Is My Sleeping Clock Messed Up? Why Does My Body Want to Sleep and Wake Up at Su!
Question: I'm only 17, so I understand my body is going through changes blah, blah, blah, blah - but seriously, if I went to bed when my body wanted me to, I'd be going to be at 3 AM in the morning and waking up at noon! Obviously I can't do this often because of school, so on most school nights I go to bed aourn 1:30 - 2:30 and then take about a four hour nap after school. I'm trying to break the habit, but its really difficult! Any advice on how to sleep and wake up like a normal person? Are their people out there that have different "Sleeping Clocks", or do I just need to suck it up and try harder to change?
Answers: I'm only 17, so I understand my body is going through changes blah, blah, blah, blah - but seriously, if I went to bed when my body wanted me to, I'd be going to be at 3 AM in the morning and waking up at noon! Obviously I can't do this often because of school, so on most school nights I go to bed aourn 1:30 - 2:30 and then take about a four hour nap after school. I'm trying to break the habit, but its really difficult! Any advice on how to sleep and wake up like a normal person? Are their people out there that have different "Sleeping Clocks", or do I just need to suck it up and try harder to change?
I am 52 years old, retired and disabled, but your question hit a note with me for the same reason.
When I retired, became divorced I just wanted to stay in a lot and began to stay up late and sleep late. It has gotten so I think I have ruined my natural sleep pattern.
There are nights that go into mornings late as 4,5, 6 am before I sleep. Then I sleep half or more the day through afterwards.
I am trying to retrain myself, but I can "make" myself lie down earlier and just lie there for hours.
I cannot seem to break the pattern, although I have none of the obligations you do.
I certainly hope you find more answers, as I will be following your post.
By the way, I canNOT take daytime naps for some reason...I mean I have never been able to, even when way overtired. This has been throughout my life, not just during this time I have gotten sleep patterns skewed.
Interesting question...
those sunshine alarm clocks are great - but kinda pricey. i'd say they're worth it though. they might not work for everyone but they do for me.
try and get into a good routine by having a warm bath/cocoa whatever and going to bed a little bit earlier each night til you can sleep at a normal-ish time. at the same time try to stop or at least cut down on the daytime nap then you'll feel sleepy earlier in the evening. maybe have a bit of caffine when you get in from school - or just have a short nap and set an alarm.
I'm also 17 and just had a case of insomnia, but I've gotten over it. I hope these suggestions will help:
Excercise instead of nap. This will wake you up and make you more tired later. Simple things like bouncing on a rebounder or going for a walk, chores might do it too.
Relax before bedtime. Winding down by reading a book and listening to soothing music will tell your body it's time to sleep.
Instead of hitting snooze, turn on a lamp. Your inner clock responds to light, so turning a light on in the morning will help wake you and get you on an ideal schedule.
Good luck solving this problem.