Why am I not sleeping?

[whatevergirl]

*I don’t have insomnia …I used to. I used to take sleeping pills, OTC. But ever have like a streak out of nowhere we you just can’t sleep?

I just can’t sleep though for the past 5 nights, and I’m at my wits end! I’m tired when going to bed, and then wake up at like 4am ready to go…I’m not getting up at 4am! I had my last wisdom tooth removed yesterday, so I woke up a few times last night from the throbbing pain…waaaaa! I’m not looking for medical advice certainly, but rather just curious if any of you go through this on occasion? Could it be that because I have been off for a few days, and I’m staying up later at night, that my body is thrown off? I exercise (which is a great sleep enhancer), and I can’t now with the wisdom tooth removal I was told, it would create more bleeding for the next day or two.

Please say a prayer that I sleep well …soon!! :crying: :crying: Thank you! *

 

[Catholic90]

Could be age. When I hit 40, I no longer slept well. Still don’t 5 years later. I refuse to take sleeping pills, so I wake a lot. I am also very familiar with late and middle of the night TV!

 

[purplesunshine]

if you just got your wisdom teeth removed the sleeping gas or other narcotis could of messed up your body. Defiantly let your dr know what’s going on, and make a note of it so that if your children ever get their wisdom teeth removed or have to recieve any of the meds you had they can be careful (sensitivities/allergies run in families).

Make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids, too, being unable to have proper intake can really mess with your body and sleeping schedules.

 

[whatevergirl]

Could be age. When I hit 40, I no longer slept well. Still don’t 5 years later. I refuse to take sleeping pills, so I wake a lot. I am also very familiar with late and middle of the night TV!

I must admit, it started when I turned 35, a lot of hormonal ups and downs, too. I had some tests done, and everything was fine, so probably just a new phase of life. Now, that I’m 40, I have these momentary sleep losses…I appreciate your reply, it crossed my mind, too. My husband is 50 and he sleeps EVERY NIGHT like a baby, though!

 

[whatevergirl]

if you just got your wisdom teeth removed the sleeping gas or other narcotis could of messed up your body. Defiantly let your dr know what’s going on, and make a note of it so that if your children ever get their wisdom teeth removed or have to recieve any of the meds you had they can be careful (sensitivities/allergies run in families).

Make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids, too, being unable to have proper intake can really mess with your body and sleeping schedules.

*Thanks purple, that’s excellent advice, and I will do that. I am hoping and praying to get back on track tonight! *

 

[jmcrae]

A friend of mine says that our bodies just need less sleep when we reach 40. It’s the most productive time of life, because you’re in the office before the young bucks have even had their coffee, yet. (Because you’ve been up since 4:00 am … ) and you’ve put in a day’s work by about noon or so. And then off to the golf course with the rest of the 40+ people in the office, while the young ones sweat and struggle to finish what they’re supposed to be doing by quitting time.

Just one of the advantages of getting older.

 

[whatevergirl]

A friend of mine says that our bodies just need less sleep when we reach 40. It’s the most productive time of life, because you’re in the office before the young bucks have even had their coffee, yet. (Because you’ve been up since 4:00 am … ) and you’ve put in a day’s work by about noon or so. And then off to the golf course with the rest of the 40+ people in the office, while the young ones sweat and struggle to finish what they’re supposed to be doing by quitting time.

Just one of the advantages of getting older.

lol, I am working hard til quitting time too…no golf for me! But, I like how you think. :ehh:

 

[Sr_Sally]

I find that I get up very early in streaks also. No late night tv for me though. I just use it as quiet time. If I’m not feeling restless, I’ll just lay in bed (figure at least my body is resting!) and pray or daydream–sometimes both! If I’m too restless, I’ll get up and have some quiet time on the couch–reading, praying, etc. It comes and goes with me and I don’t feel that I’m any worse for wear, so I don’t worry about it.

 

[whatevergirl]

I find that I get up very early in streaks also. No late night tv for me though. I just use it as quiet time. If I’m not feeling restless, I’ll just lay in bed (figure at least my body is resting!) and pray or daydream–sometimes both! If I’m too restless, I’ll get up and have some quiet time on the couch–reading, praying, etc. It comes and goes with me and I don’t feel that I’m any worse for wear, so I don’t worry about it.

*I am worse for wear, I like that phrase. I truly need like 8 hours of sleep, nightly, or I am touchy the next day, not as ‘with it,’ that type of thing. Thank goodness I’m off for the next few days, I can just lounge until I snap out of it. You are right-I should not worry, but I find, as the nights pass without much sleep, I worry that I’m going to get sick, or something.

