What do you do if you just can't fall asleep?

[INSIDEYOURMIND]

What do you do if you just can fall asleep?

I unfortunately.............................stay awake!

 

[Bandit58]

What do you do if you just can fall asleep?

I unfortunately.............................stay awake!

I sympathise - Sir has insomnia and often does not come to bed until 3-4am. He has been known to not sleep for days and then crash out from exhaustion, miss meals and have massive hypos (this is from before we met). Now if this happens I wake Him to eat and check blood sugars regularly. He sometimes doesn't remember eating, wakes up in the evening and then the cycle of NO sleep continues.

However since we got the home dialysis machine He will sleep while being dialysed so at least He is getting more sleep than He was. A little of the "green stuff" helps too, although sometimes He can smoke a fair bit and it won't have much effect Sleeping pills zonk Him out too much the next day, so He gave them up. Even a mild tranquilliser didn't relax Him enough for sleep.....

We've learned to live with it - I go to bed usually between 10.30 and 11.30pm and He stays up with the computer and the TV. If He needs a nap during the day, He will go have one but we expect Him to be wide awake when night comes.

 

[catalina_francisco]

I boringly usually get up and do some houseworky things like cleaning out cupboards, washing floors, sorting through paperwork, sorting recycling..I do my best work at 3am.

Catalina

 

[h_i_s]

I boringly usually get up and do some houseworky things like cleaning out cupboards, washing floors, sorting through paperwork, sorting recycling..I do my best work at 3am.

Catalina

I've done stuff of that nature at 3am too, but not in the last 4 years or so (not allowed to be up that late here ..plus I like to be up at 6am to get the kids off to school, they could do it themselves but I feel like a less than adequate mom, if I'm not up with them).

I can be very productive in the wee hours of the morning if allowed.

 

[minx1]

I boringly usually get up and do some houseworky things like cleaning out cupboards, washing floors, sorting through paperwork, sorting recycling..I do my best work at 3am.

Catalina

*nods* this is me. I iron or do the washing or sometimes write, whether its emails, lists, ideas for work. I too have some of my better ideas in the early hours lol and also I think writing helps clear my mind.
I went through a period of insomnia around the time I left my ex husband. I didn't sleep properly for the best part of two years I'd guess.
I used to stress so much about not sleeping, worrying about how tired I would be that I compounded the feelings and anxiety. In the end I just decided to accept it and to try and not stress about the fact I couldn't sleep at specific times...that I would catch up on some at another point.
I was lucky though in that I could be flexible about my work (I spoke to them about it and we reached a solution)....I do realise of course that not everyone is that fortunate and its hard to function on prolonged periods of little sleep.

 

[h_i_s]

I sympathise - Sir has insomnia and often does not come to bed until 3-4am. He has been known to not sleep for days and then crash out from exhaustion, miss meals and have massive hypos (this is from before we met). Now if this happens I wake Him to eat and check blood sugars regularly. He sometimes doesn't remember eating, wakes up in the evening and then the cycle of NO sleep continues.

However since we got the home dialysis machine He will sleep while being dialysed so at least He is getting more sleep than He was. A little of the "green stuff" helps too, although sometimes He can smoke a fair bit and it won't have much effect Sleeping pills zonk Him out too much the next day, so He gave them up. Even a mild tranquilliser didn't relax Him enough for sleep.....

We've learned to live with it - I go to bed usually between 10.30 and 11.30pm and He stays up with the computer and the TV. If He needs a nap during the day, He will go have one but we expect Him to be wide awake when night comes.

I rarely mention IYM's health issues. I come here for a 'break' ... and to get off my feet a bit, to de-stress a little, when I can. This place is often 'the temporary escape' for either of us. IYM Is still waiting for a heart transplant, having been on the list since before we met in 2004 ... so, after 7 heart attacks, He has been on the transplant list waiting for about 6 years now. He is at least twice as ill as when we met.. or more. I'd describe His energy level as about 30% what it was when we met and His determination to enjoy life has double.

