Sorry to say that my only answer is to work the g/y shift, every night. I am so tired that I can sleep 5 hours or so. Are you taking anything for it? Something to really think about... G=

The best thing that got me through when I wasn't sleeping, was starting to go to bed at the same time every night whether I 'slept" then or not. After a while, I did start sleeping. I also when it was really bad would take benydryl. It's not habit forming, and it helped alot. I got that from someone after I first lost Greg and it helped although sleep didn't come for a long time no matter what I did. About three months or so the benedyl started working for me.

alcohol doesn't work. It works in the reverse as a matter of fact so I stopped that early on, since it only made things worse. Tylenol PM is habit forming as I know from my MIL who had a hard time with it. Not everyone does but myself, I did.

also turn everything off at night so it's really dark. My computer is in my bedroom and the light just from that would make me into a zombie in the morning.

GREAK LUCK to you on sleeping through the night. You NEED THE REST for your body and for your spirit my friend

HUGS Diane

Sleepless nights have been an ongoing torment for me. I really have tried to stay away from sleeping pills. I have had limited success with melatonin, which is a supplement that you can get over the counter. Your body produces melatonin in order to put you to sleep. Try it, it may help you.

Sleeplessness is part of this grief crap. In fact i didn't sleep last night again. Sleeping is a struggle for me, i'll probably crash for a few hours later, and i won't sleep tonight again. My brain is becoming mush. Taking a couple of Tylenol PMs works for me too sometimes, but i am really trying to stay away from become reliant on stuff like that. Try the melatonin, it's pretty good. Good luck.

In ability to sleep is a common problem. My dr prescribed meds to help me. I do sleep. I still can't sleep without the meds. Last night I got to be late so I tried will out the pill. Not successful. After about an hour I got up and took a 1/2 of a tablet.

Best thing is to probably discuss options with your Dr.

Good luck
Sweet dreams,
Vicki

I've been having that problem lately also. What I do is take about a 1/2 a dose of nyquil, that usually helps. Sometimes I'll read or turn on the tv. I just hate this new life.

Have you tried "Music Therapy"?
Sleepless nights have been with me for years, after first spine surgeries, chronic pain. Have you tried "relaxation or meditation CDs"? I have a small CD player beside my bed, set the timer to turn off after 90 minutes, and put in a CD "Peace and Comfort for the Losses in Life". It works because of the soothing music and helps me get some rest.. Give it a try, so many CDs available.
Blessings to you,
Nancy

I use extra strength tylenol rather than the pm version. I do not want to use anything addictive as I think I would give in to it.

I also try to keep a regular schedule which is usually easy with my job.I also have a white noise machine from Brookstone.

I agree with the melatonin that Sal recommended. My doctor recommended that, too. It is a natural substance that a body makes i order to prepare it for sleep. Some of us don't have it in sufficient quantities to put us to sleep. Melatonin is not habit forming and is completely safe, per my doctor. I use the 5 mg dosage. You can get it anywhere, even the Dollar General.

I also have had success with dyphenhydramine HCI, 50 mg. I switch off from one to the other for sleep problems. Good luck!! We feel your sleeplessness, too, and it's awful not to be able to sleep. One night I stayed in bed tossing and turning the entire night...never got to sleep. Finally got up at 5 AM.

i meditate every night when I first get into bed. I know a lot of you might think it's houy but it works for me. i lay in bed get very comfortabla,close my eyes and let my mind go. It's relaxing and helps your body get to sleep. Also make sure your room is cool enough to sleep...a room too warm and stuffy is hard to sleep in. Of course I have days when i can't sleep no matter what but they are not very often. I noticed at the begiinning of my grief that when I don't get enough sleep I am more emotional that next day. I hope you solve your sleep problem.Good Luck.

I can now FALL asleep;however, don't stay asleep.........wake up about 3 a.m.........have found that when I do some excercise.......of which I am not fond...........I do sleep better.............agree that going to bed at the same time helps but that doesn't always happen..........hang in there.....L

Sleepless nights are all too common for myself since my beloved wife has passed on and is with the Lord in Heaven. I am accustomed to being with her and of course this has been very disruptive to my sleeping at night and my every other moment of the day.

I decided to purchase a non habit forming Valerian supplement that is in capsule form. They seem to help to a degree. I get some sleep for a few hours and then wake to then sleep a few more hours. Overall I am getting about 3-5 hours of interrupted sleep nightly. This is better than no sleep whatsoever.

Genuinely,
BEAR

The nights are an agonizing time for me and although our bodies are tired our minds don't shut down. I've had an ongoing problem with this for 4 mos. and have tried stuff from the health food store, which didn't work for me, sleeping pills (didn't like and they didn't keep me asleep for more than 4 hrs.) I'm trying a low dose of trazodone right now and sometimes Xanax. I hate relying on pills for sleep, but sleep is a luxury that I need desperately right now.

I am now at 7 months in the process of selling my Dad's house in FL having a lot more trouble with sleep, also with anxiety...some anxiety escalating to close to panic attacks.....

Exercise helps me, as does a small dose of Ativan only at bedtime...

In the morning and at night I try to practice gratitude and deep breathing.....

Wishing you restful refreshing sleep....

hugs....

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. I will be using some of these tonight. It seems we all experience this from time to time too. Hugs and sweet dreams to you all. Terry

My sleep comes and goes, mostly goes. I wish I could help. It is a good night if I get 3 hours of solid sleep, I usually wake up all through the night off and on, so not a good sleep. Tomorrow will be 4 months for me and I have had only one weekend that I actually did get sleep, but then I was still so worn out. I'm not a big drinker, but I do find that when I do take a drink, I get a little more sleep, but then again, not a big drinker and not something I think I would like to start. Sleeping pills make me too jittery so I can't take them, so I lie in bed and time slowly goes by, then it's up and off to work. Maybe reading my post will put you to sleep, ha ha. rhonda