Problems sleeping - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Stompy · 04-01-2004, 10:12 PM

Does anyone have any tips on how to get better sleep?

My main problem is that I can't stay asleep. I always toss and turn as I sleep and it wakes me up for a split second. I always glance at the clock as I'm doing so and it's usually in several hour increments (those that I can recall, anyway).

I heard that you have to have x amount of hours to hit deep sleep... I don't think I hit that very much at all. I could easily sleep 9 hours and wake up STILL completely tired and drained.

Luckily for me, I don't have a set time on when I have to be into work. I can stroll in whenever (as long as it's somewhat reasonable). I used to come in anywhere from 8-9, but lately, it's been more like 10:30 - 11:00.

General idea of my lifestyle:

- I don't stay up incredibly late. Rarely do I ever go past 1 AM. Sometimes on weekends I'll stay up till 3.
- I work out 6 days a week (usually around 5-6 PM).
- I eat a proper low carb diet.
- I don't drink much caffeine past 7 or 8 PM
- Not much stress at all aside from the normal paying bills.

I don't know what it could be. In fact, I've had this problem for years, so it's not like it just popped up recently. I've tried alcohol (glass of wine or a shot of vodka), but that doesn't seem to help, not to mention I read that it causes you to wake up more during the night.

I tried ambien once upon a time, and they worked beautifully, but I don't really want to rely on pills. However.. I wouldn't mind if that's the ONLY solution.

Any ideas?

apeman · 04-02-2004, 04:25 AM

hmm. treat this only as a wild guess, but look up sleep apnoeia (or apnea if you're American). I'm wondering if that's what makes me wake up in the night. Sounds possible.

DISCLAIMER : I'm not medically qualified and I only read about it recently in New Scientist

qtpye4u84 · 04-02-2004, 04:30 AM

Humm I like the feeling of, when you stay up for 24 hours then you get hell of tired then you sleep for like a whole day. I use a blind fold to block out the light then ear plugs when I know theres going to be alot of noise. Talk to your doctor it could be depression.

Fenton-J-Cool · 04-02-2004, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by apeman
hmm. treat this only as a wild guess, but look up sleep apnoeia (or apnea if you're American). I'm wondering if that's what makes me wake up in the night. Sounds possible.

DISCLAIMER : I'm not medically qualified and I only read about it recently in New Scientist

My father has sleep apnea. Basically, there's a flap in your throat that acts as a valve, making sure air only goes in, or only goes out, depending on whether you're inhaling or exhaling. During the day, this muscle carries on its normal duties. However, at night, the muscles in your throat relax, and this valve may not function as it is supposed to. This means either staying in one position, or half-assedly going up and down, depending on the severity of the apnea. Either way, it's possible that you actually stop breathing during the night (or just don't take enough proper breaths), and not even know it. Then, the proper amount of air doesn't get to your bloodstream, and I don't even have to tell you how bad that is.

This is a very serious condition, that can result in loss of life if unchecked. My dad's brother, who also suffers from this (but in a more severe degree), once woke up with no oxygen in his lungs at all (like 2 collapsed lungs), and couldn't start breathing again. Luckily, he survived.

There is a way for sleep apnea sufferers to get a good night's sleep. You can ask your doctor about a CPAP (Constant Pressure Airways Pump) which ensures that your throat stays well-inflated, and gives you a good night's rest. It looks just like one of those nitrous masks they put on you at the dentist, except attached to a small vacuum cleaner.

Yeah, it looks a little goofy at first, but only your wife will see you when you're getting ready for bed. And hey, it's better than not waking up.

Edit: By the way, this is more of a 'waking up during the night' ailment, and you would know if you're experiencing it. I just wanted to elaborate on apeman's post.
Edit2: Okay, I just re-read your post and you are waking up during the night. And judging by the incremental part, it could very well be apnea. Look into it.

apeman · 04-02-2004, 06:36 AM

yeah, good info dude

It must be pretty mild apnea if it is apnea, cos I guess you'd know if you had real problems breathing. On the other hand, mild apnea must be pretty common.

