Insomnia Support Group
Insomnia is a symptom, rather than a disease, and is characterized by inadequate quantity or quality of sleep. People with insomnia complain of difficulty falling or staying asleep, which results in significant impairment of daytime functioning. Insomnia is categorized as transient (shorter than one week), short-term (one to three weeks) or chronic (longer than three...
Hey, i can never sleep early except on the rare occasions. I stay awake tossing and turning till 3-4 in the morning. I'v been sleeping more than normal for the past week, and now iv found that is because I'm ill. I'v got the flu and i can't seem to sleep more than 4 hours, i'm exhausted and in pain but i try and sleep and have delirious dreams while half asleep but i never can fully go 2 sleep. I'm moving into university away from home tommorrow and i tend not 2 sleep in other beds apart from my own so i'm worried that my first week in uni (which is the most important) will be a disaster. Anybody know what I could try to help me?
Most important is to set and keep a regular wake-up time, every day, including weekends. Use an alarm clock, then get up and out of bed ASAP. Don't allow yourself to sleep in. Upon awakening, immediately expose yourself to bright light, preferably indirect sunlight. This will help your system get going for a new day.
Also set a consistent bed time, and I would suggest allowing at least 8 even 9 hours to start, and see how you do. If you're tossing and turning, cut that back a little by going to bed a little later (keep your wake-up time set) and see what happens. You'll soon discover your best sleep timing.
Your profile mentions a number of stress and anxiety issues, so it's very important to allow yourself a relaxing wind-down period before bed. That could be something like a relaxing bath, reading, just whatever you enjoy doing that you find relaxing so you can let go before bed.
Be sure to schedule some time for exercise every day as well. Tire yourself out mentally and physically every day, and you'll sleep better at night.
If you are ill of course see your doc, illness can and will affect sleep. That's normal and to be expected. Mention your sleep problems to your doc. If you are taking any meds, that could also affect your sleep, and your doc may be able to make some simple adjustments to help.
Good luck in school. Going to a university is a great experience, a time to grow and learn and enjoy life.