My strategy for getting some quality sleep

[sherryinutah]

For as long as I can remember I've had a difficult time sleeping. A few years ago I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and, it seemed as though, I would be stuck wearing a CPAP mask to bed for the rest of my life.

The CPAP thing didn't work for me. Eventually, I had my tonsils removed.

I had a physician who tested my blood to find that I was deficient in vitamin D.

Still determined to conquer the issue with insomnia I was playing with nutritional supplements. The following combination seems to be a good one for me.

A multivitamin-I use Centrum Silver
Lecithin
Essential fatty acids-I use an Omega 3-6-9 complex
Vitamin D
Calcium

The calcium is a natural pain reliever and tranquilizer so it can act like over the counter pain medication; however, I prefer to correct nutritional deficiencies rather than use over the counter meds.

I know some people don't believe in taking supplements, but some of us do whatever is necessary, to get our sleep.

Do you have a problem with insomnia or other sleep disorders?

[demaina]

Never had.  The only time I normally have trouble sleeping is when I'm too awake to sleep or I'm in pain.  Out of a years time though, that might happen once or twice.

I'm not a doctor or anything, but I've read that if you take a calcium supplement, you should really take a magnesium supplement as well to help with absorption.  You might also consider, if you have the time, spending a few hours out in the sun drinking some milk or something else high in calcium.  That way you can only use the supplements when you are really deficient.

I'd also like to point out a good way to get to sleep if you have trouble is to get into a routine that you can do anywhere.  I will fold my arms under my pillow and that generally takes me out.  My mother will fold a pillow under her head as her signal.  Just something small can really make it easier for your body to learn to sleep.  That or consider telling yourself that you're going to bed as you get ready to sorta warn your body whats about to happen.  That's what a friend of mine does and she will generally fall asleep a few second after she gets into bed.

[jenniferhoder]

I personally have never had problems with sleep, but my husband has.
You can try melatonin- it will help PUT you to sleep (and it's all natural) but it won't KEEP you asleep.
We also give it to my 7 yr old daughter (per the DR) b/c she also has a hard time falling asleep.
Walmart sells the chewable ones- I think they are strawberry flavored and my daughter has no issues now... Unless of course she doesn't take the pill!!! Good Luck. I feel so sorry for people with sleep issues.

[skrogman]

I do have sleep issues, but I know that mine is because I have spent most of my life working third shift and now can't break it. 

[starryeyezgrl]

It takes me a long time to fall asleep and then im usually up dureing the nite either going to bathroom or if i hear a noise,as im a light sleeper.I usually get 4hrs of sleep!

[bretay]

I do from time to time.I usually take melatonin at night but will definitely check into these also

[pkrahmer]

I have hadtrouble sleeping for years.
lot's excerse tends to help
but if I get up in the middle of nightfor the bathroom I can't get back to sleep
I get between 3-4 hours if I am lucky I get 1 hour during the day.
I wish I had a better solution.

[Boise40]

my only problem is not being able to sleep in on my days off from work. I guess, I have a internal alarm clock that wakes me up before 7AM. I wish I can sleep in until 10AM but, it may never happen. oh yeah, I sold my queen bed because the money was more important at the time. so, I been sleeping on my couch and its not easy when I have a puppy that likes to sleep with me too lol

[ancmetro]

      You really want quality sleep: Redesign your sleeping area and make it as comfortable as possible.

[devinkruup]

i don't have any problems sleeping but i do have problems sleeping when i have lots of worries or stress

[cathy37]

This is good information to know.

[africanclaudie]

Thanks for the tips from the previous members. I cannot go to sleep at all and during those rare moments when I do, I wake up as soon as I drift off into my deep sleep with restless legs syndrome. It drives me bonkers! The calcium/magnesium combination helps a bit, but I am going to try the remedies mentioned above. Thanks guys (and girls)!   

[kapeh12]

In general, I've never really had issues getting to sleep.  Sometimes I have muscle spasms - mostly due to my workouts, so I've learned to take magnesium supplements to balance me out, and make sure I have a steady stream of bananas on hand.   

The thing that I found bothered me the most when I had difficulty sleeping was the amount of light that got in my room.  I've relatively light sensitive, and when I lived in a place where right outside my bedroom window were street lights shining in, I had real problems sleeping.  Once I covered up the windows with dark sheets making my room pitch black (or as close as I could), I was off to sleep in a heartbeat and always slept very soundly.

[candyterrius]

I don’t have problems sleeping. My biggest problem is struggling to wake up early in the morning. I wish I were those elderly people who only need 4-5 hours of sleep daily.

[Metalmania1]

I used to be an insomniac but now that i am more active, losing weight and exercising.
I sleep GREAT!