And day to day life is never an easy journey for anyone who is ill, regardless of the health issues or HOW ill... regardless of how good the relationship.


Along with other meds, IYM takes Lunesta and mirtazapine before bed. I am continually amazed by His relentless episodes of cronic insomnia...... either of those 2 meds knocked me out within the half hour and keeps me a bit foggy all the next day.

It's a common thing here for me to wake and see Him at His computer either typing away, or watching TV wide awake, or just sitting staring at me (or taking photos of me). I have to make certain that I sleep because we both know that He is guaranteed to have a difficult day following a night of not sleeping, to include any or all of the following: nausea, dizzyness, passing out, as the result of low blood pressure, low blood sugars caused by the combination of certain meds (and the heart issue and being diabetic type 1) vs His overworked and unrested body.

Napping during the day is a given on any day, and turns into napping off and on ALL day after a night with no sleep.

No sleep has been known to aggravate His health issues in very serious ways.
I've learned in the past 4 years to make quick decisions and to organize by importance, IE check blood sugar before BP and put the feet up anyway.. whether needed or not.. I have also had to bark at rudely and ORDER 'less than useful' nurses who don't MOVE FAST or do not comply at all when I tell them nicely to get me juice and sugar STAT (this is not a pretty sight because I absolutely hate HAVING to take the upper hand and pull my dominant side out ). Can't get the Man to consume sugar when low if He is unconscious ... so that is always first in importance. I've seen him with a glucose level of only 36 and it was not a calm moment and not easy to keep Him conscious long enough to drink a half and half mixture of OJ and granulated sugar. ... while also keeping the people around me calm so as to remain useful in assisting me.

As his, there is nothing more distressing than wanting to serve Him just to make His life easier, and at times finding I having nothing to offer that will help Him ... other than just 'being there'. I have no regrets though. I have so much happiness and richness in my life as a result of knowing and being loved by this one Man, than many ever realize in an entire lifetime.

I know it's not easy, Bandit. I've no doubt He is greatful each and every day for having you.

 

[catalina_francisco]

I've done stuff of that nature at 3am too, but not in the last 4 years or so (not allowed to be up that late here ..plus I like to be up at 6am to get the kids off to school, they could do it themselves but I feel like a less than adequate mom, if I'm not up with them).

I can be very productive in the wee hours of the morning if allowed.

LOL, I have to try to sleep, but with menopausal insomnia he has decided if it isn't going to happen I am better off going downstairs for awhile and returning once I feel it might be possible...unfortunately that is usually around 5 am and then up again at 6 am.

Catalina

 

[catalina_francisco]

*nods* this is me. I iron or do the washing or sometimes write, whether its emails, lists, ideas for work. I too have some of my better ideas in the early hours lol and also I think writing helps clear my mind.
I went through a period of insomnia around the time I left my ex husband. I didn't sleep properly for the best part of two years I'd guess.
I used to stress so much about not sleeping, worrying about how tired I would be that I compounded the feelings and anxiety. In the end I just decided to accept it and to try and not stress about the fact I couldn't sleep at specific times...that I would catch up on some at another point.
I was lucky though in that I could be flexible about my work (I spoke to them about it and we reached a solution)....I do realise of course that not everyone is that fortunate and its hard to function on prolonged periods of little sleep.

Yes, sometimes I function well, other days I need some catch up sleep...it will pass and the experts do say the worst thing you can do is lay there stressing and trying to make it happen. Getting up and going back is much better. I just hope mine passes as my mother has been like it as long as I remember and it is nothing for her to only get 2 hours sleep without medication and I want to avoid that if possible.

Catalina

 

[INSIDEYOURMIND]

My little girl failed to mention that I also can't keep my hands off her, and even that keeps me up sometimes!

 

[OzoneRed]

There was a segment about this on 20/20 yesterday. The "expert" said get up, do NOT turn on a bright light, read a book. Me, I have trouble reading in the dark.

