How do you turn off your racing mind at night so you can sleep? - Sleep Disorders Message Board

blueskies20 · 04-04-2006, 01:42 PM

Lately it has taken me 1-1.5 hours to fall asleep at night, no matter how tired I am. I find that it's because my mind is racing about stuff that has happened during the day, things I might be anxious about, and stuff that is just bugging me. I have been going to bed later and later (sometimes as late as 4 a.m.) and then after tossing and turning for eternity, I finally fall asleep, only to sleep until early afternoon. My schedule is flexible right now to allow me to do this, but starting in May I'll be working more than an hour away from 8 - 5 p.m. I am worried I won't be able to fall asleep at all then! Help!

What can I do to sleep better and not have my mind race? Thanks for your input.

Cloverberry52 · 04-08-2006, 08:54 AM

the thing that helps me is a radio with a pillow speaker. I have a radio with TV sound and listen to TV shows or the news. In the middle of the night if I wake up I start listening to a talk show. Nothing crazy that would upset me.

littlejmb · 04-08-2006, 09:02 AM

Have you ever tried 5 HPT? That taken an hour before bedtime will help you to sleep. It's a natural supplement that helps promote sleep. You cannot take this however if you are taking a SSRI antidepressant because of the risk of seratonin overload. The 5 HPT helps your brain to promote seratonin, which helps you to be calm and sleep.

blueskies20 · 04-08-2006, 10:53 AM

Hi there, no I haven't tried 5 HPT. I know you said it was a natural supplement but I am worried it might have side effects? Does it, and do you become addicted to it? How is it different than an over the counter sleep aid? I apologize for my ignorance!

littlejmb · 04-08-2006, 11:33 AM

Blueskies,

It has no side affects that I am aware of, other than sleepiness. No worries of addiction either. It is totally different than sleeping pills or over the counter sleep aids. The other the counter types are nothing more than antihistimes like Benadryl. It naturally makes your brain produce more seratonin, which is the brain chemical that aids sleep and relaxation.