Re: turning 40 to some who have mentioned that, I actually like being 40. I wish I could just stay planted right here, and not age anymore. I take care of myself, and I think that greatly helps with sleep especially. I find that when I turned 40 a few months ago, that I felt like all of where God took me, led me right here, and I think of how much I have learned. I don’t like the hormone changes here and there, but I can mitigate them with A LOT of exercise. Hey, 40 is the new 30, right? People tell me I look younger, so…if I could just stay right here at 40, forever, that would be kinda cool. Sans the sleepless nights. *

 

[OLHope]

WG, I have had problems with this myself, I am a night owl, because I do most of my work at night, but I need 7-8 to be at my full productive best for the day, if I only get 3-5 I am worn, nine and over, I am as lazy and useless as the dickens.

Some of the things that prohibit me from falling asleep when I should and I can are thoughts of things that make me worry or projects with which I have been procrastinating.

I resort to sleep pills once or twice a month, usually in the case that I have not fallen asleep by a time I need to wake up. Amazingly, I am not addicted to them, I have often heard that they can be addictive. I have tried things like the warm milk before bed, laundry, vacuuming, watch news until it tires you, and best of all, I pray right before bed so I recall everything I and thankful for, I apologize before God my tresspasses, and I request my prayer intentions. Often times, I will not conclude in prayer because I lost focus and fell asleep. Woops! Sometimes, I stay up on CAF and other sites to read, but I think I will revert back to books as the bright screen keeps me alert for some reason.

Another possibility is that you are in mommy mode, for the longest time my mother had the incredible talent to just jolt out of bed when one of us opened the door or called her name during the night, but my father never did. Nature/Nurture? Who knows? I know your kids are probably out of that phase of needing you during the night, but anything is possible.

If you know that 8 hours is your best, maybe try getting to bed earlier, and try harmless home remedies that can drain you for the rest of the night.

 

[whatevergirl]

*Hi Hope

Yeah, I resemble a lot of what you’re saying…even the part of being a night owl. I could stay up til 2am easily, naturally, but because I work in an office setting…I have to be up early, and I’m home before dinner time. My body has gotten used to that, I think and so now, when I have a few days off and my hubby does at the same time, we stay up later, chat, watch movies, it’s just harder to get back in bed at the same time I do for the workweek, you know? I read that a person should have the same exact bedtime EVERY NIGHT, even weekends and vacations. Well, we’re going away for vacation soon, I know that’s on my mind. And dh and I would like to start our days early …so even though it’s a vacation, if I maintain a workweek type sleep schedule, I should feel better. ARGH!

So, I fell asleep this afternoon…if I don’t get enough sleep for a few days, I get a migraine…I’m falling apart! I’m feeling a little better now. Thanks for your reply, I also sometimes go on CAF later than I should…another thing I read…don’t go on the computer an hour before bedtime… Man, these people who write these sleep articles are no fun. *

 

[1ke]

WEG,

Maybe it’s stress. I find that more than anything makes my mind race and prevents me from sleeping even when I am dog tired. I just lay awake listening to DH snore!

You’ve recently expressed an unhappiness with FL, unhappiness in your job that led to a reduced work week, snarky people at work, the desire to go back to PA, etc. Maybe your circuits are just on overload. And, you could be anticipating going to PA for the visit and could also be trying to process all the decisions surrounding stay/go.

I find that when I have a lot on my mind it doesn’t matter how tired I am, I can’t sleep! I go through cycles. I’ve cut out all caffeine, I’m exercising again (after the whole ankle thing, it’s been a rough few years but I’m back in the swing of it again), drinking lots of water, etc.

And, as for needing less sleep after 40-- NO WAY. I need more! I need 9 hours.

 

[OLHope]

*Hi Hope

Yeah, I resemble a lot of what you’re saying…even the part of being a night owl. I could stay up til 2am easily, naturally, but because I work in an office setting…I have to be up early, and I’m home before dinner time. My body has gotten used to that, I think and so now, when I have a few days off and my hubby does at the same time, we stay up later, chat, watch movies, it’s just harder to get back in bed at the same time I do for the workweek, you know?*

Ciao Signorina!

