Stuggling with insomnia

[James.F]

I have been stuggling with sleep for many year's and lately it has been even more difficult.I know they say you should try and avoid the quick fix..ie sleeping pills.Well i finnally reached a point that i had to see the doc for some sleeping aids.I was so tired and worn out that it was effecting my recovery to the point of wanting to give up.I only have enough for a few day's to try and recharge myself so to speak.I know they say sleep pattern's will return after some serious clean time(had 15 months before)and my sleeping did not improve.I suffer from depression and will be seeing another doctor in a couple week's to help me with that.I know the pills are not the answer but i finally had the best sleep ive had in year's and i feel so much better today than ive felt in weeks.My lack of getting proper sleep will have a huge say in my recovery and if anyone has any thought's on that i would really like to hear from you.Have a great day and i will try to have one to.James.F...feely much better today:289:

[Chewi]

Once I am off alcohol for a couple days I am very fortunate that I am able to sleep again. I'm sorry you are having a hard time.

On sleeping pills: it is best to have a doctor if one is available who understands addiction, who you are honest with, and can work with you on the best kinds of meds, hopefully on a temporary basis.

What all the "old wives" (like me!!! ha ha!!!) would tell you to try: get a lot of physical exercise, but not too close to bed time. Avoid caffeine, especially later in the day. Don't eat too much too close to bed time. But, do try warm milk or a little bit of vanilla ice cream or a little piece of cheese.

Read something calming an relaxing. Take a warm bath or shower just before bed (the cooling process helps your body to relax.) Nothing too stimulating before bed: no emotional TV/movies or computer games.

Write down your problems or worries in a journal or on a piece of paper. Close the journal or put the piece of paper in your "God Box." This is handing over this problem to your higher power to handle for you, maybe just for now. You can pick up this issue tomorrow if you need to deal with it, but give it up for now, so you can rest.

Don't absolutely fight sleep. Get up and watch something calming, read something calming. Write in a journal, as long as it isn't adding to your worries or concerns. Once you get tired enough, you will finally sleep.

Maybe some of these or a combination can help. Best of luck to you. Don't give up -- it will get better. The promises do come true, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. One day at a time. Spiritual progress, not perfecton. God bless!

[sioux]

I have had insomnia to some degree all my life. I finally figured out when it started and why, and that didn't help at all.

I know that summertime it is worst; I sleep when I can get it because I have that luxury, and I don't fight it when I can't. However, it has gotten better and here are the things I have done.

When it's evening, lights are out, shades are drawn, sounds go waaaay down. I don't watch violent or disturbing tv in the evening; if I didn't have a family we wouldn't have it on at all. No rock and roll, I don't read violent books, etc. (Big Book is a great nighty-night book, especially stories in the back).

Lavendar is a great relaxing aroma that can be difused or sprayed on sheets, and I make sure that I have neither a full nor empty stomach. Sleepy time tea is helpful too.

And I try to keep regular hours getting up and going to bed at the same time.

Hope these are helpful.