i have really messed up sleep?!

My "night time chatter" is caused by an anxiety disorder. I also have a sleep disorder (although it's sleeping too much, so it's different). So I can make some comments to your situation. Now, here are my pieces of advice, and I would recommend them in this order.

First I would recommend seeing a doctor. I assume since you're in college you have insurance (most colleges require medical insurance) and they may have you see a psychiatrist, they may have you try something like Ambien for a week or two, they may refer you to a sleep specialist. As you note, you don't want your school to suffer, and I'm betting it already is, if only a little.

One thing I wanted to note is that although you say there's nothing you're anxious about, I might challenge you on that. While I don't want to push someone into a diagnosis that's unnecessary or get someone thinking thoughts that end up making them more anxious, it seems to me from your posting you're having anxiety around your sleep issues. And sometimes anxiety manifests itself in different ways that people don't readily consider. It's why I believe it can be important to see a doctor.

Then, I would recommend you start an aerobic workout routine at least five days a week (if you're healthy enough that it won't hurt you). You can work your way up to an hour, but doing this should wear yourself out. You might also consider adding some weight lifting (but make sure you learn to do everything the right way), and I highly recommend ending your workouts with a nice 20 minute (or longer) stretching routine. You might even consider getting a book like Yoga for Dummies which can show you good stretches. By doing this, you should wear yourself out so that your body can't help but fall asleep. People generally report feeling better, sleeping better, just doing better when they workout regularly. (It's also known to reduce anxiety.)

Now, this last recommendation is something most people would disagree with me on, but it's something I've done for years. I have a television in my bedroom with a sleep feature (most people say keep a tv out of your room at all costs). At night when I go to bed, I put in a DVD, usually a cartoon but it's something I've seen many times, something with a lot of talking. I cover my eyes, and instead of thinking about whatever wants to run through my head, I listen to the tv. I usually set it for about an hour, so it doesn't interfere with my sleep later in the night, but it keeps my thoughts from circling at night.

Also, meditation is learned and doesn't just happen right away. It takes practice. I don't know how long you tried or if you really gave it an effort, but perhaps you shouldn't dismiss it yet.

lots of personal experience

same problem here. in the beginning i used benadryl to help me go to sleep when i wanted to, but eventually i got resistant to it, now i am on perscription sleep meds.

I had that problem for awhile, but mine ended up being a symptom of bipolar disorder. Now that I am on meds, I don't have those sleep problems any more,

myself

go to ur doctor, hon. i have chronic insomia and my symptons are like that...

<<Anyone got any idea why my sleeps so messed up and any advice of what to do? >>

Your nervous system is over-stimulated. The nervous system regulates automatic body functions including brain chemistry, thus your mind is affected also. That's known as a toxic encephalopathy (brain illness). I get some of your symptoms if I'm exposed to too many chemicals and so do many other people.

To correct your problem, start by making sure your bedding and pillows are rewashed in only UNSCENTED laundry detergent, rinse twice, and use no fabric softener unless baking soda in the rinse cycle. Go to the answer link below to get more tips on reducing your body's chemical burden. Mental health problems are triggered by environmental illness, which includes diet. It's life style change. Your symptoms mean your nervous system is very sensitive to toxins. For more ideas, online read about chemical sensitivity syndrome aka MCS. Good luck!!

Hey, I've got the same problem here....It's now 2:35am and I am awake. You know I have a nervous breakdown at the moment. I even cried...really, can't take it any longer. It's not like that every night, just 3-4 nights a week, but I have 10-months old baby, who requires lots of attention during a day. He sleeps through the whole night, but hardly sleeps during a day. So I am knackered. But that doesn't help falling asleep. I am definitely going to doctors tomorrow, so I advise you to do the same. The only thing though, I do not want to become addicted to those sleeping pills, as I know that many people do...

same situation