I need help with my sleeping problem?!
Question: well i go to sleep almost every night around 1 in the morning and wake up around 7 a.m. i go to sleep late because i am always doing something either watching t.v./watching a movie or listening to my ipod or i am on the computer. i always wake up feeling restless and stressed. but i have been going to sleep at this hour sometimes even at 2 a.m. since the longest that my body and mind are already used to this but i have gotten to the point where it has been affecting my health because now i get stressed, fatigue and i worry alot and its starting to affect my job because i am always late.
so my question is: what can i do to go to bed early and get my full 8 hours of sleep and start a helthy sleeping pattern?
Answers: well i go to sleep almost every night around 1 in the morning and wake up around 7 a.m. i go to sleep late because i am always doing something either watching t.v./watching a movie or listening to my ipod or i am on the computer. i always wake up feeling restless and stressed. but i have been going to sleep at this hour sometimes even at 2 a.m. since the longest that my body and mind are already used to this but i have gotten to the point where it has been affecting my health because now i get stressed, fatigue and i worry alot and its starting to affect my job because i am always late.
so my question is: what can i do to go to bed early and get my full 8 hours of sleep and start a helthy sleeping pattern?
During the evening hours, it's best to NOT be 'engaged' in a mentally stimulating activity like what you've mentioned. Allow yourself time between tv watching, music or computer time and an earlier than usual bedtime. You didn't mention if you nap or not during the day, if so the nap has to disappear so that you'll not be wide awake at night. If you don't nap, it may take a while for your body clock to 'reset'.
For example, if you want to be in bed and asleep at say, 11:30 pm, then try this...eat dinner around 6, as opposed to later in the evening. Enjoy your computer, tv, etc until around 10:00 at the latest, then spend the rest of the evening relaxing, going into a more calm state, perhaps a warm bath or soothing shower would help to relax, even relaxing music as opposed to something that demands your attention would be a good activity.
If you stick to a schedule, no naps and eliminate the mental activity late in the evenings, your mind will probably 'quiet' down enough for you to fall asleep sooner.
Some people use melatonin or common allergy medication such as Benadryl as a sedative and it generally is not habit forming.
I had the same issue, I just needed to get my awake/asleep times on a more liveable schedule, at least that helped me keep a job and my kids in school on time! =o)
Setting the stage for a good night