[lxegirl]

For a while now it's been taking me (what seems like) Forever to fall asleep. I'm tired. I've always been a really light sleeper since i was a kid. But also recently i've woken up several times, and some nights i have to get out of bed and make myself even more tired to fall asleep again. I'm on sleep meds but it only makes me sleep through the night, and i have energy in the morning...that lasts me about 2 hours until i'm ready to go back to sleep? Does anyone know if depression could cause this, Or is it another problem? Any suggestions?

[perpetuallysad]

I sounds like depression to me. When I am really down, all I want to do is sleep, like I have zero energy and even less motivation.

[allalone2]

I am having sleeping issues also. My eyes are so heavy and yet I can't seem to close them. I turn the TV on hoping to fall asleep but that keeps me up, I turn it off but the silence is to overbearing. I can't take sleep meds cause I have two little kids I need to be there for if they need me. I just don't see a way out of this cycle

[Okami]

A lot of the time, it seems that depression can interfere severely with sleeping patterns and could very well be an issue as to why you can't sleep too well these days. Also, I don't know too much about sleeping meds but I do know someone who will take them, sleep awhile, wake up feel fine and then be drained again right after. Its so hard to pin point specific problems these days. Also, with the stress of society and just generally out fast paced busy lives don't make it easy.

Do you use the computer or engage in any other activity that involves light similar to that of a computer screen right before bed? If so - it can make it a lot harder to fall asleep quickly. You could try sitting in bed and reading or doodling or something that interests you thats incredibly relaxing for half an hour or so. Hey, I even went to the art store, bought some glow in the dark stars, hung them from my ceiling and sometimes if I can't sleep right away, Ill listen to my ipod while looking up at them in the dark. ((Might sound kinda childish, but I'm artsy and its pretty therapeutic.))

Sometimes Ill also put my ipod on sleep mode and let it play some soothing music lightly to help clear my mind and relax so I can drift off easier. You could try snacking on something light (low on fat and sugar with no caffeine) to be sure you don't pass out on an empty stomach.

Maybe even some meditation? I guess what I'm suggesting is to try to find a soothing technique to empty your mind if its racing and to really relax you into falling asleep without having to sit there like you're trying to force yourself to.

Sorry for the wall of text, I just know its irritating going through the days on crappy, interrupted sleep and can be a vicious cycle.

[Dave255]

I countdown down backwards and visuals the numbers. It works better if I am able to say the numbers out loud.

[Kaitlyn]

I have a similar experience when I'm stressed out. The more stressed I am the harder it is for me to fall asleep at night---even with the meds I'm on for my depression (trazodone) and my anxiety/flashbacks (Inderol/Propranolol) and my allergy meds. When I'm really depressed I tend to sleep more. Have you thought about doing yoga before you go to bed? I had to do a yoga stretch combo because of a hip injury and I had an easier time falling asleep after I did the stretching. Another thing that might help is either playing some music softly via either a stereo or computer or radio and leaving the music on after you go to bed...that used to work for me in the past. Even doing some guided imagery helps me fall asleep at night.

[Perna]

It could be all kinds of things, from a purely physical problem, one caused by the sleep meds themselves or another med, an environmental problem, hormonal problems (where some of my sleep problems come from) AND a combination of several of those or other factors :-)

I'd go to your doctor and have a discussion and maybe have a sleep study done, etc.

[amcphie85]

What do I do about this chronic fatigue? No matter what I do, I am always tired. I can get a normal night's rest, but still feel very tired throughout the day. Then, sometimes, I only end up getting a few hours of sleep because I can't sleep, then other times I get waaayyyy too much sleep. What is this all about?