I usually drag a pillow and blanket into the living room, crank the lazyboy way back, and watch an infomercial. Knocks me right out.

 

[Yang4yin]

The first thing I try is to lie down in bed, lights off, and close my eyes. I pretend I'm staring at a completely blank blackboard. If a thought pops into my head, it appears on the blackboard as a sentence which I promptly erase with my mind. I try to keep the blackboard blank. Usually this will get me to sleep in just a few minutes.

Those times it doesn't work, I'll either watch a boring TV program in a dimly lit room or play Bubble Shooter until I'm bleary-eyed. That generally only takes 20-30 minutes. I shutdown the computer, stagger to the bed and fall asleep in a few seconds.

I haven't been able to do this in a while, but I seem to recall that having sex used to work, too.

 

[Marquis]

I have pretty serious insomnia sometimes.

If I absolutely have to go to sleep, a few Tylenol PMs will usually do the trick, but I never feel quite as energized the next day. It's a tough problem to have.

 

[ShyGuy68]

When it happens to me, I usually get out of bed after twisting and turning for a while, and surf the net, until I'm tired. And if I have a beer around, I might drink one as well.

 

[LadyAgie]

While my insomnia doesn't seem to be as severe as most, I usually grab my crochet hook or my knitting needles and whatever project I'm working on. While I always fall asleep quickly when I do this, I can't knit or crochet laying down, and I wake up with a backache from sleeping sitting up

 

[@}-}rebecca----]

My little girl failed to mention that I also can't keep my hands off her, and even that keeps me up sometimes!

: chuckles : Oh my !

When people used to discuss insomnia before I experienced it first hand I used to be pretty ambivalent too how the serious impact . About 3 years or so ago I had my first and hopefully last serious dalliance with it. It was living torture once established. I had no recourse on others to take up slack for my responsibilities so had to muster 'soldier on mode' and frankly in hindsight at the time I was so burned out I had no idea just how dangerous . I would literally be driving my son to and from school ( multiple hours a day driving then ) with the windows down, music playing with volume slightly increased and I know for sure now I was blanking out ( while driving ) for split seconds over and over again. I don't even want to mentally extend on the premise of that scenario. When you're that tired you make poor choices without understanding the true potential ramifications . I was exhausted yet couldn't sleep.

I tried everything, more exercise, less caffeine, teas, hot baths, reading, not reading, most anything I read or had recommended I tried. I would gratefully fall asleep for 30mins then wake again . Yuck, sometime it would just make me cry. My life was in 'order' I couldn't even pinpoint things that were unresolved that may have been impacting on my psyche.

The idea of taking medication to assist never crossed my mind because I have a singular responsibility to be able to function in a cognizant manner if my son needed me. I eventually caved and went and spoke to 'a' Dr. My usual wonderful Dr was on long term haitus for family reasons. Apparently the secret in some cases of insomnia is to 'break the cycle'. I was prescribed Ambien ( called Stilnox here ) . It worked but it's some seriously freaky stuff. It's one drug I would suggest 'don't go there'. More on it here for those that are interested further. Cycle breaking worked for me.

I've learned in the past 4 years to make quick decisions and to organize by importance, IE check blood sugar before BP and put the feet up anyway.. whether needed or not.. I have also had to bark at rudely and ORDER 'less than useful' nurses who don't MOVE FAST or do not comply at all when I tell them nicely to get me juice and sugar STAT (this is not a pretty sight because I absolutely hate HAVING to take the upper hand and pull my dominant side out ). Can't get the Man to consume sugar when low if He is unconscious ... so that is always first in importance. I've seen him with a glucose level of only 36 and it was not a calm moment and not easy to keep Him conscious long enough to drink a half and half mixture of OJ and granulated sugar. ... while also keeping the people around me calm so as to remain useful in assisting me.

