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Post by jennrs on Oct 12, 2016 9:46:20 GMT
The older I get, the worse I sleep. I try to be in bed at 10 and wake up at 6. My husband's alarm goes off at 4:30, so I usually wake up then.
I usually have no problems falling asleep but an hour later is when I wake up and toss and turn. Usually I'm thinking and worrying about things. I eventually fall back asleep only to wake up an hour or so later and repeat.
I seem fine at the beginning of my day and feel awake but by 2 or 3 I run out of energy and have trouble getting things accomplished.
I don't work outside the home and am able to catch a nap sometimes, but even that doesn't always help.
I don't want to take any medication for this , either.
My husband sleeps very well, gets up at 4:30 , leaves for work at 6, works all day and still has energy all evening. I wish I could do that!
Anyone else have this problem? Any tips?
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Post by peasapie on Oct 12, 2016 9:56:07 GMT
Well first things first. You should have your breathing evaluated to be sure you don't have apnea. My husband was experiencing just what you describe, and it turns out he was initially awakened (without his knowledge) by the fact that he was momentarily stopping breathing. He did an at-home preliminary test, which showed he had severe apnea. He now sleeps with a crap machine and has never felt better.
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TheOtherMeg
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,541
Jun 25, 2014 20:58:14 GMT
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Post by TheOtherMeg on Oct 12, 2016 9:59:03 GMT
Can you get a sleep study done? You may have sleep apnea or some other breathing issue that's disrupting your sleep pattern and keeping you from staying in a deep, restful sleep. An alternative would be to try sleeping in a separate room from your DH. I have many, many friends who regularly sleep in their own room (with generous visiting privileges in both directions ) and they and their DHs sleep much better this way. DH and I often end up in separate rooms, as I tend to wake easily and then cannot get back to sleep because I can hear him breathing. Yes, just breathing. lol The longer I listen to it, the more irritated I get, and the more irritated I get, the less likely I am to fall back asleep. ETA peasapie is a faster typer!
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Post by gailoh on Oct 12, 2016 10:44:01 GMT
Try not playing with devices in the evening or drinking caffeine,coke etc...I am like you...worry a lot or my mind will start in so I can't get back to sleep.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 2, 2024 0:39:59 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2016 10:53:08 GMT
The first thing is to evaluate some things: how much screen time are getting a day? how much caffeine? how close to bed time are you eating? are you giving your body/mind any sort of time to wind down before bed? I used to pooh-pooh such things, but I finally gave some things a try: no screen time for at least an hour before bed; I make sure I've had no caffeine after about 1pm; I read for at least 30 minutes something that's not going to stir my mind up; a cup of non-caffeine tea, especially Sleepytime Tea from Celestial Seasonings, does wonders for me. Another thing that I scoffed at but was shocked at how well it work: sleep meditation. I use something I found on Audible of places: Glenn Harold's Ultimate Guide to Relaxing Sleep Every Night. Again, I really thought this was too cheesy to help but I was more than pleasantly surprised. The key is that your brain gets "turned off" as you go through his relaxation steps. Finally, one thing my husband is convinced of is that I dream that I'm awake. There have been nights where I swear I've tossed and turned and been awake more than asleep and he *swears* that is not the case. Getting a sleep study wouldn't hurt either
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momto4kiddos
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,151
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
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Post by momto4kiddos on Oct 12, 2016 11:03:42 GMT
On occasion I've had trouble sleeping because i'm thinking or worrying. I have no problem falling asleep - i'm blessed with the ability to put my head on the pillow and be out like a light in seconds. But then I wake up later and can't sleep. I've found a simple Benadryl will help allow me to stay asleep. I know you didn't want meds, but a couple nights of that and i'm usually good again.
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Post by Scrapbrat on Oct 12, 2016 11:15:34 GMT
I think what you describe is pretty common for many women as they get older. I'm going to suggest something different than everyone else -- try getting a good half an hour or so of moderately strenuous physical activity in the late afternoon, or maybe right after dinner. Something like a very brisk (4 mph) walk. You don't want to do it too close to bedtime, and since you don't work, late afternoon would be ideal. Exercise is both a great stress reliever and a great sleep aid, but as you build up endurance, it also gives you more energy.
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Post by leannec on Oct 12, 2016 11:48:25 GMT
Why are you against taking meds? I have severe insomnia ... if I don't take something I am up for three days at a time Definitely get a sleep study ... but don't rule out even a small amount of medication if that's what it takes to get you to "normal"
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Oct 12, 2016 12:03:07 GMT
I didn't think I had a sleep problem until I started taking magnesium (I use Natural Calm). I was waking to go to the bathroom several times a night but now realize that I was waking first, then had to go to the bathroom. Now I typically wake up once at about 5:00 unless something else is waking me up.