Yakk · 04-02-2004, 07:45 AM

Try working out in the morning?

I find it helps me wake up at a regular time, which means when I need more sleep, it gets padded on at night the next day instead of in the morning. Helped me somewhat...

Do you ever get a good night's sleep?

Could the tempurature be wrong?

Tried sleeping in other positions?

As an aside, sleep deprivation is a rather insideous problem. You can get used to it and forget how it felt to be non sleep deprived. So, try to solve it, even if it "doesn't seem to be causing a problem anymore".

agball · 04-02-2004, 08:50 AM

Dont know if you are up to it, but in the past when I had simmilar issues I would smoke a joint & would get a great night sleep.

Stompy · 04-02-2004, 10:13 AM

Yeah, every now and then I wake up like.. as if I stopped breathing. It's really weird.

I always thought Sleep Apnea was something that affected more older people (I'm 23). If I had this... I'd basically have to drag a machine with me wherever I slept? For example.. if I went on a vacation, I'd have to lug a sleep apnea device around? There isn't another solution such as medication?

I'll probably go to the doctor sometime soon, but how would they test me for sleep apnea? Would they make me stay the night in a hospital and monitor me or something?

Nimbletoe · 04-02-2004, 03:29 PM

Hmm. I'll try and think of more common things than a disease like sleep apnea.

Do you have anything on when you go to sleep? Some people (like myself) and sleep easier when a noise is on in the background, like a fan. Nothing that your mind has to focus on listening to, like TV or radio.

How is your bed? If it's old, or you don't find it comfortable, there isn't much chance of a good nights sleep.

Do you eat before you go to bed? I used to sometimes, and I always had problems sleeping. I stopped, and sleeping became easier.

Sleeping problems can be a sign of many things. Sleep epnia, depression, etc etc. If nothing like a different bed or something that obvious changes it, I would reccommend getting to your doctor asap. It could be something serious.

Nimbletoe · 04-02-2004, 03:30 PM

As for sleep epnia, my doctor said its possible I have, or will develop it. When he was telling me about solutions, I could have sworn he said there was a medication for lesser problems, and some sort of surgery for more severe problems, but I may be way off base on that one. I doubt you would need a breathing machine though.

Stompy · 04-02-2004, 09:38 PM

I actually have this rainbox that I got as a present. You fill it with water and turn it on.. sounds just like rain. Pretty cool, very relaxing. I have no troubles actually falling asleep with it.

I don't eat before I go to bed. My last meal is around 9 PM at the latest and I try to have 3 hours in between that and the time I go to bed.

I've had multiple beds over the years, but recently acquired a waterbed. Sleep was good for a while on it, then I developed my old habits.

The problem seems more like... I get tired of being in a certain position, so I turn on my side/back/stomach every few hours to reposition myself to a more comfortable one. That is the time I wake up.

If only there was something that KEPT me asleep so I wouldn't do that...

I'll make a doc appointment for next week and hopefully they can determine if it's apnea/depression/etc..

Nimbletoe · 04-02-2004, 10:27 PM

Waterbeds are horrible for your back. It might be the reason you can't stay comfortable. My grandpa has one in one of his spare bedrooms, and man, i'd almost rather sleep on the floor now. It was fun when I was a kid though :P

I'd reccommend saving up for a good quality bed though. You spend 1/3 of your life in bed aprox., so it's a good investment :P

Beefimator · 04-04-2004, 12:13 PM

If its sleep apnea, I can't really help. But if you just can't sleep there are lots of things you can try. And you can get them at any local GNC. Or you can drive to Pennsylvania and stop in mine. If you are okay with taking pills, you can always try some things like Valerian root. GABA (works like a charm. You get so relaxed). Melatonin is the old stand buy. ZMA may help. But I would only take that if you workout too. Give 'em a try, and let me know if they work.

alec · 04-05-2004, 03:22 PM

i feel whoever mentioned smoking a j, i have insomnia in my family and whenever i need a good nights rest (mind you, not before a test or work), i hit a nice bowl. there is no quicker way to fall asleep all night, at least for me

-alec

Stompy · 04-06-2004, 07:40 AM

I can't handle weed anymore.

