Insomnia sucks, but on the plus side my maple seedlings look great

[NickB79]

It's 3:36AM, I can't sleep, so I'm watering my Shantung maple seedlings in my apartment. At least they're doing well under the growlights, they should make beautiful shade trees in 15 yrs.

So, what are some good ways to combat insomnia? It's been getting worse lately, progressing from 2AM, to 3AM, to 4AM now. I don't really have a problem falling asleep, it's just that I have very unrestful sleep, and often nightmares. I sit up for hrs playing computer games and watching TV rather than sleep, its so unsettling.

Otherwise, I have ~500 seeds from ~20 different tree and shrub seedlings to grow and keep me company. Then ALL my friends will be convinced I'm growing pot, oh goody. Magnolias and redbuds, anyone?

[SuffragetteSal]

1. sleepy

Wow, those little maples sure do grow slow, but they are worth it.
Hope you get a good nights rest. Have you tried any of the over the counter sleeping aids, such as Tylenol PM? I have heard they work pretty good. Wishing you the best...

[Interrobang]

2. Grow something else under those grow-lights along with your maples...

;-) ;-) ;-)

Well, actually, if I had some of what I just suggested to you, I wouldn't be sitting here being insomniac at 4:55 AM after sleeping for an hour and a half. I'd be passed out asleep with a smile on my face. --sigh--

[whirlygigspin]

3. try St John's wart for sleep

it helps reset your sarcadian rhythms.

[corarose]

4. Since I stopped taking Diet Pills

I keep sleeping all day long and between my College Classes and now I am wide awake.

[izzie]

5. Start thinking how you are going to grew plant under the maples

That will make you sleep. How to love gardens and maples in the same place is a job.

[jpgray]

6. All this apartment living makes me LONG for a yard!

I miss my big dog (died years ago), and I miss my trees (still standing)!

The ebst way to get to sleep is a) exercise/walk more, b) drink plenty of water, and c) DON'T watch TV or play computer games. Your body uses almost no energy during those activities, so you won't feel rested when you DO sleep, and you won't be able to get to sleep when you want. Also, no caffeine or excessive sugar intake either.

:D

Good luck!

[AmandaRuth]

7. i suffer from extreme insomnia..

no coffee or caffine products after noon, (incl pop and choc.) Caffine can stay in the system for up to 24 hours and if you are sensative to it, it can really disrupt your sleep.

When you wake at night, do not look at the clock, it is tension producing to know its now 2am, and then 3 am and 4 am and you are still not sleeping.

Do not watch the news or violent tv right before bed, you carry the images with you, intended or not. Since you are a gardener, (as I am) read garden books without pictures, that should put you asleep.

Valerian really works, but look for it in liquid form (gel caps).

If it gets worse, see a doctor, many many more choices these days regarding sleep treatment, and one that are not habit forming. Good luck, life generally sucks when you can't get enough sleep.

[Catfish]

8. I had severe insomnia for 2 years

I finally saw a therapist and he diagnosed it as a by product of anxiety. He gave me these suggestions: exercise everyday, go to bed at a set time and stay there even if you can't sleep, work some math problems or something detail oriented, drink something warm, if you start worrying about something stop and think of something positive you can do the next day. It's worked for me, I'm now sleeping a full 8 hours of good sleep and have been for over 2 months.