Twelve year old insomniac (or almost, at least)?!
Question: I cannot sleep. And of course I have school tomorrow. This isn't just a one-time thing though I mean I can almost never fall asleep when I need to. Ok:
I was ready for bed at 9:00. I read until 9:30. Then, I realized that I should try falling asleep (because even at 9:00 I am only getting 9 hours of sleep and I know I would be tired the next morning) so I tried sleeping. Of course it did not work so I turned on the light and read another page and tried sleeping again. Didn't work. Got up and read until 10:20. So for the next two hours it was a mixture of reading and crying until at 11 I decided that if I were still awake to go ask my mom what I should do. She said no one has ever died from not getting enough sleep and that I can do whatever I want until I am dead tired. I am 12 years old, it is almost 12:30 am right now, and I have to "get up" at 6:00 am. Any suggestions? And by the way, I normally don't fall asleep very easily on any school night.
Answers: I cannot sleep. And of course I have school tomorrow. This isn't just a one-time thing though I mean I can almost never fall asleep when I need to. Ok:
I was ready for bed at 9:00. I read until 9:30. Then, I realized that I should try falling asleep (because even at 9:00 I am only getting 9 hours of sleep and I know I would be tired the next morning) so I tried sleeping. Of course it did not work so I turned on the light and read another page and tried sleeping again. Didn't work. Got up and read until 10:20. So for the next two hours it was a mixture of reading and crying until at 11 I decided that if I were still awake to go ask my mom what I should do. She said no one has ever died from not getting enough sleep and that I can do whatever I want until I am dead tired. I am 12 years old, it is almost 12:30 am right now, and I have to "get up" at 6:00 am. Any suggestions? And by the way, I normally don't fall asleep very easily on any school night.
My mother had insomnia fram ages 9-60. Two hours of sleep was a GOOD night. Some nights she didn't sleep at all. She ached from fatigue. She FINALLY found help through a sleep clinic. Today she sleeps 7 hours a night. It's the closest thing to a miracle I've ever seen. She's 79-years young and well-rested. She went on a "circadian shecdule." I will explain.
How long has this been going on? Try drinking warm milk before bed. When you are trying to fall asleep, don't think about yourself at all. Think about a movie you saw, or a TV show you watched, or a book you read or are reading.
If none of these work you have to go on a "circadian schedule." (Like my Mom.) This means you set the alarm for 6am EVERY day. NAPPING DURING THE DAY IS NOT ALLOWED. The bed is only for sleeping. If you know you need 9 hours of sleep a night to feel rested, go to bed at 9pm. If you like 10 hours of sleep, go to bed at 8pm. You must keep the same schedule 7 days a week. You will be tired the first few nights. It's not going to be easy in the beginning. But if you keep to this schedule, you will train your brain. Set the alarm clock across the room, so on weekends you won't get back in bed! This is a big step to take. Because there will times when you're older that you'll want to stay out later than 9pm.
So you have to decide if you want to do this. The sleep doctor also put my Mom on 200mgs of Elavil, which is for sleeping AND Depression. If this has been going on for years, you are probably depressed and don't know it. You might want to talk to a doctor about this. There are some new non-habit forming sleeping meds. Lunesta or Ambien CR might help you. Or the vitamin Melatonin helps many people.
So you have a lot to think about. you may want to see your regular doctor, or go to a sleep clinic. I wish I knew how long this has been going on. E-mail me ANYTIME. There IS help for you, honey. So no more crying. Things are looking up. I wish you nothing but good luck. :)
Its not your sleep, but what your doing before it
Nothing to eat or drink 3 hours before bed
no caffeine 5 hours before
wait one week and adjust as required
No naps
wow i have been in that spot many times:(
the last time i had it my parents thought i was having a panic attack because i keep waking up in cold sweat, and i kept crying and was all scared. so i took something to calm me down so and i fell asleep. but if your not nervous about something and just cant sleep id suggest
1. stay up really late and then wake up really early does it for me lol
2, try drinking some of that special tea that is supossed to put you to sleep.
and try to figure out wat my be causing this .
goodluck :)
Get melatonin from your grocery store in the vitamin section. It is a natural substance that helps you fall asleep. You can also try benedryl to make you drowsy.
no caffiene period that includes chocolate too. More water