How is your sleep?

I sleep as soon as I hit my pillow. Easy sleeper, except when I come out of nightshifts... Last week worked 7 nightshifts in a row and after the last one I was sleeping for 20 mins when I was called out to transfer a patient to a University Hopsital in Brussels... sigh... I was back 3PM, crushed on the couch and slept 2 hrs, went to bed 10PM and slept until 12PM the next day. Yesterday and today my bed has been my best friend, tomorrow I will get up early (9AM haha) to study for my exam on tuesday, then it's bedtime again


LeEnTjE

It's no surprise that especially people doing office work getting proper excercise may be difficult. I've had some problems with my sleep, but have realised that doing excercise 1½ hours 3-4 times a week _outdoors_ and getting a good sweat helps tremendously. It may seem like a lot of time if you're doing long days, however, getting no sleep is 10x more frustrating.

And excercise should be done 4-5 hours prior to going to bed, so you're not still pumped up when you're supposed to sleep.

Bottom line: Doctor recommends outdoor sex.

V. True. If I could actually get myself to the gym more I know Id sleep much better.

My sleep is ok, I just don't get enough of it. My problem is I can't get myself to bed before 12am or later... Though I still have to get up early... so I rarely get the hours of sleep I need. But I still manage to catch up once in a while.

If I ever get myself in bed and sleep doesn't come, reading generally does it for me, and even if it can take time, at least I'm not just letting the frustration take over.

And I agree with whoever said physical exercise helps a great deal. Doesn't need to be that physical either. Even a 30 minute walk outside at lunch time can help.

Ponrauil

I exercise and I still go through periods of insomnia.

Do you excercise outdoors? Do you do it regularly?

When I go through periods like the ones you people are describing, it is because I am experiencing allergies (in which case some benedrill works wonders) or because I am stressed and haven't exercised in ages or done any of the things I have always told myself I would do.

Try getting in some vigorous exercise during the day a few times a week (even 2 or 3 days a week might be enough) that really pushes you for a while (I find that biking and dancing and running work great).

Also, try learning something new that you can really get into. It's just like a drug, but better; after you get really good at it, it may not work quite as well anymore as a sleep aid, but you have enhanced yourself and not simply become dependent on a drug.

The harder I push myself physically during the day, the better the sleep I get.

Also, elevate your legs when you sleep if you can above your heart level and try some breathing/relaxation/meditation exercises/cds.

One of these things always works for me, and as a college student, I really have poor sleeping habits; hell, all of my habits are pretty poor most of the time and stress is high and I have to be competetive. But I swear, these things work. There are plenty of relaxation/mediation cds out there that are fine, but I like the holosync stuff (I ignore the self-help mantra on the first track) with headphones. It works wonders. It says not to do it while lying down, but it always knocks me out, or gets me ready.

Good luck. And if you aren't already excersizing some, do it! It doesn't take much, but when you do it, you really have to push yourself. Do it with somebody else, it works wonders.

B

Pretty regularly. I've had some off-periods in the last year due to illnesses and recovering from surgeries. Outside... no. I don't like being outside very much. I actually slept okay last night, so maybe my insomnia cycle is ending. I hope.

I run everyday in the park and still sleep every other night!!

I only get around 4 hours of aleep a night as i have a hyperactive child so i haven't had a full night sleep for 6 years!