Falling asleep can still be a problem for me due to RLS, heart palpitations and an all over feeling of tingling or itching (all of which I hoped would improve with the magnesium--it may help but hasn't made it go away).
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wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,760
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Oct 12, 2016 12:33:26 GMT
Well, it seems I sleep the sleep of the dead (according to my DH) after I have had an evening session of yoga.
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ripleysmine
Junior Member
So glad to be a Pea refugee!
Posts: 77
Jul 13, 2014 0:45:03 GMT
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Post by ripleysmine on Oct 12, 2016 13:20:31 GMT
I have sleep problems. My mind just doesn't want to shut off sometimes.
I sometimes take a sleeping pill to help, if its been a few days since I slept good.
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Post by annabella on Oct 12, 2016 13:20:35 GMT
I wake up every night at 4am. I had a sleep study done and they told me nothing was wrong with me. I don't drink caffeine and watch my screen time at bedtime. You'll have to try either vitamins or medicine. Finally, one thing my husband is convinced of is that I dream that I'm awake. There have been nights where I swear I've tossed and turned and been awake more than asleep and he *swears* that is not the case. I think this an issue with me as well. I keep checking the clock and see that another hour has pasted, however I'm starting to think that I'm asleep for that hour between checks.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 2, 2024 0:39:59 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2016 14:22:12 GMT
Melatonin is something to try as well.
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Post by scraphollie27 on Oct 12, 2016 14:37:35 GMT
Well, it seems I sleep the sleep of the dead (according to my DH) after I have had an evening session of yoga. This is it for me too. I am generally a good sleeper so when my sleep quality starts to decline, it's because I haven't been exercising as much as my body needs. My DH was struggling recently with sleep quality and he gave up electronics for an hour before bed and started reading. He''s noticed an improvement.
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Post by withapea on Oct 12, 2016 14:37:44 GMT
Regular exercise really helps with my sleep issues.
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Post by cadoodlebug on Oct 12, 2016 14:47:21 GMT
I find that a good sleep mask works wonders.
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Post by disneypal on Oct 12, 2016 14:49:05 GMT
I agree about having a sleep study done. You should talk to your doctor about your sleep issues.
Other things that can help, in the meantime.
1) Avoid caffeine - especially after 5 pm 2) While you don't want to take meds, try an occasional Tylenol PM or something similar - it may relax you a bit more. Also Valerian Root is a herb and a great sleep aid 3) When you wake up during the night, try the 4-7-8 breathing method (see below) - this usually puts me right to sleep. 4) When you wake up during the night, mentally tell yourself...do not think about other things, you can't do anything about those things right at this very moment while I am in bed - I will put that out of my mind until tomorrow morning. Instead, try to visualize your "happy place" - sitting on a porch in the mountains, sitting in a beach chair with your toes in the sand/water, laying in the sunshine, just visualize that you are somewhere else and you don't have a care in the world at that very moment. 5) Listen to some meditation/relaxation videos - there are several on you tube. Don't watch them, just play them on your phone and listen to them with earbuds - most the time, they will put you back to sleep. 6) Don't nap, even if you can.
I hope some of these tips help. It is miserable not being able to get the rest you need.
4-7-8 Breathing Instructions
To do the 4-7-8 breathing technique, you first need to exhale completely through your mouth while making a 'whoosh' sound.
Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
Now hold your breath for a count of seven.
After this time has elapsed, exhale completely through your mouth, making another whoosh sound for eight second in one large breath.
Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three times for a total of four breaths.
'Note that you always inhale quietly through your nose and exhale audibly through your mouth.
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Post by compwalla on Oct 12, 2016 15:25:36 GMT
The older I get, the worse I sleep. I try to be in bed at 10 and wake up at 6. My husband's alarm goes off at 4:30, so I usually wake up then. I usually have no problems falling asleep but an hour later is when I wake up and toss and turn. Usually I'm thinking and worrying about things. I eventually fall back asleep only to wake up an hour or so later and repeat. I seem fine at the beginning of my day and feel awake but by 2 or 3 I run out of energy and have trouble getting things accomplished. I don't work outside the home and am able to catch a nap sometimes, but even that doesn't always help. I don't want to take any medication for this , either. My husband sleeps very well, gets up at 4:30 , leaves for work at 6, works all day and still has energy all evening. I wish I could do that! Anyone else have this problem? Any tips? Weed.
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Post by mom on Oct 12, 2016 15:41:21 GMT
For me to have a good nights sleep, its imparitave that I have my room cold. Like 68 degrees.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 2, 2024 0:39:59 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2016 16:22:06 GMT
>> 2) While you don't want to take meds, try an occasional Tylenol PM or something similar <<
I'm going to disagree/caution against this. If you're having some kind of pain, then feel free to take a Tylenol PM or Advil PM or whatever. But if you're just trying to sleep, don't take one of these pain meds uncessarily. Most of these "PM" meds are just Benadryl with the pain med added. Just go straight to the Benadryl. Or melatonin.