Ahhh hypoglycemia to that extent is tough, you both have my empathy. Family member I shared a home with many years ago has mature onset insulin dependant diabetes. He went through such a rocky stage, would 'act' drunk, get abusive then it's all down hill from there and I would be fighting with him to take some honey off a spoon. Sinnocent you have my sincere empathy, there is a mixable intramuscular injection for a few degrees past that stage when things really hit Hell in a hand-basket. Dammit he did it too me recently too. Just a few weeks ago but this time over the phone. Took me a few mins to work out he was having a hypo and I wasn't even in the same place as he was. Thank heavens he was just coherent enough to tell me where he was. I was able to grab my mobile, phone the location and alert others to do something ( business setting). Didn't that make me cry after it was resolved, oh boy.

Good laud, such rambling : chuckles :

The good news, I now sleep like a baby. So insomnia may most likely be something that can be 'outgrown' . I sort of skirt most of the time things that may contribute to the potential of it developing again. I rarely consume alcohol , I have firm rules about being online at night unless I have no choice because I am working, my bedroom is a temple to 'me'. A sanctuary with little to challenge that premise currently , dammit : laughs :

Wishing you all lots of ZzzzZZzzzz's and for those that are unable to sleep, may you continue to find creative restorative ways to pass the time instead.

 

[DeservingBitch]

I smoke a join.

 

[RUbensBeautY]

Lit.

 

[coy_one]

I have insomnia that is in response to having PTSD.

I've learned how to quiet my mind. I focus on my breathing, how the sheets feel against my skin, and how to quiet my mind. I think the word "sleep" or "open" - open is the word I use for a therapy trick that I learned to quiet my mind in the first place and I use it a lot on the nights that I can't sleep.

It's VERY hard, but I really focus on breath. I was told that even if I don't sleep - if I can atleast rest myself, I am better off than getting up and doing something.

I'm sure that with the health problems, it's hard to keep the mind in check, but just lie in the contentment that you and Sinnocent clearly have something that people in this world hope for - in some cases their entire lives and never have. You know, that quiet contentment from loving and being loved. Just relish in that and focus on breathing.

 

[INSIDEYOURMIND]

Believe it or not, I take 2 different prescription sleep meds every night of the highest allowed dosage.
I don't think it is a matter of insomnia, there are just some nights that I am just not tired, most nights within a half hour of taking my meds, I am out cold. A couple of nights a month, I literally just cannot fall asleep.
There is a strange feeling that I get.
Due to my health issues, I get afraid, I doze off, and snap back awake instantly, concerned that I died, no better way to explain it other than I am afraid that if I fall asleep, I am not going to wake up.
I have never shared this explanation with anyone other than my little girl, my health is deteriorating, my heart was not supposed to last this long, this was expected, and not something we have a great deal of control over.

 

[Bandit58]

I rarely mention IYM's health issues. I come here for a 'break' ... and to get off my feet a bit, to de-stress a little, when I can. This place is often 'the temporary escape' for either of us. IYM Is still waiting for a heart transplant, having been on the list since before we met in 2004 ... so, after 7 heart attacks, He has been on the transplant list waiting for about 6 years now. He is at least twice as ill as when we met.. or more. I'd describe His energy level as about 30% what it was when we met and His determination to enjoy life has double.

And day to day life is never an easy journey for anyone who is ill, regardless of the health issues or HOW ill... regardless of how good the relationship.


Along with other meds, IYM takes Lunesta and mirtazapine before bed. I am continually amazed by His relentless episodes of cronic insomnia...... either of those 2 meds knocked me out within the half hour and keeps me a bit foggy all the next day.

It's a common thing here for me to wake and see Him at His computer either typing away, or watching TV wide awake, or just sitting staring at me (or taking photos of me). I have to make certain that I sleep because we both know that He is guaranteed to have a difficult day following a night of not sleeping, to include any or all of the following: nausea, dizzyness, passing out, as the result of low blood pressure, low blood sugars caused by the combination of certain meds (and the heart issue and being diabetic type 1) vs His overworked and unrested body.

