SLEEP

[Doolhof]

Hi All,

In the past there may have been threads on sleep and how to improve our quality of sleep.

I am starting this thread up and hope to include past thread titles.

For some of us sleep is a real issue, the more we can learn about it the better informed we will be.

Funny stories on weird places you have fallen asleep are welcome as well.

For me, I had just moved house and was very busy getting everything organised. Friends invited me to the drag races. I was so tired and exhausted that I sat down, leant against the fence right near the starting line and fell asleep for most of the evening.

Hope to read some of your stories and tips.

Cheerio for now, from Mrs. Dools

[Mary S1]

I just left my psychologist for wasting half a session doing this same relaxation exercise which we used to do before theatre class as a 13 year old. It's as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike when you've got rampant anxiety.

[Mary S1]

I should have added in the previous post that this proposed remedy is useless also for chronic insomnia.

[white knight]

Hi Mary

Many so called "remedies" are long term in the scheme of things.

When I girst tried muscle tensioning exercises, like meditation, it had zero effect. However, any such effort that lowers your racing heart beat has to be doing some good. After about 2 years of doing these daily my anxiety began to go away.

Also, what works for one might not work for you.

TonyWK

[fred4761]

Hi all, it has been a while since I dropped by as I had been doing well with my sleep. I find that when I am going through periods of extra stress/anxiety/depression, I seem to forget all about things like good sleep hygiene. I find the most beneficial has been to go back to my evening wind down routine of a warm bath, herbal tea, bedtime yoga and sleep meditation.

Dools, have you ever looked up instruction videos on how to properly insert ear plugs? I found them more comfortable when I was wearing them properly. Also, I have had to try many different types and styles and brands before I found ones that are super comfortable. After I got an ear infection (swimmer’s ear) my GP suggested that I try not to use ear plugs each night. I bought a white noise machine and use that most nights to provide background noise and help me to block out any environmental sounds.

Mary, I have to agree with TonyWK. The relaxation and meditation techniques that my psychiatrist taught me took a long time before I started to see a noticeable benefit from doing them. I think it just has to be a long term thing that you are constantly working on . . . there don’t seem to be any shortcuts you can take 😞

[Doolhof]

Hi Fred and All,

Thanks for the suggestions Fred. I never thought of looking for instructional videos on inserting earplugs! One pack came with specific pictures and instructions, a video will be interesting.

Maybe if I had comfortable earplugs in I would not take them out in my sleep!

Sticking to a routine can be very beneficial, thanks for that reminder too.

The ceiling fan makes quite a bit of noise so I concentrate on that and it helps send me off to sleep!

Thanks again for the hints.

Cheers from Dools

[Sueetties]

I got a pack of larvenda oil tablets - a sample pack from my GP yesterday to try and see if it can improve my sleep. It’s now 3.30am and I am still wide awake. I wonder if anyone has tried this before and if it works!?

[Keypi]

Hi Everyone,

I've been reading all your tips and at least now I'll have a few to try I think tonight I'll start with the tension exercise it sounds interesting. I've always struggled with sleep ever since my depression started so many years ago. But with this relapse I'm going through it is particularly worse and I haven't had much sleep in a week I feel like that's making me go more crazy. I'm really hoping tonight I get some sleep the only problem is that today I've started coming down with something so my ears and throat feel like their on fire.

Well hopefully some of you sleep well,

Keypi 🙂

[Guest_2496]

Bummer about your ears and throat Keypi!

I haven’t read this whole thread so my tips might be in there somewhere but - have you got any lavender oil? Sprinkle some on the bed. Massage shoulders with magnesium oil - I always sleep well after that. And/or listen to someone like Michael Sealey on YouTube, or a Headspace meditation.

[blondguy]

Hi everyone

I also keep hearing about Magnesium as it helps rejuvenate our system and promotes quality sleep

Turning off our mobile phone at least an hour before bed is always a huge help too....Even if the phone doesnt ring there is a subconscious awareness that it might.....thus having a negative impact on the quality of our sleep

Lavender...thanks annie and Sueetties for the reminder....Nice1

Hi Keypi....I hope you feel better soon 🙂

kindest always

Paul

[Keypi]

Hi Annie,

Thanks for the tip I'll have to get some, I do love the smell of lavender, and boy if I could get a massage then I'd sleep for sure those always make me feel relaxed and put my straight off to sleep. But I don't have anyone that could do that for me right before bed 😞

I'll have a look into this Micheal fella 😄

Thanks Paul I hope I feel better soon too I have to work tomorrow at least it will be friday!

Sleep well everyone,

Keypi 🙂