Adult Sleep Not So Much

My chiropractor recommended Vitamin D3, at least 2000 mg a day. "They" are considering upping the Daily Value from 200-400 a day to 2000-4000 a day! It helped me with my poor sleeping, concentration and stress management. Do a little research online, it's interesting.

Once up and your bed is made in the morning, a)do not sit in for reading, b)do not watch television there either, you may consider mattress topper for added comfort when sleeping, your pillows may need to be replaced, c)Yoga restorative could help in quieting your body, d)no drink containing caffeine or smoking for four hours prior to sleep.

Whenever it is your time to unwind lavender saches under the pillow or in a bath should lull you to sleep. Yoga did it for me mostly though, the breathing techniques are a big hit. Try not to take light sedatives, warm milk sometimes still work and chamomile tea with honey might hit the spot.

I've woke up around 2. Went back to sleep and I'm now awake (6am) for the day. I've really tried to track what triggers my sleeplessness. I have found that if I have not eaten enough the previous day- for instance have not had a proper breakfast(include protein), good lunch, snack around 4pm and full dinner. Sometimes I don't realize I'm hungry--but if I have a slice of toast and warm milk it will help me get back to sleep. This happens sometimes even if I have a large dinner, but did not eat enough during the day. This can happen so easily when you are distracted/kept busy by children or work.
Alcohol definitely impacts my sleep. A small glass of wine with dinner helps me sleep, but anything more then that wakes me up. I have also cut back on my caffeine intake. Watch the coffee/tea, especially if your busy and having a cup of coffee instead of food.
Hormones also play a HUGE role in sleep. I am in my mid forties and definitely perimenopausal. Just prior to my periods I have begun to have episodes of sleeplessness (my body temperature is off too). I have to really pay attention to my cycle. Ask your obgyn about this. Many of my friends around my age or older have been complaining of sleeplessness as well. Homonal changes have an impact.
A homeopathic doctor told me to make sure to get enough calcium and magnesium. She said to take a cal/mag supplement prior to bedtime (it's ok to take it w/o food if you're not sensitive). Also, gentle stretching to relieve muscle tension. I also try to do yoga 2x per week.
Of course being a mother is probably the #1 reason for sleeplessness. How can you NOT worry?? My daughter also had some delays. She's great now (age 8). So I guess do whatever you can to help your child and then feel good knowing you did it!

Do you drink coffee or soda during the day cut it out of your diet. ALso before bed drink something soothing milk naturally makes you tired try reading before bed as well. And make sure that during the day you get plenty of exercise you might not be doing enough stimulating things during the day to make you tired at night.
Good luck and just relax it will happen.
From H.

You didn't mention your age, because age can have something to do with it if you're old enough to be going through perimenopause. It can also be too much caffene or lack of exercise. Another thing that can cause it are certain vitamins.

Hi Alison,

I think insomnia is pretty common in mommies! It doesn't necessarily have a medical cause. I used to take half of one tylenol PM (so, 1/4 of a dose) and even that made me groggy. Now when I need it I take melatonin, which we produce in our bodies to regulate sleep. You put a little melatonin pill under your tongue and it makes you feel really relaxed and drowsy and, at least for me, doesn't make me feel groggy in the morning. You can get it at Whole Foods and other health stores.

Good luck!

Dear Alison something times when someone don't sleep they have things on there mind that are bothering try not to think too much try to sleep in different place in your house

I dont know how old you are but i am 48 and have been going threw this for years pre menopause. Also its emotional what ever is happening in my life good or bad effects my sleep. sometimes a 1/2 hr walk at night helps
sweet dreams

Alison,

I do not know what is b/c pill , but have you tried working out 1/2 hour a day. It does not have to be a gym. You could go for a fast walk or jog a day. I found that when I felt like that, starting a workout routine made me more tired at night allowing me to sleep better. Hope that works.

Jennifer T

Hi Alison ... same problem here ... you're probably not getting enough "deep" sleep through the night. My doctor (a Neurologist) is recommending a sleep study, where they monitor my sleep through the night. In the meantime, my sister-in-law recommended an herbal sleep aid (and believe me, I've tried everything), and it works! It's called Sleep MD, and you can get it at Walmart or any pharmacy, but Walmart has the best price--I think it's about $14.99--a bit pricier than the other stuff, but at least it works, and I don't feel like a zombie in the morning. Anyway ... if you're interested in a sleep study to get to the root of the problem, you may want to see a Neurologist. I'll eventually go for the study--when I have some time! Good luck in the meantime!
-T

Hi Alison,

If you continue to have trouble sleeping, you might want to try a sleep clinic.

Are you taking naps in the afternoon to catch up? This is what I used to do, now that I stopped, I sleep much better.

Do not drink caffeine after 3:00 p.m., that includes soda.
Wine and other alcohol beverages can also impair sleep. I cannot sleep after drinking wine.

Wishing you a good night sleep.

Sarah

Well, here I am - up since 3:30; I get to sleep fine, but cannot stay asleep. I was diagnosed with Restless leg syndrome.. Most of the time the medication works; But when I have a really stressful day, I don't sleep well...
Is there any way you can have a sleep analysis? That may help determine what's going on.

I sympathize. For me, it helped to have a good workout. I always sleep well on the days I make it to the health club. I also take a warm bath a few hours before going to bed.

Good luck.

M.

Try a product called Rescue Sleep, all natural spray. They also produce one called Rescue Remedy and other products. They have a Web site just type in Rescue Remedy.com and look into it. I have found it in our local grocery stores at the check out where they put the candy or other small items, in Latham, NY. It comes in a small spray container. I think GNC carries it as well.
Good Luck and hopefully pleasant dreams.

Hi,
Have you checked yourself for candida? I also had problems with sleep among other issues. Got blood work done also--all normal. I tried a candida cleanse and it definitely helped resolve my sleep issues. Do a google search on the morning spit test to see if you do have candida and check out other symptoms. I just thought it was from being a new mom but you can feel a lot better than you think! Pregnancy can make you vulnerable to this.

Threelac is the cleanse I used and it has been a godsend.

Good luck!