[Lizabelle]

i seem to only be able to fall asleep during the day....i cant sleep at night, and then i fall asleep in class. my grades have been dropping so much....and depression so i dont care half of the time really isnt helping me at all.....does anyone have any suggestions on how to pass????? btw, im in middle school, and please no suggestions on sleeping-i have done everything, and just have to catch whatever sleep i can during the day

[englishteacher]

Study at night when you are awake anyway. Ask your teachers if they will allow you to make up any work that you are missing....then do it at night when you are awake anyway.

When I am sleepy in class, I pinch myself to stay awake. I've gone home from a class with deep red marks on the insides of my arms....but it seems to work. Also - drink lots of water. Dehydration will make you tired.

Best wishes - and sweet dreams....

[darco]

Hi

I am a teacher and all I want to do is sleep all day!!.. The only thing that has helped me is to have some type of focus..... If I dont get up and go to work then me students wont get taught and would have to rely on supply teachers.... they don't deserve that because I know I care for them and am good at what I do.

maybe you can find something to focus on too?...it doesn't have to be in the immediate future but maybe something like if you pass your course you will be able to do......

Sometimes when it gets really bad I set goals on a day to day basis...e.g. making sure my citizenship students are able to understand about laws and responsibilities. That is what I focus on and then the rest just seems to fall into place.

Hope it helped a bit

Take care
xx

[Irine]

I i understand you so well! For me it is the mental issue that`s causing the insomnia. I agree with englishteacher - i do work at night, too. If i am awake - why not.

I think in the end all we can do is our best and accept the our limitations. From my experience the harder you fight against something the tougher it becomes (and i know you have a good reason to fight)

[Lizabelle]

those are all really good ideas, thank you all. thats a really good idea, englishteacher, but my parents keep trying to make me sleep anyways, even though they know i cant. water sounds like a good idea though, since pinching doesnt work anymore. again, thank you all for your advice. and ladymacbeth? your last comment was a piece of gold.

[Fresia]

I have insomnia and have had it since I was little. In middle and high school, I would (and now) take a tape recorder to class so I won't miss out on anything. You have to get the teachers' permissions to do this though for each class and most are very understanding. Then I would listen to it at night during the times I can't get my sleep pattern turned around. Might as well make it productive and do homework/study then too. Perhaps this might help.

My folks and I also talked to the teachers to let them know this was going on and that helped for in-class participation issues when that became a factor too; so I could volunteer when was functioning but had to make a point to do so whenever I could so it was not an excuse to hide behind. Still had to know the material. Also, are you allowed to chew gum or have candy by chance? I can now of course, it helps or if not to use a rubber band on my wrist to snap or play with.

I know you don't want sleep tips, but if you change your mind, feel free to p.m. me.

[billieJ]

I have my days and nights mixed up, as well. As a student, it must be particularly frustrating for you. I agree with those above that studying or playing a recording of classes at night when you are awake would be helpful. When you get through your school years, put "outstanding ability to do night shift work" on your resume! I don't know what causes this, but I have heard that some people have this as a "natural" sleep pattern. That doesn't mean it can't be changed if you are willing. Even knowing you don't want sleep suggestions [I, too, dislike the "bedtime routine" tips], I will offer this: I lie on one side, with bottom arm holding a book, which distracts me enough to stop the "I can't sleep" turmoil. Very often this leads to sleep, or at least I get body rest. Best of luck from one who empathizes. billieJ

[Lizabelle]

thanks guys! its really nice to know that i have some support here. i will see about the tape recorder-sounds like a great idea! now all i have to do is convince my parents to stop trying to get me to sleep.......hehe
and unfortunately, Fresia, we're not allowed to have candy or gum.....but the rubber band might work!
thanks again

[Fresia]

Toughgirl,
Don't give up on sleep. It is not overrated. There are times when it is not possible though and use them to your advantage when sleep eludes you. But keep trying b/c 1. you can never actually 'make-up' sleep by getting more of it later and 2. it is SO critical to get it. I know you've said you've tried everything but there are things in your daily routine which can make a difference too which can alter your patterns to cycle you back especially if you are experiencing drowsiness during the day. This is a good indication there are other things that might help. Please consider this.

[Quaint]

Same here.
It's impossible for me to sleep at night, I usually fell asleep only around 5 AM... And sometimes I keep oversleeping my lectures and it's getting really annoying. I don't want to sleep through all my days. Though I like to sleep , but I would like to be able to do that at nights, not during the days.
I tried everything. I tried listening to relaxing music while trying to fell asleep, I tried pills called "night rest" (just simple pills with valerian), tried to exercise hard during the day so that I would be exhausted when the night comes but even this didn't helped...
It got worst suring the last couple of months, though it started couple of years ago, during my last years at school... when actually most of my problems started... :S

[Lizabelle]

well, Fresia, ok. I don't think sleep is overrated.....just want to do things when I can't sleep. I love sleep; it just evades me all to often during the night. And yeah, Quaint.....I know what you mean. I'm going to try some OTC melatonin as soon as I can, and see if that helps.

[alexe3831]

I have found that if i just rad for an hour or so i fall right asleep