I really wish this post related to some fated romantic meeting, but alas, no. I can't sleep. Pretty much every night. Some of it's due to pain (shoulder, elbow, wrist, lower back), and I think some of it is adoption anxiety, but mostly, my brain will just not shut the hell off!
I've always had a little trouble sleeping but this is getting ridiculous. Generally, I wait til I'm so tired I'm drooping before I hit the sack, so I'll go right to sleep. Lately, not so much. When I finally go to bed, I lay there. And then I look at the clock. And then I lay there some more. And then I toss. And then I turn. And then I look at the clock. And then I squirm around some more. Finally after about an hour and half (and after waking G. up at least once) I go downstairs to the couch. Where I lay there. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
The last couple of weeks it's been at least 4am before I get to sleep. The good news is that when I do sleep, I sleep like the dead. Alarm clocks and phones don't phase me. I hear them, I turn them off, and I stumble back into bed not realizing that I've silenced the only things in the house that have a chance in hell of waking me up in time to go to work. These guys are only too happy that Mom is sleeping in. Bastards. Today, I didn't wake up until 10:30. Yeah, I'm supposed to be in at 9. Good thing they're not terribly observant. One of these days I'm going to get my ass fired for something stupid like that.
I've tried everything I can think of. Advil, check. Benedryl, check. Wine, check. Hot bath, check. Hot tea, check. So far, the only thing that has really worked were a muscle relaxer and a pain pill (for the back issues). I went right to sleep, but then I have the same issues in the morning. I don't want a sleeping pill if it can be avoided for the same reasons. Last night, after about 2 hours, I actually tried counting sheep. #1 leapt nimbly over the picket fence. So did #2-#9. Poor #10 caught a hoof on the top rail and tumbled end over fluffy end down the hill. I mean, I'm pretty sure I'm screwed when I can't even clear my mind long enough to count 10 sheep without causing one of them serious bodily injury.
What's a girl to do? Any ideas that won't contribute to my zombie-like morning tendencies? Really folks, speak up. I need some help here.
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I'm a seasoned insomniac myself. Oddly, other than drugs, what I've found that works best for me is warm milk. They've got this mix in Chai stuff that doesn't have any sugar or caffeine and it makes nasty warm milk taste really good.
Chai is yummy. I'll have to try it. What else ya got???
I'm a warm milk drinker. My grandmother swore by it! Sorry you are having so much trouble with sleep. That is so hard to deal with.
There's an herbal supplement called Stress J, completely natural and organic and I've had really good luck with it relaxing me enough that I can actually fall asleep (I'm like you, once I'm asleep I'm ok). I also do a ritual type thing at night like take my shower, brush my teeth and then lay down in a dark room and watch tv. It seems to indicate to my mind that it's time to slow it down.
If you're intrested in Stress J, here's the link:
http://www.healthywarehouse.com/nsplabel/1084.asp
Have you tried Melatonin? It's an over the counter supplement. Worked for me.
Someone IRL recommended Melatonin to me yesterday, as well. I found some at the drug store, so I guess I will be trying that next. The Stress J looks interesting too. Hops and Chamomile, I get, but passion flower..who knew? I'll keep that one on the back burner. Thanks for all the great suggestions, ladies!
Melatonin for sleep. Just be sure to take it like half an hour before you plan to go to sleep. I've found that works best. I also liked St. John's Wort for anxiety, although nothing seems to really be helping my adoption-induced anxiety lately. Sweet dreams!
Tylenol PM knocks me right out. You don't feel tired in the AM either. It probably would help with the back pain too.
The melatonin seems to be working. I found some at Walgreens and started it earlier in the week, along with some hot herbal tea w/milk. The very first night my mind went "oh, it must be time to sleep", and then very happily did. YAY for melatonin! Again, thanks for all great suggestions.
How did I miss the dog pix?? Those are great! And do you actually mean to say that they LET you sleep in... with no frantic prancing and pawing and "get the fuck out of bed, already, ma!"?? Glad to hear the melatonin was working for ya... I'd heard good things, too, but luckily have no problems in the sleep department.
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