I always feel like I'm gonna die the entire time I'm high. It's probably all in my head, but it seems like I have a hard time breathing and my heart is always beating at this rapid rate as if it's about to explode :P

I've started working out in the AM and changed my diet up a bit, so I'll see how this week goes.

04-01-2004, 10:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
Stompy Banned from being Banned Location: Donkey	Problems sleeping Does anyone have any tips on how to get better sleep? My main problem is that I can't stay asleep. I always toss and turn as I sleep and it wakes me up for a split second. I always glance at the clock as I'm doing so and it's usually in several hour increments (those that I can recall, anyway). I heard that you have to have x amount of hours to hit deep sleep... I don't think I hit that very much at all. I could easily sleep 9 hours and wake up STILL completely tired and drained. Luckily for me, I don't have a set time on when I have to be into work. I can stroll in whenever (as long as it's somewhat reasonable). I used to come in anywhere from 8-9, but lately, it's been more like 10:30 - 11:00. General idea of my lifestyle: - I don't stay up incredibly late. Rarely do I ever go past 1 AM. Sometimes on weekends I'll stay up till 3. - I work out 6 days a week (usually around 5-6 PM). - I eat a proper low carb diet. - I don't drink much caffeine past 7 or 8 PM - Not much stress at all aside from the normal paying bills. I don't know what it could be. In fact, I've had this problem for years, so it's not like it just popped up recently. I've tried alcohol (glass of wine or a shot of vodka), but that doesn't seem to help, not to mention I read that it causes you to wake up more during the night. I tried ambien once upon a time, and they worked beautifully, but I don't really want to rely on pills. However.. I wouldn't mind if that's the ONLY solution. Any ideas?

04-02-2004, 04:25 AM	#2 (permalink)
apeman Wah Location: NZ	hmm. treat this only as a wild guess, but look up sleep apnoeia (or apnea if you're American). I'm wondering if that's what makes me wake up in the night. Sounds possible. DISCLAIMER : I'm not medically qualified and I only read about it recently in New Scientist __________________ pain is inevitable but misery is optional - stick a geranium in your hat and be happy

04-02-2004, 04:30 AM	#3 (permalink)
qtpye4u84 Flavor+noodles Location: oregon	Humm I like the feeling of, when you stay up for 24 hours then you get hell of tired then you sleep for like a whole day. I use a blind fold to block out the light then ear plugs when I know theres going to be alot of noise. Talk to your doctor it could be depression. __________________ The QTpie

04-02-2004, 06:36 AM	#5 (permalink)
apeman Wah Location: NZ	yeah, good info dude It must be pretty mild apnea if it is apnea, cos I guess you'd know if you had real problems breathing. On the other hand, mild apnea must be pretty common. __________________ pain is inevitable but misery is optional - stick a geranium in your hat and be happy

04-02-2004, 07:45 AM	#6 (permalink)
Yakk Wehret Den Anfängen! Location: Ontario, Canada	Try working out in the morning? I find it helps me wake up at a regular time, which means when I need more sleep, it gets padded on at night the next day instead of in the morning. Helped me somewhat... Do you ever get a good night's sleep? Could the tempurature be wrong? Tried sleeping in other positions? As an aside, sleep deprivation is a rather insideous problem. You can get used to it and forget how it felt to be non sleep deprived. So, try to solve it, even if it "doesn't seem to be causing a problem anymore". __________________ Last edited by JHVH : 10-29-4004 BC at 09:00 PM. Reason: Time for a rest.

04-02-2004, 08:50 AM	#7 (permalink)
agball Insane Location: Long Island	Dont know if you are up to it, but in the past when I had simmilar issues I would smoke a joint & would get a great night sleep. __________________ "A friend with weed is a friend indeed"

04-02-2004, 10:13 AM	#8 (permalink)
Stompy Banned from being Banned Location: Donkey	Yeah, every now and then I wake up like.. as if I stopped breathing. It's really weird. I always thought Sleep Apnea was something that affected more older people (I'm 23). If I had this... I'd basically have to drag a machine with me wherever I slept? For example.. if I went on a vacation, I'd have to lug a sleep apnea device around? There isn't another solution such as medication? I'll probably go to the doctor sometime soon, but how would they test me for sleep apnea? Would they make me stay the night in a hospital and monitor me or something? __________________ I love lamp.