You are Superwoman! The wife, the mother, the career, and the socialite. I know you have mentioned the stress of some situations, so maybe it’s just that stuff bogging your sleep. Yeah, I cannot compete with you at all, as I am able to sleep later because I work later. Sometimes a nice hour nap helps, but will delay that bedtime.
*

• I read that a person should have the same exact bedtime EVERY NIGHT, even weekends and vacations. Well, we’re going away for vacation soon, I know that’s on my mind. And dh and I would like to start our days early …so even though it’s a vacation, if I maintain a workweek type sleep schedule, I should feel better. ARGH! *

As much as I want to go to bed whenever I feel like it, this tends to be true, when you keep a consistent sleep schedule your body clock becomes adjusted to it.
*
*

*So, I fell asleep this afternoon…if I don’t get enough sleep for a few days, I get a migraine…I’m falling apart! I’m feeling a little better now. Thanks for your reply, I also sometimes go on CAF later than I should…another thing I read…don’t go on the computer an hour before bedtime… Man, these people who write these sleep articles are no fun. *

Yeah if I don’t, I start nodding off at the wheel, I lose my personality(Im like a drone), I lose my appetite(not one of my better diets, but I do lose weight), …, and sometimes like 1ke stated you can get racing thoughts because you cannot shut down your mind for the night, however we are all different, so it is very important to follow your own signals of what happens in these circumstances. Looks like you got a handle on that.

 

[OLHope]

WEG,

Maybe it’s stress. I find that more than anything makes my mind race and prevents me from sleeping even when I am dog tired. I just lay awake listening to DH snore!

You’ve recently expressed an unhappiness with FL, unhappiness in your job that led to a reduced work week, snarky people at work, the desire to go back to PA, etc. Maybe your circuits are just on overload. And, you could be anticipating going to PA for the visit and could also be trying to process all the decisions surrounding stay/go.

I find that when I have a lot on my mind it doesn’t matter how tired I am, I can’t sleep! I go through cycles. I’ve cut out all caffeine, I’m exercising again (after the whole ankle thing, it’s been a rough few years but I’m back in the swing of it again), drinking lots of water, etc.

And, as for needing less sleep after 40-- NO WAY. I need more! I need 9 hours.

:thumbsup:I agree with this post. Been there, done that.

 

[whatevergirl]

WEG,

Maybe it’s stress. I find that more than anything makes my mind race and prevents me from sleeping even when I am dog tired. I just lay awake listening to DH snore!

You’ve recently expressed an unhappiness with FL, unhappiness in your job that led to a reduced work week, snarky people at work, the desire to go back to PA, etc. Maybe your circuits are just on overload. And, you could be anticipating going to PA for the visit and could also be trying to process all the decisions surrounding stay/go.

I find that when I have a lot on my mind it doesn’t matter how tired I am, I can’t sleep! I go through cycles. I’ve cut out all caffeine, I’m exercising again (after the whole ankle thing, it’s been a rough few years but I’m back in the swing of it again), drinking lots of water, etc.

And, as for needing less sleep after 40-- NO WAY. I need more! I need 9 hours.

You could be right. I have been very excited thinking about heading back to visit people in Pgh, but there’s a lot to get ready. I also have been feeling ‘happier’ about Florida, praying a lot about it…but the thoughts are still there. I tend to not sleep well during ‘that time of the month,’ and that is what took place this past week, sooo…could be why also. I just hate when I have a few days off, then I go back to work on Monday NOT refreshed. Oh well…onward upward…prayers would be nice, if you could squeeze me in? Thanks for your reply, 1ke. I agree too, I need a lot of sleep as I get older. I have always liked to sleep.

 

[whatevergirl]

Ciao Signorina!

You are Superwoman! The wife, the mother, the career, and the socialite. I know you have mentioned the stress of some situations, so maybe it’s just that stuff bogging your sleep. Yeah, I cannot compete with you at all, as I am able to sleep later because I work later. Sometimes a nice hour nap helps, but will delay that bedtime.
*
As much as I want to go to bed whenever I feel like it, this tends to be true, when you keep a consistent sleep schedule your body clock becomes adjusted to it.
*
*

Yeah if I don’t, I start nodding off at the wheel, I lose my personality(Im like a drone), I lose my appetite(not one of my better diets, but I do lose weight), …, and sometimes like 1ke stated you can get racing thoughts because you cannot shut down your mind for the night, however we are all different, so it is very important to follow your own signals of what happens in these circumstances. Looks like you got a handle on that.

