Thread: Dealing with insonmia?

How old are you?

Originally Posted by Naiya

How old are you?

Old enough.

(AKA it doesn't matter)

I don't know too much about insomnia. Mostly, I only ever experience it when I'm thinking too much about my day, or if I'm trying to WILD at the wrong time.

But I went ahead and looked it up for you!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insomni...t_for_insomnia

Hehe, all right.

I was just wondering. Have you tried the usual methods for winding down before bed? Like, a shower or bath and not being online or watching TV for the hour before you go to bed? Reading a very very boring book?

Some people take over the counter sleep aides, but those can be addicting, so I would avoid them if possible unless your doctor recommends it (in other words, you'll be completely dependent on them to get to sleep at all).

Originally Posted by Naiya

Some people take over the counter sleep aides, but those can be addicting, so I would avoid them if possible unless your doctor recommends it (in other words, you'll be completely dependent on them to get to sleep at all).

Speaking of that, I take one called Nytol. One extra strength tab puts me out for 8-9 hours. Doesn't seem to affect dreams or recall. Been lucid once when I took it (doesn't really up the chance, just noting that it doesn't down your chance, either!).

It hasn't been habit forming for me and it's also found right on the shelves at your local drugstore. My guess is it's probably just antihistamines.

Only problem is it feel pretty sedate when I wake up. That fuzzy, groggy, stream-rolled feeling. Doesn't usually go away for a few hours.

Normally, before I go to bed, I read a book. I get extremely tired after reading a few chapters, but I just don't fall asleep .

As I said earlier, I'm trying to stay away from medications and drugs. The wikipedia article looks like it has some interesting non-pharmacological solutions that I'm willing to test out.

I am also trying to accomplish lucid dreaming (the EILD tracks at the Audio Aid Repository make me very sleepy), but I'm not sure if I can do it since it is hard to do dream recall if I never dreamed in the first place (even if I do fall asleep, I don't remember having a dream). Should I give up on that and focus more on solving the insomnia?

Insomnia seems to be caused by physical/psycho-spiritual stress/unrest.

To lower physical as well as psychological stress/tention I have found Yogic stretch exercises VERY helpfull in Calming the Body and the Mind to a HUUGE degree.
This tention/stress is what causes the restlessness known as Insomnia. By doing a couple of Yogic exercises you can Release this tention and afterwards you feel MUCH lighter and calmer both Physically and Psychologically/Spiritually. If your restlessness is servere then I suggest combining Hash/Cannabis with Yoga.
Here is a series of YouTube movies teaching simple and effective Yogic exercises:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS-9fXmUt-c
Once it's finished it will automatically skip to the next movie with the next exercise. There are many. Give it a try before bedtime, perhaps combined with Cannabis, and let me know if it made falling asleep any easier, okay?

Off course I wouldn't advice smoking Cannabis or Hash before you've passed the age of 18. Smoking Cannabis before that age might interfere with your natural development into an adult, responsible human being. Off course if Insomnia is disturbing your mind severely, forget what I said and feel free to use Cannabis to help you get to sleep.

Afterall there's nothing as debilitating and disturbing as Severe sleep deprivation. And trust me; I, master Insomniac, should know.

In terms of the recall, trying drinking a cup or 2 of apple juice before you settle down to read. On average, I usually remember 1 dream a night (if that). When I'm on the juice, it ups the recall to 3-4 dreams.

Originally Posted by SKA

Insomnia seems to be caused by physical/psycho-spiritual stress/unrest.

To lower physical as well as psychological stress/tention I have found Yogic stretch exercises VERY helpfull in Calming the Body and the Mind to a HUUGE degree.
This tention/stress is what causes the restlessness known as Insomnia. By doing a couple of Yogic exercises you can Release this tention and afterwards you feel MUCH lighter and calmer both Physically and Psychologically/Spiritually. If your restlessness is servere then I suggest combining Hash/Cannabis with Yoga.
Here is a series of YouTube movies teaching simple and effective Yogic exercises:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS-9fXmUt-c
Once it's finished it will automatically skip to the next movie with the next exercise. There are many. Give it a try before bedtime, perhaps combined with Cannabis, and let me know if it made falling asleep any easier, okay?

Off course I wouldn't advice smoking Cannabis or Hash before you've passed the age of 18. Smoking Cannabis before that age might interfere with your natural development into an adult, responsible human being. Off course if Insomnia is disturbing your mind severely, forget what I said and feel free to use Cannabis to help you get to sleep.

Afterall there's nothing as debilitating and disturbing as Severe sleep deprivation. And trust me; I, master Insomniac, should know.

Has ANYONE read my first post? I'm staying away from any medication, unless it is absolutely necessary. And I'm under 18.

I don't like yoga that much, since I'm extremely (physically) weak and the exercises hurt me more than they help me (however, I do have Wii Fit, if that counts as yoga).

As for the video, I don't think that I would be able to stay in that deep breathing state for very long. I get distracted easily (possibly another cause of my insomnia).

