Think I have a sleep disorder - Sleep Disorders Message Board

mannie8 · 06-11-2007, 12:31 PM

I think I have developed a sleep disorder:
I am tired throughout the day, but when it comes time for bed (about 10 or 11pm) I'm not tired anymore! I have found through past experience that if I go to bed and I'm not sleepy, I will be up all night. It's like if I get ready for bed, turn out the lights and lay there waiting to fall asleep, my mind starts thinking about falling asleep and I never do. It's so aggrivating! I try to think about other things, but it just doesn't work. So I have found that watching TV helps, but then I fall asleep with the TV on, wake up about an hour later, turn off the tv, take out my contacts, then can't get back to sleep. Even if I do fall asleep again, my sleep has already been disrupted and I'm tired the next day. I rarely dream so I don't think I'm reaching the REM point. I'm a very light sleeper. It drives me crazy. I'm thinking of trying Tylenol PM or something? Have any other suggestions?

weser · 06-11-2007, 12:55 PM

Hi.You should tilt your bed slightly maybe 30 degree's.When you go to bed lie with your feet on the higher end.This cause's blood flow to increase in your head area.Which help's you achieve REM sleep.It take's a week or 2 for your body to adjust to this.Don't worry about choking in your sleep or your heart having trouble pumping blood around.Your body will adapt.
Don't be afraid yo try this.Take care

copter105 · 06-11-2007, 11:46 PM

I am not a doctor but I would NOT reccommend doing what the last guy said. If you sleep at that angle you may encounter (GERD) Gastroesophageal reflux disease. The acid in your stomach can climb up into the back of your throat and then you have more problems. I am also a very light sleeper. Maybe physical activity or some herbs like Melatonin, Kava and Valerian Root can help. Not being able to sleep really sucks. I am on sleeping pills right now and I wish I never got on them. I definately reccommend to try everything else before going on the prescription medication route (if you can help it). Good luck!
Copter

mkgbrook · 06-12-2007, 12:28 PM

Dito on the inverted bed tilt.. bad idea. Look at my sleep hygiene post. It is a summary of good tips others have listed here as well as an outline of the sleep hygiene guideline given by my MD in my own words so it wasn't plagerized or anything. It might be able to give you some focus on improving you sleep.

Best of luck.
MG