Any tips for sleeping at night?

JadeWilson · November 2014

So obviously we'll be up often to pee, but some nights I will be dead tired all day, and then once it's time for bed, my body is wide awake! Any special night time routines you have to make falling asleep easier?

leenziepops · November 2014

This was happening to me a couple of weeks ago. It was driving me nuts. Possibly TMI but sex and a great orgasm worked wonders. I conked out straight away!!!
Ummm or lavender satchets under the pillow...

jeannezinabottle · November 2014

This is me right now. Good luck!

Frogger5 · November 2014

Don't Bump at night

. Really, I think the screens/light from TV, phones, computers, etc. isn't good for helping you ramp down at night - I've heard recommendations like, no screens for an hour before bed, something like that. Also not to watch TV/do computer stuff in bed - that should be just for sleeping (and sex)! I personally haven't noticed much change in my sleeping yet, but it might help!

Karissa764 · November 2014

I have had the worst time sleeping at night (obviously it's 3:07 am lol) my ob told me I could take one Tylenol pm each night to help me sleep and it's perfectly safe. I think I'm going to start doing that! Good luck with the insomnia

intrnlvoice · November 2014

Karissa764 said:
I have had the worst time sleeping at night (obviously it's 3:07 am lol) my ob told me I could take one Tylenol pm each night to help me sleep and it's perfectly safe. I think I'm going to start doing that! Good luck with the insomnia

Ooooo I'm gonna try this!

amooraxo · November 2014

I use lavender oil in a diffuser and that seems to help me relax before bed... and I splurged and got one of those curved body pillows from Babies R Us. The pillow is awesome (although my husband doesn't like that it interferes with cuddling). The pillow can even be used after baby comes for sleeping and breastfeeding. It was 228 dirhams (in Dubai) which is about $60

CYBURRCHIC · November 2014

If you want sleep, don't have kids!

i haven't had a decent night sleep in 3 years.

porklump30 · November 2014

My OB recommended Benadryl or Unisom as needed for restless/sleepless nights.

blastocarrier30 · November 2014

I've found having a nighttime routine to be helpful. Like PP said, screens create an artificial sense of wakefulness, so once I turn off the tv I try not to check my phone or anything like that. I do all my face washing, teeth brushing, etc, then climb into bed and read for about 30 minutes. It helps me relax and lets me focus on something other than any worries until I'm sleepy enough to doze off pretty quickly.

When I get insomnia and it lasts for a while, I'll actually get up, go downstairs and do at least part of the routine again: have a small glass of water, use the restroom, splash water on my face, read, then go back upstairs (i don't do this in my room so as not to wake DH) and get back in bed. It seems to help me, anyway.

CateOfChicago · November 2014

I have no problem falling asleep, never have. My problem is waking up in the middle of the night and being able to fall back asleep. I try not to drink too much at night to avoid waking up too much. I don't have much advice after that. My mind races so much. I try to count or picture the same shape over and over again to stop my mind. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. Good luck.

awheeler4311 · November 2014

@CateOfChicago‌ this is my problem too. I fall asleep in seconds, but some nights when I wake up I can't get back to sleep. I've never had that problem before!

I have the same routine every night as far as face washing and teeth brushing and all of that fun stuff. I do shut down electronics like 30 minutes before bed and rarely watch tv in bed. I also rub pure lavender essential oil on the arches of my feet and my hands and smell it every single night. As soon as I smell it my mind is trained to thinks sleep mode. It's worked wonders!!

ETA: you could look into yoga nidra videos on YouTube or guided mediations for insomnia. Girls in my yoga program swear by it for insomnia.

lclutter14 · November 2014

I did have to take one benadryl after two very sleepless nights and tough days at work. I think, as with anything, moderation is the key.

daniellewwhite · November 2014

Same here!! Dead all afternoon and then can't sleep!

Bednarova · November 2014

daniellewwhite said:
Same here!! Dead all afternoon and then can't sleep!

This is me. Unisom does not help me sleep at all. I have the added complication of H waking me up at buttcrack when he goes to work, and I often don't fall back to sleep

I think I finally fell asleep at 2:30am last night. after 5-6h of sleep for the last 3 nights.

I was passed out on the couch by 8:30p when pregnant with DS. I miss sleeping.

BrentAndrea · November 2014

I was reccomend 1/2 a benedryl at bed time and 1/2 again when I wake up at like 3. Has been helping some

Life&Gwen · November 2014

Do you have a body pillow yet? I found I was falling asleep, then being uncomfortable within an hour...and being awake for like 4 more hours. It's helped me stay asleep, but I have no ideas for falling asleep except for benedryl, it's wonderful.

mathistm · November 2014

The snoogle pillow has been great for keeping me comfy at night. Also my doc had recommended the Unisom/b6 for nausea and I take a half of Unisom now that I'm feeling better if I absolutely cannot sleep. As far as peeing, lean all the way forward and breathe all the way out during your last pee of the evening. I try to not drink for about a half hour and the lean forward method helps empty your bladder all the way. I found I was waking up to pee a tiny sprinkle which is incredibly frustrating when you just want sleep. Also, as cray as it is to some people, try a progressive muscle relaxation from YouTube or a fall asleep meditation. I found one that works great-I use one called "a guided sleep meditation" by the honest guys. I don't think I've ever made it to the end of the 25ish mins before being out cold. My husband thought it was stupid at first but now admits it helps him sleep too. There are a ton of them that range from like 5 mins to 10 hours-the one I mentioned just works well for me!

Edited bc words are hard.

jjbdvm · November 2014

I've got a few tricks:

When you do have to get up to pee, don't turn any lights on or even look at your phone. The lights affect you more than you realize.

I second an orgasm, although if it's the middle of the night that can be difficult to achieve quietly

Try flexing each individual muscle group for a few seconds per group starting at your feet and working your way up to your head. Go slowly and really concentrate on flexing the muscles.

Stare at the backs of your eyeballs and try to see shapes.

Close your eyes and visualize a completely white, silent room. You can put stuff in it but it must be white. Try to find dust motes in the room. Sometimes the "decorating" part helps me sleep and sometimes trying to see swirling dust in a completely white room works.

Last but not least and absolutely strange, I imagine movie scenes (I like super hero movies for whatever reason but any movie will do) and either change scene endings or create sequels to scenes in my head. For eg, Xmen- I imagine Rogue is much older and cooler and she and Wolverine fall in love in many of these visualizations... I know this trick might seem weird and it makes me sound like a crazy person but if it helps you then great!

I'm a really bad worrier and bipolar so I've had lots of time trying to perfect some ways to fall asleep. I really hope these help!

Ladymouse · November 2014

Someone seriously suggested I give my toddler Kahlua to get him to sleep better so I could sleep better. Yeah... That's not gonna happen.

I feel your pain.

JadeWilson · November 2014

Thank you guys all so much for the support and advice!! I have lots of tricks to try now.

Almerinda19 · November 2014

I have a hard time sleeping also my hands go numb at night so the pain constantly wakes me up so i have to get up and shake my hands out. Also having a hard time getting comfortable sleeping on my sides because I was accustomed to sleeping on my stomach since I was a child. :-/

kcave21 · November 2014

I literally wrap pillows all around my body!!! Im starting to not be able to sleep on my tummy

booo but I asked for a snoogle so we will see

larandaw · December 2014

I have suffered from insomnia for years and my ob said I could continue taking my Lunesta. I try not to take it everyday just when I get delirious but it is a life saver. I can't get comfortable anymore so I wakeup constantly.

Want a personalized experience?

Any tips for sleeping at night?

Re: Any tips for sleeping at night?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards