The "remedies"

[Paranoid Paintbrush]

I've had trouble sleeping since childhood, so it was really a foregone conclusion that I would love this book [I did, from the first reading ]. I especially identified with the parts detailing the various "cures" Ralph tried, as it is so, so true of my own experiences - so many suggestions, and none of them have helped! I just laughed so much reading those bits; for me, SK captured the scenario perfectly, in a way that really got me invested in the story. I'd be interested to know some other opinions, and of course who's a fellow insomniac

My personal favourite "sleep aid" = Valerian. It made me hyper. I went on a manic cleaning mission for no reason.

 

[MrZetakappa]

I think that insomnia is stressful tiring, but for my experience I think is worse than being afraid to sleep to have nightmares ... I was a child I was afraid to sleep in front of a mirror, or dreamed of falling into the void ... as an adult I happen to have periods of insomnia x various motivi..in any case is unnerving

 

[Paranoid Paintbrush]

I agree, and I hope that you find something that helps when you need it. I understand the fear of nightmares too; if they wake you up, they're a form of insomnia themselves! "Stressful tiring" sums it up perfectly. You "should" be asleep...I should stop saying that to myself. And I am so glad to hear that it's not only me who doesn't like mirrors!

SK got all this right for me in the book. If he hasn't experienced insomnia/sleep disturbance personally, his research was spot-on.

Thanks for the reply, and best wishes to you.

 

[Neesy]

I agree, and I hope that you find something that helps when you need it. I understand the fear of nightmares too; if they wake you up, they're a form of insomnia themselves! "Stressful tiring" sums it up perfectly. You "should" be asleep...I should stop saying that to myself. And I am so glad to hear that it's not only me who doesn't like mirrors!

SK got all this right for me in the book. If he hasn't experienced insomnia/sleep disturbance personally, his research was spot-on.

Thanks for the reply, and best wishes to you.

As I get older I seem to need less sleep to function. When I was in my 20s and 30s I had to get a full eight hours to feel refreshed.
Hot milk (heated in the microwave until it is very hot then cooled off a bit) has helped me in the past.

When I was under much stress at one time the only thing that helped was Ativan or lorazepam (same thing) but this is not something you can take for extended periods without it eventually not working.

 

[GNTLGNT]

...I usually break out a Steinbeck novel, and voila!....I'm snorin' to beat hell in no time...

 

[not_nadine]

 

[skimom2]

Sounds funny, but saying the Rosary can nearly always put me to sleep. No disrespect intended; maybe it's the repetition? Or that I make myself really think about what I'm saying (thinking), so other worries can't creep in? Either way, it usually works for me.

 

[prufrock21]

I read anything by or about George Bush.

 

[not_nadine]

Sounds funny, but saying the Rosary can nearly always put me to sleep. No disrespect intended; maybe it's the repetition? Or that I make myself really think about what I'm saying (thinking), so other worries can't creep in? Either way, it usually works for me.

Sorry, but I first read that as "The Rosemary" I thought I missed a remedy.

 

[Bryan James]

The book has worked for me a few times:

=

 

[skimom2]

Sorry, but I first read that as "The Rosemary" I thought I missed a remedy.

Heck, that could work, too--lol

 

[Neesy]

Sorry, but I first read that as "The Rosemary" I thought I missed a remedy.

Heck, that could work, too--lol

Rosemary is for remembrance - or so a herbalist told me. I know it smells nice as an essential oil - refreshing!

 

[Paranoid Paintbrush]

As I get older I seem to need less sleep to function. When I was in my 20s and 30s I had to get a full eight hours to feel refreshed.
Hot milk (heated in the microwave until it is very hot then cooled off a bit) has helped me in the past.

When I was under much stress at one time the only thing that helped was Ativan or lorazepam (same thing) but this is not something you can take for extended periods without it eventually not working.

Yes, that is an issue with them unfortunately :/ Hot milk is a good one, I agree; I like to put honey in mine - liquid comfort! Bit of nutmeg sprinkled over...yum! But medicinal of course

Sounds funny, but saying the Rosary can nearly always put me to sleep. No disrespect intended; maybe it's the repetition? Or that I make myself really think about what I'm saying (thinking), so other worries can't creep in? Either way, it usually works for me.

I agree, big time, about calming repetitive actions - my latest discovery is loom bands, which has turned out to be a really therapeutic craft! Both mentally and physically for me; I have issues with my wrists so the movement is great, and mentally, it's just really satisfying - easy to learn, but the results look good, and they make good gifts [I have to wonder how many parents of younger kids can now loom band, regardless of whether they intended to learn ]

Regarding rosemary, I think as an essential oil it's refreshing/stimulating; a "daytime" oil by itself, if you like, but good in insomnia-busting blends as it clears your head, and thus helps you to think more calmly/clearly. The same goes for the citrus oils - they can be uplifting but relaxing at the same time. And of course, they all smell great