FabSwingers.com forum: Not sleeping

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Hi everyone,

Just wondered if anyone had any tips on how to turn my mind off at night and actually get some sleep.

It’s now been weeks since I had a proper nights sleep and it just doesn’t matter how tired I am or how hard I try I just can’t sleep.

I’ve got nothing particularly worrying me and I’ve tried all the usual stuff (having a bath, reading,etc) , not using my phone before bed, getting up when I can’t sleep so not to wind myself up but nothing seems to be working

I feel absolutely dreadful and it’s now at the stage where I’m really grumpy and emotional, doing things a bit out of character and struggling to concentrate when I’m at work. I’d just like to hibernate for about 3 years and hopefully get some sleep!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

At this point I’d recommend talking with your GP and also looking at talking therapy.

Hope things relax for you soon.

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By *uzzy NavelWoman
over a year ago

so near and yet so far....

Have you tried an essential oil massage?

Anything with lavender in it?

Hope you sort it soon xxx

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By *ara JTV/TS
over a year ago

Bristol East

I went through a spell like that a few years.

Waking up in the middle of the night and unable to get back to sleep.

I had no worries or stress as such.

A friend asked if I drank coffee before bedtime.

"Every time I have a cigarette," I replied.

As soon as I switched to caffeine-free after 6pm, normal sleep returned.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I’m following this thread because I’ve tried absolutely everything that has been recommended and that I can find on google, GP has told me to ‘take control’ of my sleep yet won’t provide any sleeping tablets.

I hope you get answers OP. Like Estella said, I would try talking to your GP xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Thanks everyone

I’ve tried all kinds of different oils on my pillow, herbal sleeping tablets and don’t drink tea or coffee, if I drink Diet Coke it’s alwags the caffeine free variety.

Thinking the doctors might have to be the next option x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Thanks everyone

I’ve tried all kinds of different oils on my pillow, herbal sleeping tablets and don’t drink tea or coffee, if I drink Diet Coke it’s alwags the caffeine free variety.

Thinking the doctors might have to be the next option x "

I was given amazing sleeping tablets a year and a half ago. Unfortunately they’re highly addictive so I was only given two weeks worth, then another two weeks on an much lower dosage. They may do the same for you. I do have friends that are on sleeping tablets and have been for a while too xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I hope you get answers OP. Like Estella said, I would try talking to your GP xx

I don’t even understand what your GP would mean by taking control of your sleep?! Like we want to be awake all sodding night and feeling like zombies!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'd recommend 4-7-8 breathing. It was a great help when I was struggling with sleep a while back.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I'd recommend 4-7-8 breathing. It was a great help when I was struggling with sleep a while back.

I’m going to have to google lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I’m following this thread because I’ve tried absolutely everything that has been recommended and that I can find on google, GP has told me to ‘take control’ of my sleep yet won’t provide any sleeping tablets.

I hope you get answers OP. Like Estella said, I would try talking to your GP xx

I don’t even understand what your GP would mean by taking control of your sleep?! Like we want to be awake all sodding night and feeling like zombies!!

Xx"

Oh I have no idea. I haven’t been able to sleep for two years now, it had gotten to the point where I had finally managed to have three hours a night. I was then put on tramadol for other reasons, and a side affect is insomnia! One doctor told me to take even more tramadol to try and counteract it (as it made me drowsy, drained and sleepy, but also wide awake and unable to sleep) which didn’t work, so I came off them and yep, still unable to sleep at all. If I desperately need to I do have other tablets (diazepam and amitriptyline) that would help me sleep, but I don’t want to become addicted and/or waste my prescription. So I just go without at the moment

I really do hope that your GP can help you, if that’s the route you take. It is absolutely awful trying to function with little/no sleep! xxx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

And if you click reply+quote it will copy the posters message so you don’t have to copy and paste

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Hi everyone,

Just wondered if anyone had any tips on how to turn my mind off at night and actually get some sleep.

It’s now been weeks since I had a proper nights sleep and it just doesn’t matter how tired I am or how hard I try I just can’t sleep.

It sounds to me like your winding yourself up so much about not be able to sleep that it's preventing you from sleeping.This happens to me once in a while. You need to break that cycle, and what worked for me is simply not worrying about sleeping. Doze when you want (if you can), don't stick to regular bedtimes and don't try and force it. Best to see your GP though, in case there's underlying health issues. Best of luck

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Apparent Nigella Lawson sleeps for two hours at 7pm, gets up, totters around, had a cup of tea and sleeps for another two hours. She does this until she gets up at 7pm! And apparently she feels so much better for it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Err

maybe this is gonna be different for women. But. Err

have you tried wanking yourself silly?