Also, I don't like apple juice.

Originally Posted by Naiya

How old are you?

When I was in the 5th grade (5 years ago) I had the exact same problem.. Maybe its a childhood stage?

Originally Posted by Kraftwerk

When I was in the 5th grade (5 years ago) I had the exact same problem.. Maybe its a childhood stage?

I don't think it is, its been happening for years.

Originally Posted by Sinani201

Has ANYONE read my first post? I'm staying away from any medication, unless it is absolutely necessary. And I'm under 18.

I don't like yoga that much, since I'm extremely (physically) weak and the exercises hurt me more than they help me (however, I do have Wii Fit, if that counts as yoga).

As for the video, I don't think that I would be able to stay in that deep breathing state for very long. I get distracted easily (possibly another cause of my insomnia).

Also, I don't like apple juice.

Well I leave it up to you wether or not your Insomnia is extreme and debilitating enough to call it "absolutely nececairy". Cannabis is by no means a risky or extreme thing. It can be eaten or drank. But that's all up to you.

I also showed you Yoga as an alternative, Non-medicinal way of conquering Insomnia. And I can tell you as a fellow Insomniac, it can really be profoundly relaxing both physically and mentally. I can really recommend it. Don't get offended. I'm simply laying out all the options I see and know of to overcome your Insomnia. You decide what advice you will and what advice you won't follow.

But come on, at least give Yoga a try. Don't give up, before you even try. Maybe it might cause you to miss out on a simple, effective way to overcome your Insomnia.

And if you're "physically weak" then just take it easy. Yoga needs no strength. It stretches the muscles and spine up while attention is focussed on breathing. Sometimes stretching may hurt a little. But that's fine and won't kill ya. It might start tingling in your spine, legs, feet... That's a sign you're doing it right. Energetic tention being released.
If you stretch for a couple of minutes into a yogic posture you will DEFENITELY feel how your previously tense muscles have become REALLY noticably looser. Body will be ALOT more relaxed And also it will noticably have calmed your Mind. And the cause of Insomnia is Physical and Mental unrest, so Yoga can calm restless bodies and minds and so help Insomniacs to sleep.

I'm sure that if Insomnia gets so severe that it really starts ruining your life (which I know it can) that you will give Yoga a try anywayz.

But would it kill you if tonight before bedtime you'd do 3 different Yoga exercises. Spending 2 minutes on each exercise. That'd be 6 minutes of Yoga before bedtime.

If you decide to give it a try, report back here to let me know how it went and if it helped you get to sleep.

I'm not taking Cannabis or any other drugs. I'm just a kid. I wont give my age, but I'm under 16. To me, any solution involving drugs or special medication is bottom priority.

I don't think insomnia will ruin my life. I can get enough sleep to last me through the next day just by laying in bed and closing my eyes (that's what happened last night, my eyes were closed and I didn't move for a couple hours, nothing happened).

I'll try some yoga exercises tonight and see if it works.

Originally Posted by Sinani201

I'm not taking Cannabis or any other drugs. I'm just a kid. I wont give my age, but I'm under 16. To me, any solution involving drugs or special medication is bottom priority.

I don't think insomnia will ruin my life. I can get enough sleep to last me through the next day just by laying in bed and closing my eyes (that's what happened last night, my eyes were closed and I didn't move for a couple hours, nothing happened).

I'll try some yoga exercises tonight and see if it works.

I understand.

I'm having a minor Insomnia episode again lately. This one isn't so bad yet. But I know they can get out of hand. I get into this overactive, thought-racing, restless mindstate and sometimes I can get stuck in it for serveral months. Going serveral months without hardily any sleep is absolutely brutal and devastating. I became a wreck physically. Totally exhausted and amaciated. But that was nothing compared to what it had put me through mentally/emotionally. It was such a psychological hell.

Usually it doesn't come to that and I'm sure this Insomnia-cloud will soon blow over. But once I had such an episode of hardily any sleep lasting over 7 months.

Have you seen a doctor about it? I doubt it will help.. but hey . Also: If your an open kind of guy, Id suggest a couple of things: 1. Subliminal Messaging like brain bullet. 2. Self Hypnosis.

Funny you mentioned that brain-bullet software... were you the one who posted to subliminal LD guide in the LD Induction Techniques area? (EDIT: it was sythix, nevermind) I followed that guide, and checked off the Insomnia box as well as lucid dreaming box. Unfortunately, it didn't work (even though the session lasted about 30 minutes.
Are Brain Bullet and Subliminal Blaster the same? I tried BB, but it closed immediately after I opened it. Even though it works, I can't use it often since I am on a Mac. I do have Boot Camp however, which lets me run Windows on a Mac.

What are some self-hypnosis things that you recommend? I read somewhere about the "Best Me" technique, but it looks a bit complicated.

