Thread: Dealing with insonmia?

Maybe its your bedroom? Is it a little too plain? Are you comfortable at night?
Also do you often think too much when trying to sleep?

Have you spoken with a Doctor at all Sinani?

Some people are lucky, or in our cases, unlucky to require tiny ammounts of sleep and keep themselves on edge all the time. I am lucky to not be one of those people, and need an average of 7-8 hours sleep.

I know you don't necessarily want medication, But it could slow you down enough to develop a normal sleeping pattern and have some Lucids.

And nvm lucids, just dreaming in it's own right is worth it.

Originally Posted by Loaf

Maybe its your bedroom? Is it a little too plain? Are you comfortable at night?
Also do you often think too much when trying to sleep?

My bedroom is fine, and it is plain in a good way. I am very comfortable at night. Often I have a lot of thoughts in my mind when I first get in bed, but then they go away after a half-hour or so.

Maybe you just need to clear your mind? I go to bed and think about things (like gifts I want ) for hours. If not, I'll often toss and turn in my bed constantly. I have been having trouble sleeping recently, and discovered that I have to get comfy by sleeping in strange positions like being in a ball or having my legs dangling off the bed.

I've tried clearing my mind, except trying to keep other thoughts from entering my mind stops me from going to sleep.

I've tried the weirdest positions in bed, and most of the time they make me feel unconfortable or the same as normal, which doesn't help.

Originally Posted by Sinani201

I've tried clearing my mind, except trying to keep other thoughts from entering my mind stops me from going to sleep.

I've tried the weirdest positions in bed, and most of the time they make me feel unconfortable or the same as normal, which doesn't help.

Ok, I understand. What about listening to something? Not music, but a repetitive sound... I got to sleep much faster with the humming of my fan. It seems air conditioners make me go to sleep.

Nah, the man makes it worse. Most sounds like that keep me awake.

*sigh* this is hard.

Have you tried reverse blinking? That used to make me fall asleep within the hour. Although it no longer works for me...

I've tried it before, except I'm not sure if I was doing it right. Thanks for reminding me about it; I'll try it tonight.

I just read through this interesting post, and thought I would share my thoughts.

First of all, I used to have a LOT of trouble when I was younger when it came to falling asleep. I never researched ways to help, but I tried my own techniques different nights when I couldn't sleep, and there are a lot of people in this post who are right.

First of all, about the whole Cannabis thing, it definitely is probably the best way to get to sleep. A lot of people aren't for it, and that is a personal choice, but it definitely will help you sleep. If you were thinking of trying it, don't be concerned, it is not bad for your health. What I have noticed from personal experience, is that the fastest way I have ever fallen asleep, was eating a bunch of freshly baked "brownies" a couple hours before sleeping, I was out like a light.

Second, I understand how it can be very difficult to actually sleep while laying in bed. Sometimes it is impossible to get comfortable, sometimes there is too much running through your head, there are many factors that make it hard to sleep for some. Any form of relaxation before bed, will most definitely help. Yoga seems it could probably do a lot to help, so don't be afraid to give it a try.

Also as mentioned in this post, someone said something about jerking off before bed helps. This is quite true, in a lot of cases, it definitely puts a person in a much more settled state of mind. It's something almost all of the world does, so don't be ashamed. It won't hurt to try, in fact, it'll do the opposite of hurt lol.


Anyways, a couple things that have worked for me in the past, I will share. When it comes to the point that you really want to sleep, getting your self in a position where you don't feel like moving, is a great start, then just close your eyes and simply don't open them and think happy thoughts, stuff that makes you feel relieved and happy, and eventually your mind will bring you into the sleeping state.

A lot of this is easier said then done, and don't always work, but there is one thing that has never failed to put me to sleep. Lay down, close your eyes, and just start counting numbers starting at one, and ending at, well you probably don't know cause you'll be sleeping after a little bit. You want to count a nice slow, relaxing pace, you are in no rush to count to any specific number, you are only counting to take your mind off of anything else, and to focus, which will eventually make you feel relaxed, and then sleep.

Anyways, good luck to all those suffering with insomnia, it really does suck, and medication isn't always the answer.

EDIT: PS: Oh yea, and the reason I decided to respond is cause, I couldn't sleep, googled dream control, and found this site and forum. Now that it's 5:30am, I'm going to try to hit they hay one last time.

Maybe try looking for some teas that will help you sleep. Any local supermarket usually carries a calming herbal tea (no dangerous stuff, just like chamomile and mint ect.). Where I live they sell a wonderful tea called "SleepyTime", it's just a bunch of herbs. Works wonders. I suggest you try it.

Edit: oh yea, I just wanna say, make sure you're eating properly. If your diet is unhealthy, so will be your sleep (trust me, I know). Also, if you're under any other kinds of stress that won't help either.

If you really can't find anything, maybe you should see a doctor?

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?

I've had problems sleeping all my life.
Try meditation, it works for me, but it took a long time to master because my mind races about millions of things at the same time. Once you've done it a few times it will come easier each time. It also helps to become lucid.

Try writing in a journal before you go to sleep. I've heard this can help empty the mind while reading can just stimulate the mind even more.

Good luck.

People don't realize just how much they take sleep for granted until they can't get it.

As many people have already suggested, start with good sleep hygiene techniques before you go for anything crazy. The small things can make a huge difference. Stay away from bright light for an hour before bed (including television and computer monitors). Use the bedroom only for sleep, so your body instinctively knows it is time to sleep when you are in bed. Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake at the same time every day (as much as possible).

You can try some easy relaxation techniques while you are getting ready for bed. You don't have to do any long meditations. Just do some calming mental excercises while brushing your teeth, or whatever your nightly routine is.

When all else fails, and I get stuck awake with a racing mind in the middle of the night, I use reverse blinking. I just close my eyes, breathe normally, and start to slowly count every breath as I exhale. At each exhale, I say the number to myself, then quickly blink my eyes open and closed again. Just like blinking, only in reverse. I don't focus on anything, and it works even if the room is completely dark. I like this method because it does not rely on any sort of visualization. Taxing your mind with a complicated visualization or relaxation method is the last thing you want to do when your mind is already racing. You can also use this during the day to relax yourself, or as a part of a WILD meditation.

I posted a new entry on my blog which has some tips on better sleep, control, and recall. You may have already come across most, but it might be useful to check.

http://www.sliceofloaf.co.cc/2010/02...-dreamers.html

My fiancé has suffered from insomnia and is now drinking herbal tea which seems to help somewhat. He still wakens too early but it at least is giving him some rest. Do check with your doctor about anything you add to your regimen, whether prescription or not. There can be so many interactions you do not want to take any chances..