I've found it helps get me off

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have always had problems sleeping.

I sleep the best when I'm physically exhausted.

I have a demanding job on my feet and I cycle commute - so on a work day it's not as difficult to get to sleep as it probably will be tonight after a day of mostly sitting

Being tired isn't enough - if you can't sleep the anxiety of not being able to sleep kicks in

Valerian Herb ( Holland and Barrett ) helps a little - or a couple of glasses of wine.

Sleeping tablets are not the answer - they will leave you feeling bloody awful the next day.

The hangover from those is worse than being awake all night!

I feel your pain OP.

Physical exhaustion is the answer - go for a long walk now - or if you can jog or do any form of exercise- do it.

Good luck x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have Chronic fatigue syndrome which means that whilst i do sleep, its not quality sleep so if im in bed for 7 hours a night, only 3 hours of that time i will have been asleep and the rest of the time its broken and restlessness..

It also impacts on me on a day to day basis, i have no energy and just feel tired all the time ..its very draining..some days i just don't want to do anything and when i do have the energy i have to make sure it doesnt impact on me the next day...

Im not saying thats what you have OP but you should go and see your GP and have a chat with him/her..

Hope you get it sorted

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Bloody Nigella ha ha. I always feel like I could sleep from about 2pm, however when I’m at work that’s a bit of an issue, think sleeping at my desk would be frowned upon

And wanking/sex wakes me up ha ha

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Im the same, i had to go the the Dr. He gave me a few Tamazipam. Its only for a few days just so i could catch up on sleep. The gym helps me a little too. Im still not right. My brains like the M25. It won't shut off . Hope you get a good night's sleep soon xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I have always had problems sleeping.

I sleep the best when I'm physically exhausted.

I have a demanding job on my feet and I cycle commute - so on a work day it's not as difficult to get to sleep as it probably will be tonight after a day of mostly sitting

Being tired isn't enough - if you can't sleep the anxiety of not being able to sleep kicks in

Valerian Herb ( Holland and Barrett ) helps a little - or a couple of glasses of wine.

Sleeping tablets are not the answer - they will leave you feeling bloody awful the next day.

The hangover from those is worse than being awake all night!

I feel your pain OP.

Physical exhaustion is the answer - go for a long walk now - or if you can jog or do any form of exercise- do it.

Good luck x

That’s totally true with sleeping tablets - by the time your body gets used to them and you stop feeling rubbish in the morning, they’ll probably stop giving you them xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

No social media while lay in bed and old favourite of reading a book. Always helps me drop off.

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By *lenderfoxMan
over a year ago

Leeds

Having a period without looking at screens helps me, do you use a blue light filter on your screens?

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By *iratedave2Man
over a year ago

dartford

yes as you say sex can just get you more awake.

How about some sort of exercise regime?

A Gym if you've got on local.

Or why not try going for a long walk when the weather's fine, join a walking group so your not on your own or go with a mate, have you tried that?

It works for me!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I’m terrible for not sleeping, I’ve had sleeping tablets before and they didn’t really work. I can fall asleep quickly it’s just that I can’t stay asleep. And lately I’ve been suffering from night sweats as well which wake me up. I’m permanently exhausted, but I just live with it. X

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

That’s totally true with sleeping tablets - by the time your body gets used to them and you stop feeling rubbish in the morning, they’ll probably stop giving you them xx"

If your body gets used to them - they won't send you to sleep.

They're a quick fix - they don't work long term.

I have found that physical exhaustion is the only way.

Which if you're already exhausted from not sleeping feels like a terrible solution!

But fresh air and exercise isn't just an urban myth lol.

I just wish it came easier to me like it does for some people

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Same here not slept since September. I'm going on prescription sleeping pills because it's got to a stage where I can't cope with the lack of sleep

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

That’s totally true with sleeping tablets - by the time your body gets used to them and you stop feeling rubbish in the morning, they’ll probably stop giving you them xx"

I had them last year post bereavement and they worked great I only used them 1-2 times a week when I was desperate for sleep. The anniversary came round and I'm there again

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By *iamondCougarWoman
over a year ago

Norfuck! / Lincolnshire

I go through periods of not being able to get to sleep..... I usually listen to something off BBC iplayer for 15-30 mins after I’ve switched the light out. I’m usually asleep within 10-15 mins

I’ve listened to Victoria Woods autobiography several times but never got beyond chapter one

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Something a little alternative such as acupuncture maybe. X

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Try some sleeptherapy clipsnon youtube paul oglivie is good u just have to relax and listen to hos voice , dont let your mind wander . I find my fave music helps me drop off but again u really gotta concentrate on the lyrics . Good luck ladies . Insomnia is terrible really stresses me out

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By *lsieWoman
over a year ago

where ever

"I’m terrible for not sleeping, I’ve had sleeping tablets before and they didn’t really work. I can fall asleep quickly it’s just that I can’t stay asleep. And lately I’ve been suffering from night sweats as well which wake me up. I’m permanently exhausted, but I just live with it. X

"
Me too. Same symptoms. Sick of it. I just want to sleep an whole night x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I suffer from periods of insomnia. What I've found really helps is the asmr videos on YouTube or the dark screen rain sounds. Hope this helps in some way

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Hi everyone,

Just wondered if anyone had any tips on how to turn my mind off at night and actually get some sleep.