Originally Posted by Sinani201

Funny you mentioned that brain-bullet software... were you the one who posted to subliminal LD guide in the LD Induction Techniques area? (EDIT: it was sythix, nevermind) I followed that guide, and checked off the Insomnia box as well as lucid dreaming box. Unfortunately, it didn't work (even though the session lasted about 30 minutes.
Are Brain Bullet and Subliminal Blaster the same? I tried BB, but it closed immediately after I opened it. Even though it works, I can't use it often since I am on a Mac. I do have Boot Camp however, which lets me run Windows on a Mac.

What are some self-hypnosis things that you recommend? I read somewhere about the "Best Me" technique, but it looks a bit complicated.

I picked up a book at a second hand bookstore about it. I can't find the book, but it had some interesting techniques. Go to a secondhand bookstore or your library and pick up books on it there. You'll have much better success than on the web

I usually wake up through the night feeling restless and somewhat energetic. I have to sit there uncomfortably without moving which is very hard because I just want to turn and toss in my bed and get comfy. Soon I'll have a false awakening or something and be in an LD. To get past the restlessness I just do reverse blinking. Dunno if it'll help in your case, but its worth a shot anyway.

EDIT: Wait, did somone suggest cannabis? Did you say its not risky? Anything where you are inhaling burning ashes and smoke doesn't sound healthy to me, pot head. Good job for ignoring it Sinani201.

Having gone through months of pretty bad insomnia in the past, all i can say for me it was a complete mental thing. I just couldnt stop thinking about random stuff, couldnt stop thinking of why cant i sleep and so on. I went to a doctor and at the time i didnt think he was helping me, but he wouldnt prescribe me sleeping pills and he just kept saying to get more exersice done. At the time it was very frustrating but im so glad he didnt.

I found that meditation helped me out big time as i got me to focus on one thing which helped guide me through my haywire random thoughts which i could so easily get lost in. Also being in some mediation posistions are not that comfortable so its great before bed, as its really relaxing afterwards just to lay down.

Well i hope you can sort this out sooner rather than later as ive found that being an insomniac is a sort of cycle, where the less sleep you get, overtime the less sleep you need to fuction and the less and less tired you become so you dont even want to try and sleep.

If your a boy then try jerking some out yknow. that usually puts me to sleep.. so long as i take my time. Im not sure if that works with girls.. :/ i think so though.
If your body isnt tired then do as much exercise as you can a few hours before bed.
I normally cant keep the static out my head when trying to sleep but i find that when i drink lots of water during the day i sleep better.. dunno why.

You could always consider a low low dose of diphen but i wouldnt reccommend it. its too easy to think 'Hey ill LD tonight' and reach for the dph..

Wow... people seem to be having some pretty bad experiences with insomnia.

As I said, its not much of a problem for me, since I am able to last through the day without being super-tired. In fact, when I am able to fall asleep, even if it is only for 3 hours, I get hyper throughout the day. I am only trying to fix it because I can't lucid dream unless I get past it.

I just read this interesting page about getting past insomnia, and it looks pretty good. I'll try it tonight.

I had just found an excellent guide to getting to sleep quickly not too long ago, built to help lucid dreamers. They had all kinds of interesting tricks that I found to be helpful. I'll dig up the link for you.

http://www.lucidology.com/blog/83/relaxation/

Besides that, excersize, a good diet, a lack of stress, and avoiding artificial lights (especially TVs and computer monitors) will also help you. Also, try not to spend too long trying to get to sleep in your bed, or you may begin to associate being there with insomnia. If you can't get to sleep fairly quickly (within an hour or so), try sleeping on a couch or something. Also, avoid doing other things like reading or watching TV while in your bed, I remember hearing that that can cause problems for similar reasons.

Originally Posted by Naiya

I was just wondering. Have you tried the usual methods for winding down before bed? Like, a shower or bath and not being online or watching TV for the hour before you go to bed? Reading a very very boring book?

I've also found that those little tricks help a lot of people. Here's this one site where you can find all of those little tips and tricks (stay hydrated, get lots of sunshine, powernap, etc.) and then there's another site I found about using fung shui and qigong to counter insomnia, if you're interested in that kind of stuff.

Hope you find something that helps.

Originally Posted by Sinani201

I have insomnia every night, and it is really annoying. I just can't fall asleep. I'm just a kid, I don't drink caffeine or anything else except water, and I don't want to take any medication. I've looked at several sites for helping me fall asleep and nothing is working. What can I do to get a good night's sleep?

If you are serious about the insomnia then you might try Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), The Option Method by Bruce di Marsico, relax your tongue, massage your jaw, massage/squeeze your temples, herbal teas, melatonin, magnesium, zinc, supplements, 5-htp, explore essential oils, eat carbs right before you go to bed, & my favorite stand as a tree chi kung. You can get a book called The Way of Energy by Master Kam Lam Chuen.

I have had chronic insomnia for years & Im 28 now. Now I might have insomnia that lasts all night maybe for 4-5 a year. Not bad considering it had been 4/7 nights of varying intensities for the first 27 years. I have been exploring relief for a long time. These elements have worked wonders for me & my dreaming.

Happy Trails