Re: Sleep
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mr300</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hi all! I'm needing some help. Basically, I don't sleep well anymore. I can get eight hours of sleep and wake up feeling like I can barely get out of bed. I can get five hours of sleep and feel the same way. I'm nearly at the end of my rope trying to get some quality rest. I've tried drinking and self-medicating, but to no avail. And the last thing I want is to go see a Doc. Maybe someone out there in the Hide has some advice for this constantly tired individual.</div></div>
Sorry that you are really desperate about your sleeping, but as mentioned above, if you don't have quality sleep, the odds are good there is either medical issue like not getting into REM stage IV sleep, or sleep apnea. Sleep apnea isn't just about sleep, it also can be accompanied by hypoxia - meaning low oxygen to your brain which is actually a health hazard not just to your sanity but also to your heart). Only a sleep study can sort that out. The above post about snoring, snorting-sounds, gasping for breath, are all indicators of possible sleep apnea is correct. Sometimes is might be from something mechanical in your upper airway - like nose or uvula that can be surgically addressed, even more rarely there are treatable, benign brain tumors that produce excess Growth Hormone that cause sleep apnea (has you shoe size & hand size been getting larger? Moist, doughy handshake?). Thyroid and low testosterone are hormone that are easy to fix...
Depression or psych issues (stress, PTSD), can present as both insomnia and early morning awakening. Alcohol used to make you drowsy or relax you is not a good solution, you can develop tolerance and it also causes early awakening. Not sleeping well can rob you of your life, job performance, relationships, and your shooting skills! And even when you are feeling tire, stick to a routine, going bed & getting up at the same time, not "sleeping in on weekends" etc. Melatonin, 3-6mg, is harmless.
Recommendations above about keeping a routine before bed (warm shower, chamomile tea, no TV or internet, lavender or eucalpytus linen/room spray) are all good ideas. Also - orient your alarm clock away from your face - staring at clock at 1am, 2am, 3am will not help.