by Janet Hughes

Created on: May 16, 2008

Ways to Get a Better Night's Sleep.

I am chronically sleep deprived. And like many of you out there, looking for a better night's sleep, I have tried all the un-medicated tricks in the book. My bedroom is a dark cavern to ensure the slightest bit of light is not disrupting my sleep. My alarm clock is on the other side of the room, facing away from me, to ensure that it is not distracting me nor are its electromagnetic waves interfering with my sleep patterns. I go to bed at the same time every night, after following my familiar wind down routine. I ensure that I don't drink anything after 7pm so that I will not be called to the washroom in the middle of the night. I get up at the same time each day. I get adequate amounts of exercise but always before 4pm to help my system settle naturally at night. I do all of these things, and still, I am starring at my ceiling for hours on end most nights.

Actually starring at the ceiling is not entirely true. I am not insomniac type sleep deprived. No it is more like restless, thought filled, sleep deprived. I settle in each night, and begin to drift off, and then the thoughts kick in. Revisiting events from the day. Sorting out how they could have gone better; what to do next time; what I should have said instead. Worrying and wondering about events in the future. What will happen; will it be wonderful; how can I make sure it is; what if it isn't. The thoughts spin on and on and on. It is like I am trapped in this half dream state where I toss and turn without ever really settling into a deep sleep. And then the alarm is sounding and feeling exhausted I head off for another day, already hoping for a nap and it's only 8am.

This was my nightly routine for years on end. It lead to a lowered immune system and being sick all the time. I didn't enjoy socializing because I was terrified that disrupting my routine would lead to even less sleep. I spent every spare minute catching a nap rather than doing the things I enjoyed. My life became totally centered around when I could go back to sleep and the hope that this time I would sleep soundly enough to feel rested. I was convinced that 3 or 4 days at an isolated retreat where my only priority was to sleep endlessly would fix me right up. Of course a little part of me knew there was more to it.

Then one day I had had enough. That was it. I went to see a naturopathic doctor for some help. She offered meds, but I wasn't interested. And then she suggested keeping a journal by my bed and

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>