Does anyone have any advice. I am having trouble falling asleep (up until 2 or 3 a.m. and going to bed at 9:30 p.m.) I tried over the counter sleep aids and they didn't work. I was taking my Xanax for awhile but I don't want to take that all the time #1 because it is supposed to be for anxiety and #2 I don't want it to become habit forming then it won't work or won't be able to sleep if I don't take it. I'm getting desperate, this is probably my fifth night in a row on may 2-4 hours sleep. I'm the kind of person that needs 8 hours. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Make sure you don't drink any coffee after 6.00pm (if you are going to bed at 9.30). Exercise is a good way of helping you sleep, but again, don't exercise right before going to bed. Make sure you have finished exercising at least 2 hours before attempting to sleep. I also find that a warm bath (not hot or cool though!) helps. Light some candles around the bath, use lavender scented bath oils, and poss play some music (which you find soothing, everyones tastes are different, but I find bach very soothing). Make sure the music is low though. The idea is you dont assault the senses, which would wake you up again!
You could also try burning some lavender inscence(sp?) or oil in the bedroom (as you may have guessed, lavender is good for aiding sleep:D )

Good luck!

TTFN :wave:

Thanks for the advice. I did tell my doctor about it and she said my new medication should help. Meantime, I got some melatonin and see if that helps.

crazymusiclvr's right- little sleep and bipolar disorder don't mix well. Without eight hours of sleep, a person can be sent into a manic episode. I would follow the others' advice, and just keep a sign on your mood, and be on the lookout for tell-tale manic symptoms, such as rapid speech, racing thoughts, and overactivity.
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