Things that help me sleep

[alexask]

I may be suffering from Early stage Parkinson's so have a tendency to wake up in the middle of the night. At the moment I have managed to overcome most of my sleep issues. Here are a few things that have helped:

1. Drumming yourself to sleep - saw this Ted talk recently.

youtube.com/watch?v=A5dE25A...(Not working as expected?)

Drum your fingers lightly to a favourite beat of yours - it might be part of a song. Then after a time slow it down then slow it down again. Keep on doing it until you are too tired to continue.

2. Make sure you get lots of light during the day. Failing that get a Vitamin D + K supplement ( you need the K for heart health).

3. Exercise - walking, running whatever - need to do some during the day. Get a fitbit or similar. 10,000 steps is the minimum if you can. If you can do above 15,000 you should be tired enough.

4. A cold shower before going to bed. Not for everyone, but if I haven't done any exercise I have to do 30 minutes on a stationary bike, which heats me up. A cold shower to cool me down helps me sleep. Keeping the bedroom as cold as possible also helps.

5. Not eating too late. Ideally no food after 7pm if not earlier

6. Alcohol destroys sleep. I love beer and wine, but try and keep it down to Friday and Saturdays. If I don't I suffer.

7. Meditation - Focus on your breathing - I count my breaths out. . I rarely make it past 200.

8. According to my tribal theory If you are above 45 you are not supposed to sleep all night anyway. You were supposed to keep watch at some stage during the night. Try and catch up during the day.

9. Social enagagement always helps. Failing that If you live alone watch something amusing before going to bed. The odd Graham Norton clip or anything from would I lie to you

10. A not too interesting book helps. One once you put it down you find it hard to pick it up again.

[Exbury1905]

Hi alexask, drumming is powerful and can induce an hypnotic state.

Have you tried hypnosis to help you sleep? I have REM sleep disorder and have used hypnotherapy for about 15 years. In the beginning I saw a hypnotherapist who, after discussing my problems, put me into an hypnotic state during which she made a CD of her 'script' - the words she used to put me under. I listen to this tape every night,

Good luck

[alexask in reply to Exbury1905]

Have tried hypnosis tapes previously and they are somewhat helpful. But no where near as effective as the drumming for me.

[Exbury1905 in reply to alexask]

Great to hear that the drumming works for you.