04-02-2004, 03:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
Nimbletoe Junkie Location: Michigan	Hmm. I'll try and think of more common things than a disease like sleep apnea. Do you have anything on when you go to sleep? Some people (like myself) and sleep easier when a noise is on in the background, like a fan. Nothing that your mind has to focus on listening to, like TV or radio. How is your bed? If it's old, or you don't find it comfortable, there isn't much chance of a good nights sleep. Do you eat before you go to bed? I used to sometimes, and I always had problems sleeping. I stopped, and sleeping became easier. Sleeping problems can be a sign of many things. Sleep epnia, depression, etc etc. If nothing like a different bed or something that obvious changes it, I would reccommend getting to your doctor asap. It could be something serious. __________________ Go Pistons!

04-02-2004, 03:30 PM	#10 (permalink)
Nimbletoe Junkie Location: Michigan	As for sleep epnia, my doctor said its possible I have, or will develop it. When he was telling me about solutions, I could have sworn he said there was a medication for lesser problems, and some sort of surgery for more severe problems, but I may be way off base on that one. I doubt you would need a breathing machine though. __________________ Go Pistons!

04-02-2004, 09:38 PM	#11 (permalink)
Stompy Banned from being Banned Location: Donkey	I actually have this rainbox that I got as a present. You fill it with water and turn it on.. sounds just like rain. Pretty cool, very relaxing. I have no troubles actually falling asleep with it. I don't eat before I go to bed. My last meal is around 9 PM at the latest and I try to have 3 hours in between that and the time I go to bed. I've had multiple beds over the years, but recently acquired a waterbed. Sleep was good for a while on it, then I developed my old habits. The problem seems more like... I get tired of being in a certain position, so I turn on my side/back/stomach every few hours to reposition myself to a more comfortable one. That is the time I wake up. If only there was something that KEPT me asleep so I wouldn't do that... I'll make a doc appointment for next week and hopefully they can determine if it's apnea/depression/etc.. __________________ I love lamp.

04-02-2004, 10:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
Nimbletoe Junkie Location: Michigan	Waterbeds are horrible for your back. It might be the reason you can't stay comfortable. My grandpa has one in one of his spare bedrooms, and man, i'd almost rather sleep on the floor now. It was fun when I was a kid though :P I'd reccommend saving up for a good quality bed though. You spend 1/3 of your life in bed aprox., so it's a good investment :P __________________ Go Pistons!

04-04-2004, 12:13 PM	#13 (permalink)
Beefimator Tilted Location: Philly 'Burbs	If its sleep apnea, I can't really help. But if you just can't sleep there are lots of things you can try. And you can get them at any local GNC. Or you can drive to Pennsylvania and stop in mine. If you are okay with taking pills, you can always try some things like Valerian root. GABA (works like a charm. You get so relaxed). Melatonin is the old stand buy. ZMA may help. But I would only take that if you workout too. Give 'em a try, and let me know if they work.

04-05-2004, 03:22 PM	#14 (permalink)
alec Insane Location: Washington DC	i feel whoever mentioned smoking a j, i have insomnia in my family and whenever i need a good nights rest (mind you, not before a test or work), i hit a nice bowl. there is no quicker way to fall asleep all night, at least for me -alec

04-06-2004, 07:40 AM	#15 (permalink)
Stompy Banned from being Banned Location: Donkey	I can't handle weed anymore. I always feel like I'm gonna die the entire time I'm high. It's probably all in my head, but it seems like I have a hard time breathing and my heart is always beating at this rapid rate as if it's about to explode :P I've started working out in the AM and changed my diet up a bit, so I'll see how this week goes. __________________ I love lamp.