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Post by GamGam on Oct 12, 2016 16:30:57 GMT
Melatonin helps me get to sleep when my mind is not cooperating. It does not, however, keep me asleep like antihistamines do. So an occasional melatonin is what I use.
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Post by malibou on Oct 12, 2016 16:32:57 GMT
Pot.
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Post by compwalla on Oct 12, 2016 16:42:03 GMT
Best sleep aid ever. Sleep like a rock, no hangover feeling the next day.
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Post by annabella on Oct 12, 2016 17:09:54 GMT
Continuing to watch this thread looking for new ideas. I exercise regularly and melatonin doesn't work for me. I recently bought some ZzzQuil but it only occurs me to take it after I realize I can't sleep which means my teeth are already brushed so I haven't gotten around to trying it.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 2, 2024 0:39:59 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2016 17:18:06 GMT
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Post by runner5 on Oct 12, 2016 17:21:05 GMT
I'm probably repeating what others have said (and I'm guilty of not reading the other responses - I logged on out of habit but I'm supposed to be doing something else right now - I just can't read and not respond).
Lifting weights and lavender oil helped my sleep problems. I also fall asleep listening to podcasts by Tim Keller at night. His voice is great and his messages fill my mind with hopeful, helpful things that I believe to be true (he's a minister). If you look him up and think you'd like to try listening to any of his messages, consider starting with "A Covenant Relationship". Weights and lavender get me to sleep quickly. Tim Keller's messages help me sleep peacefully. The crazy dreams stopped. I could think of other great things to listen to at night too but he's my favorite.
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Post by uksue on Oct 12, 2016 17:23:06 GMT
Menopause has wrecked my already tenuous hold on a relaxing nights sleep . I know this sounds silly, but having a hot water bottle at my feet helps me to get to sleep and get back to sleep if I wake in the night. I did find some research that says having very warm feet aids sleep, so I don't think it's just me.
I also write down everything on my mind before I go to sleep and have a pad and pen handy in case something occurs to me in bed. At least then, I'm not worrying about forgetting something important !
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Olan
Pearl Clutcher
Enter your message here...
Posts: 4,046
Jul 13, 2014 21:23:27 GMT
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Post by Olan on Oct 12, 2016 17:26:34 GMT
The older I get, the worse I sleep. I try to be in bed at 10 and wake up at 6. My husband's alarm goes off at 4:30, so I usually wake up then. I usually have no problems falling asleep but an hour later is when I wake up and toss and turn. Usually I'm thinking and worrying about things. I eventually fall back asleep only to wake up an hour or so later and repeat. I seem fine at the beginning of my day and feel awake but by 2 or 3 I run out of energy and have trouble getting things accomplished. I don't work outside the home and am able to catch a nap sometimes, but even that doesn't always help. I don't want to take any medication for this , either. My husband sleeps very well, gets up at 4:30 , leaves for work at 6, works all day and still has energy all evening. I wish I could do that! Anyone else have this problem? Any tips? Weed. Ha. Glad I was here to see this! For the past yr or so I've had chronic stomach issues. Almost 75 pounds down I started smoking because summer heat was about to roll through and I knew I didn't have another pound to sweat off. My mom smoked when she was dying, I was kind of embarrassed by it (thanks mom) and that deterred me from trying it. I've had severe insomnia and sleep paralysis my entire life. Completely gone now. I smoke one bowl and can't recall placing it down. Now oddly my stomach issues aren't as controlled by cannabis. My guess is because I don't have access to the right strain that targets stomach issues.
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Post by blueswede on Oct 12, 2016 18:56:21 GMT
I have tried everything and don't have the ultimate solution yet. However, there is one tip from a psychiatrist that helps with some issues. You talked about having an overactive mind. Calming your mind can sometimes help you sleep. You want to do something boring and repetitive to clear your mind. I like to mentally go through the ABC's with some subject matter (names of books, names of people, etc.)
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Post by mrssmith on Oct 12, 2016 19:43:19 GMT
I think what you describe is pretty common for many women as they get older. I'm going to suggest something different than everyone else -- try getting a good half an hour or so of moderately strenuous physical activity in the late afternoon, or maybe right after dinner. Something like a very brisk (4 mph) walk. You don't want to do it too close to bedtime, and since you don't work, late afternoon would be ideal. Exercise is both a great stress reliever and a great sleep aid, but as you build up endurance, it also gives you more energy. This is what I was going to say. When I go to my fitness classes regularly, I sleep like a log. Save
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