Friday, September 28, 2012

Insomnia sucks



I feel as though I may never get a good night's sleep ever again.  So discouraging to get into bed, having done all the right things during the day...good nutrition, yoga, journaling, no alcohol, minimal caffeine...and still not be able to fall asleep. I've tried herbal teas, melatonin, valerian, meditation, ambient noise and soothing music, stretching, reading...there's probably more but that's all I can think of right now. Probably has something to do with lack of sleep. Last night I stayed up until almost midnight and felt myself get a little sleepy. As soon as I got into bed my mind started spinning. I'm not anxious, the thoughts aren't negative.  I just can't stop thinking.  When I decide to focus on counting backward or reliving my day from the moment I awoke, my mind flits from subject to subject until I realize what's happened and try to reign it back in. This continues ad nauseum. I was awake until at least 3:30am.  My alarm went off at 5:30 and I got up and went to yoga.

I can manage okay on four or five hours - I've never needed eight- but these nights of non-stop brain drain are getting old. Wednesday night I decided to try Tylenol PM since it was recommended by a friend.  After 10 hours uninterrupted sleep, I dealt with a horrible hangover-like feeling all Thursday. So I don't need to worry about contracting liver damage from chronic use. I'd rather not sleep than have a Tylenol PM hangover again.

This is an issue that has followed me for many years. It's cyclical but the cycles are lasting longer.  It's not menopausal.  It's not worry and stress.  I have a wonderful life and no worries. The thoughts that keep me up aren't negative, they're just never-ending. What can I do to settle my brain? I welcome your suggestions or personal experiences.



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