unable to fall AWAKE - Chronic Fatigue Message Board

kimberlylynn · 03-05-2001, 12:09 AM

unable to fall AWAKE. i wake up in the morning. want to go to sleep. i come from from four hours of college. i take a nap. i have to work for three more hours. i want to sleep. i go out. i come home and fiddle around until 2 or 3 am when i have to wake up so early every morning. I CAN'T BREAK THIS CYCLE. I know taking naps in the day is bad for me because it's harder to fall asleep at night but I am so tired and I am a night person. The only time I'm not tired is from around 10 pm to 1 am. I'm snoozing each morning, caffeine doesn't even work for me anymore, not strong enough. I have an hour break in between classes where I sleep as well. Whenever I have ten minutes, i'll close my eyes. i can't break this, it's like a spell has been cast on me. HELP!

friendlione · 03-05-2001, 01:55 AM

I always thought I was a night person, too, and I can function that way. I prefer being awake when others are asleep.
BUT, to my surprise, I learned I could train myself to be a morning person, and I did get sleepy by 9PM.

How I did it, was I first DECIDED no more late night hours.
Around the exact same time every day, stop all stimulant foods, like caffeine/coffee.
At the exact same time every night, stop all activities, take a hot bath, drink hot milk,
look at a soothing or boring magazine. Just make yourself unwind and relax, even if you don't sleep.
Read all night if you want at first. Just don't work or play or listen to music. Let the place and the room be quiet. Let yourself get quiet.

Do this the same time every evening, and think of sleep as important as your exercise and diet..IT IS! Studies show lack of sleep is not only dangerous, but can shorten the life span.

DavidCS · 03-05-2001, 11:34 AM

Hi there,

I completely relate you and your problem. I've been plagued my entire life with this same sleep pattern.

I have also spent the last 30 years trying to change myself into a morning person to no avail. I have done the go to bed early, regularly. Turn off the lights. Lie still and don't move. However, even after weeks of doing this consistently I have never feel right. And the change never took hold.

I have found that I'm generally sleepy until some time around 6 - 7 pm then suddenly I will wake up and finally feel energetic and lively until 2 or 3 am, or later.

I don't know what to say, other than I understand your plight. And have personally had to come to the realization that everyone is different and that this type of sleep patern is not necessarily wrong. Just not what society has deemed as appropriate.

For me accepting how my body functions and working within that frame has allowed me to become more productive. Even though it makes working traditional jobs more challenging.

david

Jimmy · 03-07-2001, 11:12 PM

Best topic name I've seen thus far.