[AliceRain]

Just starting in the past 2 weeks, I've suddenly become restless while doing work. This is becoming a big problem because of school and homework starting. I've never had anything like this before and don't know what's going on. I'll be doing my homework, and suddenly i have this urge to get up and move around. I've started chewing gum to help and listening to music but its not helping much. its not all the time, usually at night which is when i'm most awake. also, i can't get to sleep before midnight. what is wrong with me?

ps: i'm 15. the only time when it goes away completely is when i'm drawing. just a little added info.

[Seabirdanne]

Originally Posted by AliceRain

Just starting in the past 2 weeks, I've suddenly become restless while doing work. This is becoming a big problem because of school and homework starting. I've never had anything like this before and don't know what's going on. I'll be doing my homework, and suddenly i have this urge to get up and move around. I've started chewing gum to help and listening to music but its not helping much. its not all the time, usually at night which is when i'm most awake. also, i can't get to sleep before midnight. what is wrong with me?

ps: i'm 15. the only time when it goes away completely is when i'm drawing. just a little added info.

Since it goes away when you draw, I wouldn't get too worried at this point. I think it might just be your body telling you it needs to burn off some excess physical energy. Perfectly normal -- unless you get a ton of exercise already. If you don't, add some real exercise to your routine. Our bodies weren't designed to be stationary all the time; we're designed to move around -- a lot. Exercise would probably help with the sleep, too -- just don't exercise after 6 p.m. or so. Start a routine to follow every night before bed: watching TV until you get sleepy, reading a book until you get sleepy, etc. If you eat a lot of caffeine and white sugar, cut back on that stuff as much as you can, especially after 6 p.m. Make your bedroom a comforting place to be in, and if you are really stressed about something, stress out in a different room; don't bring that negative energy into your sleep space.

That's all I can think of right now.

[VickiesPath]

Originally Posted by Seabirdanne

Since it goes away when you draw, I wouldn't get too worried at this point. I think it might just be your body telling you it needs to burn off some excess physical energy. Perfectly normal -- unless you get a ton of exercise already. If you don't, add some real exercise to your routine. Our bodies weren't designed to be stationary all the time; we're designed to move around -- a lot. Exercise would probably help with the sleep, too -- just don't exercise after 6 p.m. or so. Start a routine to follow every night before bed: watching TV until you get sleepy, reading a book until you get sleepy, etc. If you eat a lot of caffeine and white sugar, cut back on that stuff as much as you can, especially after 6 p.m. Make your bedroom a comforting place to be in, and if you are really stressed about something, stress out in a different room; don't bring that negative energy into your sleep space.

That's all I can think of right now.

Terrific post, Seabirdanne!

I always have made the mistake of doing mentally challenging things right before trying to go to sleep. WRONG! But, I don't have too many sleep problems.

Seabirdanne's advice is right on target. You want to give your brain a chance to wind down and that goes for your body, too.

I used to get up at 4am when I was in college and study for 2 hours before getting ready for the walk to university. My mind was fresh, my body was ready for stimulation, and the walk really woke me up for my 7:30 class. In the evening, I took a warm bath before bed.

You really can train your mind and body to do what you want them to do, most of the time unless there are medications that alter that. Exercise is great for depression, too.

[jerrymichele]

It sounds like your stressed out. The excecise would really relieve stress.

[FooZe]

Originally Posted by AliceRain

the only time when it goes away completely is when i'm drawing.

Hi AliceRain, welcome to PC!

I was wondering -- does drawing help settle you down no matter what you draw? Or is there something in particular that you're expressing by drawing, that you can't seem to express as well any other way?

[AliceRain]

yeah, i draw manga anime people. i can't really draw anything else =) i also do run twice a week. i think i'm going to start running every day; it sounds like that might help.

[FooZe]

Originally Posted by AliceRain

yeah, i draw manga anime people. i can't really draw anything else =)

I can't draw at all well myself, but I think of manga anime people as harder to draw than a lot of subjects. All the ones I've ever seen have looked emotional and expressive.

[AliceRain]

yeah, it's weird. anime is just easy for me to draw.