CUunderH2O
Contributor
I have trouble sleeping sometimes, and before I start using over the counter drugs like Gravol, I try the following: no drinks with caffeine after 4PM, no heavy eating after 7PM, no computer use after 9PM, no exercise after 7PM. Try exercising early in the morning or during lunchtime; it will make you tired. If you're waking up in the middle of the night, ask yourself: are you hungry? If so, have a light snack, nothing greasy, but try a bit of tuna, turkey, or cheese. Try a sound machine: mine has 10 different sounds to choose from -- it helps. If you're very preoccupied with something and this is what's keeping you up, find a solution to it or you won't get any sleep. Drinking alcohol before bed is not really a good idea, as alcohol interferes with REM cycles, leading to sleep that's not as sound or as good for you.
I find when I've been lacking sleep for a week or more, I get very irritable, which only adds to the effects of lack of sleep, and affects everyone around me. At this point, I've exhausted the options listed above, so I go see my doctor who prescribes me some pills. I don't like this option, but in order to become 'sane' again, it works. I'm not talking sleeping pills, because those are addictive and leave you groggy in the morning. PM me if you want more info.
I find when I've been lacking sleep for a week or more, I get very irritable, which only adds to the effects of lack of sleep, and affects everyone around me. At this point, I've exhausted the options listed above, so I go see my doctor who prescribes me some pills. I don't like this option, but in order to become 'sane' again, it works. I'm not talking sleeping pills, because those are addictive and leave you groggy in the morning. PM me if you want more info.