[Elsbeth]

My sleep is all screwy and I cant get it settled and fixed. It stared with one night I couldnt sleep and let myself sleep really late the next day. Then I almost had mself back on schedule when I fell asleep one evening and slept for way too long. Now it's just one jumbled mess.

What do other folks do when their sleep cycle gets messy? I really could use advice here...

[JenB]

(((((((((Els))))))))))

The sleep thing really stinks somethings, doesn't it? Between med s/e and the depression, it's amazing that we either get any sleep at all or are ever awake.

When my sleep cycle gets that messed up, I finally get SO frustrated that I force myself to stay awake one day. Boy, is it a FIGHT! I force myself until at least 8pm and then I'll give in and thankfully climb into bed. I'll keep that up for days on end -- no nap. It's even really hard when I'm not in the midst of a cycle (and now when days are shorter and I'm ready for bed by 6pm). But when I can (when I'm not physically sick or in such a bad place where sleep keeps me safe), I tough it out and do what it takes to keep those eyes open.

The other thing I do is that I feel feel I'll never make it or was up really early (either due to my schedule, "help" from the kitties or "just because") I'll sneak in a VERY early and short nap... up by noon or 1pm, so that I'm awake many hours before overnight sleep. I'm always up before 3!

I hope my experiences or "tricks" helps you. It's not sure-fire, but it's been pretty successful. It's not 100% of course, but it's the best I've come up with.

I'd love to hear what works for anyone else!

Blessings,
Jen

[TexanHoney]

My doc has suggested several things. Some work for me, some don't, but maybe they can help someone else.

1. No nap. No sleeping during the day period. No matter what.

2. Nothing goes on in bed but sex and sleep. Don't watch TV, read, snack, anything else. It kind of mentally cues your body that it is rest time.

3. Establish a routine before bed. It can be something as simple as changing into your nightie and brushing your teeth. Whatever it is, always do it. Another mental hint to your body that the day is over.

4. Don't worry. Easier said than done, I know. If you find yourself starting to fret about something, let it go. There is nothing you can do about it right then, so just let it go until the morning. If there is something you can do quickly and easily (like tightening the faucet to shut off that annoying drip) then go do it, and get back to bed ASAP.

5. Don't exercise for at least 3 hours before bedtime.

6. Don't eat or drink for a couple of hours before bed. Eating can give you heartburn, or just make you uncomfortable. Drinking makes you have to get up and go to the bathroom.

If you still can't sleep, just get up. Give it an hour doing something relaxing. Then repeat your bedtime routine and get back in bed.

[jane_l]

Hey Elsbeth:)

Sleep schedules! I don't think I've EVER been on a regular sleep schedule. The only thing that helps me "reset" is to wake up early the next day (like 7am or something unusual for me) and stay up ALL DAY until a respectable bedtime like 9pm. This usually works as when I'm screwed up sleep wise...I might be staying up until 4 or 5 or later!

This usually only works if I glom onto one of my family members for the day...and schedule lots of stuff to do so I'm not tempted to sit on the couch and pass out in front of the TV.

To be honest though....my main problem has ALWAYS been staying awake. I seem to pass out anywhere!

Cheers - JL