Napping during the day is a given on any day, and turns into napping off and on ALL day after a night with no sleep.

No sleep has been known to aggravate His health issues in very serious ways.
I've learned in the past 4 years to make quick decisions and to organize by importance, IE check blood sugar before BP and put the feet up anyway.. whether needed or not.. I have also had to bark at rudely and ORDER 'less than useful' nurses who don't MOVE FAST or do not comply at all when I tell them nicely to get me juice and sugar STAT (this is not a pretty sight because I absolutely hate HAVING to take the upper hand and pull my dominant side out ). Can't get the Man to consume sugar when low if He is unconscious ... so that is always first in importance. I've seen him with a glucose level of only 36 and it was not a calm moment and not easy to keep Him conscious long enough to drink a half and half mixture of OJ and granulated sugar. ... while also keeping the people around me calm so as to remain useful in assisting me.

As his, there is nothing more distressing than wanting to serve Him just to make His life easier, and at times finding I having nothing to offer that will help Him ... other than just 'being there'. I have no regrets though. I have so much happiness and richness in my life as a result of knowing and being loved by this one Man, than many ever realize in an entire lifetime.

I know it's not easy, Bandit. I've no doubt He is greatful each and every day for having you.

I guess we are two incredibly lucky women, to have met the Person who makes us feel this way each and every day, no matter what we have to deal with And yes, He does love and appreciate me, and tells me so

I had to google the BSL you posted because we have a different measuring system here (mmol/L rather than mg/dL). Sir has been down to that level several times, and sometimes lower (under 20 on your scale). He can be coherent and conscious and able to swallow soda or juice with His level that low (baffles me no end!) I haven't had to call an ambulance for 3 years now *touch wood*

My little girl failed to mention that I also can't keep my hands off her, and even that keeps me up sometimes!

LOL same premise here - Sir is always "going the grope"

 

[madetotakeit]

If I can't sleep I will not fight it at first. I will read, check email and send a few off, look at some art sites or check for reference images. Lit has helped me pass quite a bit of time (definitely not a way to fall asleep!) When I finally start to wind down, I will put in a movie I have seen multiple times. I know what is coming next so I don't feel the need to stay awake. Lately the one that has been doing it for me is The Prestige. It is mostly narration so I guess it has a similar effect as a bedtime story to a child. I love the actors' voices. I close my eyes and lay still. When it starts, hearing Christian Bale say, "Are you watching closely?" in that almost whisper sends a pleasant chill down my spine and I am off to pleasant dreams.

 

[snowy ciara]

I watch old movies and knit. And sometimes, it actually works and I fall asleep. But usually I just end up getting up and doing something else.

 

[HB1965]

What do you do if you just can fall asleep?

I unfortunately.............................stay awake!

I get on this website

 

[bronntanas]

I wank. and if that doesn't work, I get on the computer and slay me some romans or something.

 

[h_i_s]

I have pretty serious insomnia sometimes.

If I absolutely have to go to sleep, a few Tylenol PMs will usually do the trick, but I never feel quite as energized the next day. It's a tough problem to have.

After the lung surgery I had a tough time sleeping once I was home from the hospital...... biggest part of the problem was withdrawal from morphine, and ambien CR. I was on both for over 3 weeks. They sent me home without the ambien..... I tried using the Tylenol PM. I was a walking zombie the next day when ever I took that shit in order to sleep. Ended up just going through the withdrawal..... I am so greatful for having IYM to get me through it. It was horrible. He was incredible staying up and doing anything needed to get me back to sleep... and the nightsweats were so annoying. I'd wake soaked in sweat.. right through my tshirts that I slept in (only thing I could wear without worry of the incisions being pulled or sticking to the sheets).

I'd rather go through all that again instead of the zombified effect the day after a Tylenol PM.