Moderated by
Lisa Groesz, PhD
Psychologist
With evidenced based therapies, we find the root of the problem together to implement solutions. We all face crises, transitions, or disorders at some time.
Top Rated Answers
Insomnia could be caused by a wide variety of issues. First and foremost, I would highly recommend consulting a doctor to ensure any medications you're taking do not exhibit trouble sleeping as a side-effect.
To tackle the issue, I would highly recommend seeking our guide (Which, is also used in professional settings) located here: https://www.7cups.com/sleeping-well/ The reason I reference this is because insomnia could be caused by many different issues including, but not limited to: stress, anxiety, medical conditions, depression, poor sleep habits, scheduling (work, school, exercising timing, etc), enviornment changes, substance abuse or substance intake (caffeine, drugs, alcohol), eating habits, and so on and so forth. The guide provided helps you identify some of these possible issues and allows you to objectively (partially) view all of these variables. I should note, however, no one would be more qualified than your doctor or professional.
Insomnia is a serious issue because sleep is so important to the body and psych. It can be as simple as shutting your television and electronics to as severe as a symptom of something more serious. The risk factors are also serious, leading to lower performance in your school or professional career, obesity, irritability, "Increased risk and severity of long-term diseases or conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes," and many other issues.
However, if you're reading this then the good part is you're taking a proactive approach in reaching out. That, in itself, is a solid first step. :)
Insomnia can be hard and exhausting to deal with. Trying to relax before going to bed, not watching TV, drinking some warm milk and taking a hot relaxing bath before going to bed are some things you can do to try to sleep at night.
Anonymous
December 19th, 2014 3:34am
The best way to get over insomnia is to find out what is causing it and work through those problems. Also try to make your sleeping space a place that you want to be.
Anonymous
December 19th, 2014 9:01am
I suffered from insomnia, I would feel restless and could not sleep so I started doing meditation to calm my mind and i also read some lighthearted novels and soothing music and avoided any kind of distress before going to sleep
I've struggled with insomnia lately. Personally, the practics that are working for me are diaphragmatic breathing , wich helps me to relax and escape from all my thoughts , and then the imaginery exercise , which makes me feel calm and safe , and slowly I am begining to fall in a deep great sleep. Thanks to these exercise I am begining to get over insomnia and it's really effective.
Anonymous
December 19th, 2014 9:06pm
Good sleep habits lay the foundation for good sleep. Those being: go to sleep when you feel tired, sleep in complete darkness, no computer or phone screens an hour before bed, keep your bedroom cool.
Anonymous
December 23rd, 2014 11:12pm
I like to get out of bed and drink some chamomille tea. I try to stay away from my bed until I feel sleep so I don't associate the bed with tossing and turning and only a good night's sleep. Progressive relaxation also helps!
It depends on what is causing your insomnia. In most cases, it's anxiety and so learning to cope with your anxiety is the first step to helping with your insomnia. There are many exercises and techniques out there to help with this, and getting to the bottom of why this anxiety exists is also important.
Personally, putting away electronics before bedtime, reading a book and taking melatonin helped me get over insomnia.
The best way to get over insomnia is to start by asking yourself why you can't sleep. When I was dealing with insomnia I was stressed out during the evenings because I was scared for what would happen the day after. When I discovered that was the reason I couldn't sleep, I could figure out a way to feel less stress.
try different things and find out what helps best for you. For example read a book before you go to sleep, watch your favourite TV Show. What is good too if you talk to someone, let your thoughts get out of your head.
Anonymous
July 26th, 2015 6:49pm
1. There's insomnia caused by external factors - which can often be treated using little tips such as taking a bath, exercising regularly, having the correct type of mattress, being in a comfortable temperature, ensuring there is no light.
2. Then there's insomnia caused by brain chemical deficiencies - which can only be treated with medication.
Anonymous
November 17th, 2015 9:15am
I personally think suppressing your yawns helps tremendously, when you yawn it's basically your body telling you you need more oxygen to make your heart go out of sleep mode, not yawning will keep your heart from speeding up its beating. Melatonin is also great, low risk medicine since melatonin is something that is naturally produced by your body.
To speak with your mental health professional or your local GP to organise a plan for you that may include sleeping, eating or exercising changes. In some cases they may administer medication.
I have dealt insomnia for almost 6 months. So I will answer it based on what worked for me. These are some common things, I will list it here -
Listening to melody/your favorite playlist before you go to sleep.
Avoiding watching screen TV, mobile, pc/laptop.
Eating dinner properly less spicy and avoiding tangy and difficult to digest food items.
Its going to be MOST IMPORTANT - You have to be tired because I used to do nothing during the day so at night, I couldn't sleep until morning...only around 5 am. Taking up physical exercises like walking, cycling, helped. You might try anything that helps you. These are all based on my experience. Hope this helps you.
Time is what helped me. I also eventually learned not to stress so much when I wasn’t sleeping, but that took therapy, appropriate medications, and feeling like I could control my life and schedule to get there. I also found some helpful apps. Sometimes finding someone to talk to is helpful because you can get your mind off of sleep—obsessing over sleep leads to less sleep! Sometimes taking a shower and redoing your bedtime routine helps. If you live in a dorm or in a city, looking out your window and seeing everyone else who has their lights on can remind you that you are not the only one who is awake, and that can help. Basically, stop focusing on going back to sleep and try to alleviate your anxiety x
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