*Superwoman? haha I laughed reading that Oh I don’t think so! But, while I enjoy my career, I just think that everyone has the economy on their minds. I confessed last weekend about this, and I have been trying to kick the habit of worry, especially at bedtime. It doesn’t do anyone any good…doesn’t solve a thing. I had a great review recently at work, it is more my husband’s job, although they seem happy with his performance, you know…Disney and all, they are hurting too, and have been through three layoffs already that my husband dodged, praise be to God. So, that swirls in my mind now and again. I appreciate your replies, it helps me to know I’m not alone during my sleepless nights. :hug1:

“They” say that when you keep tossing and turning in the bed, you should GET OUT of the bed, and find something to do IN ANOTHER ROOM. Anyone ever try that? Reason behind this is that you will start associating the bed with NOT sleeping so you have to trick your brain and leave the room when you can’t sleep. Interesting, I thought.*

 

[Cat]

Hope you’re sleeping better. I agree with the comments about stress–it keeps you awake, and every night that you don’t sleep makes you more tense and continues the cycle.

Also weather–I have a very hard time sleeping when it’s hot and humid, and even if the air conditioner is on, it still feels stuffy and close in the house to me. I’m really looking forward to those crisp, cool autumn days and nights (and it’s only July 4!).

BTW, I disagree that we need less sleep as we get older. More and more studies are coming out demonstrating that adults need 7-9 hours of sleep out of every 24 (and children/teens need 10-12 hours of sleep!!! Wow). Lots of our physical problems, including weight problems, are made worse by lack of sleep. Although we in the U.S.–and especially Christians–tend to praise people who do not sleep as much, this is actually very foolish of us. God made our bodies to require sleep, and most of us aren’t getting enough.

 

[MarieVeronica]

I started to have bad bouts of insomnia, when I was in “peri-menopause”. I would have night after night, too… where I could NOT sleep. I used to joke about keeping a hammer on my nightstand… so I could konk myself over the head with it… to sleep.

Now that I’m at least partly through menopause… I’m sleeping a little bit better. Still not like I once did, though… SIGH. Oh, to sleep like a baby!

Hang in there “Weg”. It’ll get better. (Sometimes, I would lie there so long, awake… and I’d pick up my nightstand Rosary, and say an extra one. By the time I was finished… I’d be sleepy. I always looked at it… like Our Blessed Mother was singing her child to sleep).

God bless you.

 

[1ke]

You could be right. I have been very excited thinking about heading back to visit people in Pgh, but there’s a lot to get ready. I also have been feeling ‘happier’ about Florida, praying a lot about it…but the thoughts are still there. I tend to not sleep well during ‘that time of the month,’ and that is what took place this past week, sooo…could be why also. I just hate when I have a few days off, then I go back to work on Monday NOT refreshed. Oh well…onward upward…prayers would be nice, if you could squeeze me in? Thanks for your reply, 1ke. I agree too, I need a lot of sleep as I get older. I have always liked to sleep.

I think we all do that-- when we have a few days off we think we HAVE to do all sorts of projects, and then we go back to work exhausted.

Give yourself permission to nap, read a book, watch mindless TV, or whatever tomorrow. Get rested up for Monday. Don’t put pressure on yourself to cook, clean, paint that room you’ve been meaning to do, etc. Just allow yourself a day without a schedule.

I slept 9 hours last night AND took a 2 hour nap today!!! Not feeling guilty. I need it. I have a lot going on with work right now and will be on the road most of July.

 

[whatevergirl]

I started to have bad bouts of insomnia, when I was in “peri-menopause”. I would have night after night, too… where I could NOT sleep. I used to joke about keeping a hammer on my nightstand… so I could konk myself over the head with it… to sleep.

Now that I’m at least partly through menopause… I’m sleeping a little bit better. Still not like I once did, though… SIGH. Oh, to sleep like a baby!

Hang in there “Weg”. It’ll get better. (Sometimes, I would lie there so long, awake… and I’d pick up my nightstand Rosary, and say an extra one. By the time I was finished… I’d be sleepy. I always looked at it… like Our Blessed Mother was singing her child to sleep).

God bless you.

*You know, that could be true. I don’t have any symptoms of peri-menopause except for sleepless nights during ‘that time,’ and a hot feeling, like the temperature can never be low enough. That lasts for maybe 2 to 3 days, and it’s beyond old. This actually started when I turned 35, and my doctor doesn’t seem to think that I’m in perimenopause because she tested my hormone levels, but who knows. I try to eat well, and exercise, and that helps tremendously, although, I have slacked the past week, so what…I let up for a week, and I can’t sleep? I told my husband, our bodies, man, they take a lot of maintenance to function properly!

I should do your suggestion, of praying the Rosary when I can’t sleep. I might try that next time…hopefully, I will sleep through the night, tonight. *