of cooked sweet potato, usually no more than a 1/4 cup. That knocks me out for the rest of the night.

Meditation I use this all the time to get to sleep and it seldom fails. Although, it takes some practice and self discipline. Basically, you just need to clear your mind of everything and concentrate on your breathing.

Polar Bear 02-25-2015 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barefoot (Post 1019235)
...I have three or four favorite Apps. Some are free!

You mind naming a few? :)

tomwed 02-25-2015 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polar Bear (Post 1019285)
You mind naming a few? :)

I have one that is very effective. In fact I'm using it righ zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

graciegirl 02-25-2015 12:26 PM

Worries do sneak up on us. I eat. And use ear phones to watch TV. Sweetie is used to the TV on with no sound.

Sometimes I get up and play cards on the computer. Only time I notice my back hurting at the computer is night time.

You may have your house too hot...or not warm enough.

Hope you find a way to sweet dreams.

Barefoot 02-25-2015 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polar Bear (Post 1019285)
You mind naming a few? :)

I'll send you a PM later with my picks when I'm on my iPad.
Right now I'm on my laptop and I'm late for a lunch date.

Villages PL 02-25-2015 12:53 PM

I forgot to mention that too much sitting can be bad for your health in general and for nighttime sleep. Too much computer time or TV watching before bed can be bad. Get up and walk around once in a while and do some stretching.

Polar Bear 02-27-2015 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barefoot (Post 1019312)
I'll send you a PM later with my picks when I'm on my iPad...

Don't forget me, Barefoot! :wave:

Barefoot 02-27-2015 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polar Bear (Post 1020298)
Don't forget me, Barefoot! :wave:

I promise I'll send you a list of the APPs I use later today.

sunnyatlast 02-27-2015 02:18 PM

Artificial light, but particularly blue light from t.v., iPad and computer screens, disrupts healthy sleep. Avoid using any electronic screens before bedtime, not just for better sleep but for better health overall:

Harvard report:
"Light at night is bad for your health, and exposure to blue light emitted by electronics and energy-efficient lightbulbs may be especially so.

Until the advent of artificial lighting, the sun was the major source of lighting, and people spent their evenings in (relative) darkness. Now, in much of the world, evenings are illuminated, and we take our easy access to all those lumens pretty much for granted.

But we may be paying a price for basking in all that light. At night, light throws the body’s biological clock—the circadian rhythm—out of whack. Sleep suffers. Worse, research shows that it may contribute to the causation of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

But not all colors of light have the same effect. Blue wavelengths—which are beneficial during daylight hours because they boost attention, reaction times, and mood—seem to be the most disruptive at night. And the proliferation of electronics with screens, as well as energy-efficient lighting, is increasing our exposure to blue wavelengths, especially after sundown…."
Blue light has a dark side - Harvard Health

2BNTV 02-27-2015 02:25 PM

Minds that are racing at bedtime, could try the following:

1. Make a list of what one needs to do before going to sleep.
2. Think of a peaceful setting like sitting on a beach chair and hearing the ocean waves.
3. A movie that one has seen many times works for me sometimes, as it doesn't require any concentration.
4. I find that whatever one is worried about, will be there, when you wake-up in the morning, so let it go, and get the needed sleep.

Having faith that everything will happen for the best, is very soothing to me.

HimandMe 02-27-2015 03:40 PM

Watch what you eat or drink after 4 pm. You don't want to be too energized. My doctor way back when told me if I'm too wound up to take a Dramamine tablet and I settle right down, a friend of mine takes a anti histamine..Benadryl or melatonin. We don't like anything that may affect us down the line.

Cisco Kid 02-27-2015 04:02 PM

I find driving helps put me to sleep.
Or watching the crap my wife has taped on the DVR.

asianthree 02-27-2015 05:37 PM

There are sleep apps for your phone

CFrance 02-27-2015 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomwed (Post 1019286)
I have one that is very effective. In fact I'm using it righ zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

You are so funny!

Barefoot 02-27-2015 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polar Bear (Post 1019285)
You mind naming a few? :)

I listen to the Sleep Hypnosis Apps on my iPad with earphones.
There are tons of free Apps (a lot of them are introductions and require you to buy the "full" edition if you like them).
It's a good way to preview before purchasing.

I was going to post a list of my favorites on the Forum, but I know some people are very opposed to sleep hypnosis.
I'm afraid of being accused of being a witch and trying to seduce people into my coven. :evil6:
Polar Bear, I've sent you some of my favorites in a PM.

Laurie2 02-27-2015 06:14 PM

Try saying the alphabet in random order.

It takes just enough concentration to take your mind off other things but is so boring that you just might fall asleep. I don't think I ever have made it all the way through.


You're welcome,
Elraiu

graciegirl 02-27-2015 07:10 PM

What with all the things on the news and our aches and pains and a life's accumulation of being responsible, sometimes it is very hard to settle into sleep.

Might check with your doctor. Sometimes Thyroid issues are a deterrent to sleep.

I have a certain type of book that always diverts me, doesn't educate me and holds my interest without having anything intense in it. Janet Evanovich comes to mind. Not very interesting for guys, but maybe someone can offer their masculine "gentle amusing" read.

I hate when I can't sleep.

dbussone 02-27-2015 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 1020560)
What with all the things on the news and our aches and pains and a life's accumulation of being responsible, sometimes it is very hard to settle into sleep.



Might check with your doctor. Sometimes Thyroid issues are a deterrent to sleep.



I have a certain type of book that always diverts me, doesn't educate me and holds my interest without having anything intense in it. Janet Evanovich comes to mind. Not very interesting for guys, but maybe someone can offer their masculine "gentle amusing" read.



I hate when I can't sleep.


Amen to that, Gracie. I don't take sleep aids, but if my arthritis is really bothering me, I'll take 1 Aleve. Few other things interfere with my sleep. I can have a double espresso after a late dinner and be asleep within 20 minutes after my head hits the pillow.

SALYBOW 02-27-2015 10:21 PM

To get to sleep
 
I drink Tart Cherry juice to get to sleep. It is full of melatonin and it seems to work for me, and I have a lot of trouble getting to sleep. :wine:

Billyg 02-27-2015 10:28 PM

Hey Bare,
I'm game for sleep apps suggestions. If they can put you to sleep…….please share.
Talk soon.

Barefoot 02-27-2015 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billyg (Post 1020660)
Hey Bare,
I'm game for sleep apps suggestions. If they can put you to sleep…….please share. Talk soon.

I'll send you a PM with the Apps I like.

Madelaine Amee 02-28-2015 06:19 AM

I had one of those up and down nights last night, something on my mind. At about 2:30am I remembered I had ear plugs which I use when I travel. I put them in and within a few minutes I was gone, and I woke at just gone six this morning. So you might think of trying ear plugs.


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