It’s now been weeks since I had a proper nights sleep and it just doesn’t matter how tired I am or how hard I try I just can’t sleep.

Get your sleeping patten sorted start by getting up at a set time then at night have a bath or a shower 30mins before going to bed. Keep lights off and sleep should be easier to achieve.

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By *ire_bladeMan
over a year ago

Manchester

I wish I had the answer for you but no. Been the same all my life. When it's really bad and by that I mean it's been longer 4/5 days without sleep when I do fall asleep I start sleep walking. That's when thing get really crazy and I'm liable to do anything. In the past I've taken tablet hid my own car keys and my glasses. I 1s found them in the fridge

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By *ryst In IsoldeWoman
over a year ago

your imagination

Aside from the usual recommendations about decaff beverages etc., a little known fact is that lettuce contains a natural sedative. Try having a green salad with your evening meal. Avoiding carbonated drinks also helps.

I frequently have had problems sleeping over the years, but now find it much easier to drift off.

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By *ire_bladeMan
over a year ago

Manchester

"I wish I had the answer for you but no. Been the same all my life. When it's really bad and by that I mean it's been longer 4/5 days without sleep when I do fall asleep I start sleep walking. That's when thing get really crazy and I'm liable to do anything. In the past I've taken tablet hid my own car keys and my glasses. I 1s found them in the fridge

Ok so it's getting bad. Went into kitchen to make a brew this morning and I must have started it earlier. I found my cup already on the side with my normal teabag and 2 sugers all ready for me. Shame I put coffee in it to.

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By *ELLONS AND CREAMWoman
over a year ago

stourbridge area

I work nights ... so have to try to sleep a few hours during the day.....then on my night off I cannot sleep

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Another night of up and down all night and when I slept weird dreams. Tonight I'm following every bit of advice on here to see if it helps

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I quite often go through the cycle of sleep insomnia

Some times it can be because subconsciously I’m worried about something done or something to come and other times it’s nothing at all just energy levels.

When I hit my cycle I feel rubbish and fatigued all day yet soon as I hit bed I wake up.

To combat it I take 5htp and listen to calming music like movie soundtrack scores or recently on amazon music been listening to various meditation albums or even whale calls

Just few ideas as I know how tough it is especially when trying to get on with life.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I work nights ... so have to try to sleep a few hours during the day.....then on my night off I cannot sleep"

I hate the first day/night after a stretch of night shifts

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Common problem this. I also find that if I do go to sleep and then get woken up (e.g. by the 4-legged fiend launching herself onto the bed or by partner) then that's it - game over and probably lie awake for hours. One thing to avoid is alcohol, as in to knock you out, will lead to further problems.

What I have found useful - and works most of the time - is listening to ambient music: have suggestions if anyone would like some.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Err

maybe this is gonna be different for women. But. Err

have you tried wanking yourself silly?

I've found it helps get me off

This will be RAM sleep, then (rapid arm movement)

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Thanks for all your tips and advice - will give them all a go to get a decent nights sleep!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I had a similar problem, took ages to settle and always felt like I'd not slept the next day, had a sleep study, diagnosed with sleep apnea.

First night of using the machine I noticed a difference. Months later feel so much better.

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By *ire_bladeMan
over a year ago

Manchester

If I don't sleep again tonight I'll I'll I'll bloody cry ok. Ifvi don't it's been 5 days. This is where the crazy starts.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Just had a nice hot candlelit bath and listened to some chilling music ahhhh i hope i fall asleep b4 2.30am this time

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It didnt work

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I read somewhere that it helps to eat a banana before you go to bed.

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By *itKerryMaleMan
over a year ago

kerry

I've had it so bad my whole life that I'm prescribed sleeping tablets zops but you build a tolerance fast but I just skip every other day but I wish they'd give me an alternative that I can take in-between my breaks so I can get the best of both worlds and I see people giving natural alternatives but I can promise you I've done them all and of rather be a bit groggy I'm the morning once I get some sleep...which isn't going well today

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