what do you do when you can not sleep

[heypeg]

I read, I can finish a whole book on nights that I can't sleep

[Murina32]

I read as well or catch up on my dvrs.

[am28slone]

Well, there are many things I try like exercise, reading, online activities like games, warm bath, and relaxation measures. Otherwise I usually just stay up until I get real sleepy then I go lay down. I also try to think happy thoughts and I also pray and read my favorite Bible verse.

[mardukblood2009]

I get these sleep aids from Cvs that help. If you use them as needed they work pretty well but if you use them everyday they don't really work.

[sgluckadoo]

Usually the reason i cant sleep is stress and worry, so if i cant sleep i find myself beinf more stressed and worried       sigh

[Getinonthis]

I usually find something to do that won't consume my interest fully or else I might be motivated to stay up.
Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't.

[cowgirl2116]

Try reading something boring.  You will go to sleep.

[tbosworth1]

Many nights I have problems going to sleep or staying asleep.  On average I sleep about 3 or 4 hours.  On nights that I am really exhausted and unable to go to sleep I have a couple of things that I use.  Over the years I have learned to do two relaxation methods and they work really good for me.  I have a breathing exercise that I use which is basically slow and easy deep breathing.  The other technique that I have learned is to physically and mentally relax my body which in turn also relaxes my mind and removes any "junk" that might be bothering/worrying/stressing me.     I start at my toes and relax each part of my body.  Since I have been doing this for years I am usually asleep before I get to my knees.  I remember when I started though and how ridiculous it seemed to me.  I would start the process and I would find there were nights that it did not help very much.  I would go all the way to my head and still be awake.  I would start over and at some point finally go to sleep.  I kept trying them and at some point they started to work for me.  I hope that you find some thing that will work for you.    

[crazib]

nothing because nothing every helps

[aggie49]

thanks all for the information i will let you no how it goes

[blondie71]

i have tried everything hot tea warm milk pm tablets warm bath brandy which is totally nasty because i don't drink i even tried a pain pill nothing works anyone got any ideas

Maybe you need a stronger sleeping pill, My Doctor prescribed clonazepam, I have Medicaid but it doesn't pay for it so it comes right out of my pocket.  You take one at night, so for 30 pills I pay just under $10 for it, It help me but after a while they stopped my script and than increased but the price didn't change.

[CharmedPhoenix]

I'm nocturnal too.  It's surprising how many day people seem to think that that means I get less sleep.  I still need my eight hours.  There was a time I worked swing shift because the hours were more natural for me.  Now I keep hours of my choosing so... 

I usually don't have any trouble getting to sleep.  I like to read in bed however so I usually wake up holding my book, with the nightstand light on, go to the bathroom then crawl back in and go back to sleep.

Sometimes I put on an audio book with a good positive message and fall asleep listening to it.  My brother says he puts on a very familiar movie to help him get to sleep.  The experts say that TV and computer screens emit light that stimulates so we shouldn't use either right before trying to sleep.  I don't know if I agree since I sometimes watch a program or work on the computer shortly before bed, though as I say I usually read after I crawl in. 

If my mind is spinning with thoughts I take the Bach Flower remedy white chestnut.  In the winter I need to wear socks because I have trouble getting to sleep if my feet are cold.  If I'm having real trouble I'll take a camomile capsule or drink warm camomile tea. 

You could also try tryptophan.  That's why warm milk is supposed to work, it has tryptophan in it.  I've eaten a few spoonfuls of greek yogurt at bedtime to quiet any hunger pangs.  It too has tryptophan, and protein.  Proteins like turkey or chicken have it too.

Have you tried meditation or relaxation techniques?  Just concentrating on your breathing can help. 

My kitties sleep on/in the bed with me.  That helps too.  Their warm furry bodies and soft breathing is very relaxing.  One sometimes cuddles in my arms and purrs.  I'm a goner when that happens.   

[lkeys81]

I took some melatonin pills and was asleep in 20 minutes.

[stepster23]

i have tried everything hot tea warm milk pm tablets warm bath brandy which is totally nasty because i don't drink i even tried a pain pill nothing works anyone got any ideas

what i do when i cant sleep is i get up turn tv back on an watch some more programs and eventually i will fall asleep

[LuckyDeutch]

When I cant sleep , I turn my computer back on and play boring games on here til I cant keep my eyes open. I may even clean my house and wash the floors about 2 times and that usually tires me out.