[bpen76]

Hi there.
I am just wondering a little something here. I tell people that I am an insomniac because I can't sleep at night. Well, I can't sleep unless I am just so tired that I basically pass out.
I know this sounds stupid but, is that insomnia or is it just that I am doing something that is keeping me awake?
Oh, I should say, I am an avid "gamer"...that's why I ask. It's not that I stay up all night playing games, I mean I actually stop gaming for hours on end...
anyway
Thanks

B

[bronzeowl]

We won't be able to answer accurately as we're not professionals. However, I do know that many people who think they're insomniacs aren't actually and as you suggested, are merely doing something that may be keeping him awake.

Insomnia is a tough diagnosis to make even for professionals. It can be a complete inability to sleep (many insomniacs may not even be able to sleep when they're extremely tired), waking too often during the night, or sleeping sporadically. Someone with insomnia is often unable to get to sleep even when they cut out the distractions that keep them awake. Say the games are what is keeping you awake. If you stop playing the video games at night, if you have insomnia, you may find that you still cannot rest even with the distraction removed.

We just discussed this in my psych class and my instructor mentioned some ways to help someone who can't sleep get rest. The best advice is to just associate your bed with sleep. A common problem people have is that they do many other things in bed (I'm not talking about certain things... that's fine but bare with me regardless). Don't read in bed, don't watch TV in bed, don't play games in bed, etc. Because doing so, you're associating being in bed with more than just sleep. And when you're tired and can't get to sleep, you find yourself thinking 'I'll just read another chapter and then lie down again!' which can interrupt your sleeping pattern.

Another thing is that some people often give up trying without actually giving themselves time to fall asleep. You don't fall asleep instantly as we all go through stages of sleep. So, if you're lying down for a few minutes, tossing and turning and thinking 'I'll never get to sleep...' and get up after just a few minutes, of course you're never going to get to sleep. I don't know if this is your case or not, but it's something to consider.

You say that you stop playing the games for hours on end. During those hours, what else do you do? Are you just lying in bed trying to sleep? Or do you find something else to occupy your mind? Are you thinking a lot? I find that when I'm in bed is when I do most of my thinking... It stinks. Though, I find one thing that sometimes helps me sleep is to think about something mundane. Like class or work. It occasionally helps me doze off.

You could be suffering insomnia and if you suspect that you are it is ideal for you to speak to someone about it. Sleep is vital and sleep deprivation is not pleasant. I was sleep deprived for a week once. The paranoia is the worst part. You could, however, just have too many distractions or have a lot on your mind. It is tough to say without 1) more information or 2) (you) seeing a professional. As even the professionals here cannot accurately diagnose someone without speaking to them face to face.

[Thunder Bow]

Gaming is coping with your feelings. What are you feeling? and how are they keeping you awake?

[-jimi-]

Also note that insomnia is just one type of sleep issue. There are several.

Even those with insomnia will finally fall asleep eventually. They might not sleep for long or get good quality sleep but no one can stay awake forever. So even the worst insomniac will fall asleep at some point.

Something I find extremely annoying is that for me spending time online relaxes me and is part of my go to bed routine. But lights from a screen also stimulates your brain to believe it is daytime. Which isn't good for sleep I'm made to believe...