Help sleeping

[han9]

Hello I am new here! I wanted to share some helpful things I do when going to sleep. I know everyone is different and my methods may not work for everyone, but it’s worth a try! I have trouble sleeping all the time. Tonight is one of those nights where even some of my ways don’t work for me (so feel free to help me with your ways as well). I have about 15 sleep apps lol. Many vary from noises to meditations, breathing expertises, stories, etc. The stories seem to be the best for me. They put a vision on my head that makes me fall asleep. I’m used to hearing my ac on when going to bed so that’s my white noise in my room with no lights at all. I like it being completely dark. Also can’t sleep with my feet under the blankets or when it’s hot. Anyone else have these problems?

[BonnieSue Dream Team]

Hi han9,

Welcome to our little community of fellow sleep sufferers! Until a few years ago I never thought I'd be one of us! How about you? Is this new to you also or a lifelong challenge?

[han9 in reply to BonnieSue]

I don’t think it’s been a lifelong challenge. It has gotten worse over the past probably 2-3 years though.

[BonnieSue Dream Team in reply to han9]

Then we are similar...problems sleeping have come primarily over the last few years. Mine have accompanied my diagnosis of bipolar II, a difficult situation to adapt to altogether. It's entailed a change of meds and some relief has been gained that way...but not too much. I've been keeping to a routine of a regular bedtime and finally I have jumped from 0-3 or 3-4 hrs. of sleep nightly to almost 6 hrs. I'm hoping this will last more than a few days but...we'll see. It's been a long, complicated road of trial and error to get this much success. I always use my CPAP, comply with my various prescribed meds, wear a splint for my TMJ. Sounds anything but exciting, right?

What knocks me out at bedtime is quetiapine/Seroquel which is required for the BP II and happens to make me very sleepy. Do you have any such drug prescribed for yourself?

[han9 in reply to BonnieSue]

No I’m not on any medication of any sort. I also have tmj that gives me migraines quite often.

[BonnieSue Dream Team in reply to han9]

Ah, yes, migraines due to TMJ. That makes sense. I'm sorry about that happening to you. Have you been offered a splint to be made for you to wear at night? It really helps a lot. Especially if you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping. Maybe you would do well to have a medication to take for bedtime? There are several that are good and helpful.