Posted on Mar 13, 2015
I have trouble sleeping, am I alone and if not, what has helped you?
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Understand it is somewhat tough to admit a weakness so I am reaching out here.
I often have trouble getting and staying asleep and I've tried many changes. I do follow the typical recommendations like not drinking caffeine after 1800 (I rarely drink any caffeine anyway), I have a double set of curtains in the room, sealed the windows and doors so no light can creep in, have no TV (r radio) in the room and try to get to bed at the same time everyday (by 2330). Typically get up at the same time every day (0500) but many night I wake up or simply cannot sleep more than about 10-12 minutes at a time - I don't remember most dreams and don't wake up in a sweat much anymore. I am on the second very expensive mattress set now.
Has anyone else experienced any of these challenges? Have you been successful doing anything to help combat this and get some quality rest?
I feel it taking a toll on my body - would appreciate you sharing what might have helped you. Thanks. Hooah, MJU.
I often have trouble getting and staying asleep and I've tried many changes. I do follow the typical recommendations like not drinking caffeine after 1800 (I rarely drink any caffeine anyway), I have a double set of curtains in the room, sealed the windows and doors so no light can creep in, have no TV (r radio) in the room and try to get to bed at the same time everyday (by 2330). Typically get up at the same time every day (0500) but many night I wake up or simply cannot sleep more than about 10-12 minutes at a time - I don't remember most dreams and don't wake up in a sweat much anymore. I am on the second very expensive mattress set now.
Has anyone else experienced any of these challenges? Have you been successful doing anything to help combat this and get some quality rest?
I feel it taking a toll on my body - would appreciate you sharing what might have helped you. Thanks. Hooah, MJU.
Sleeping
Medicine
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 20
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
Jack Daniels brother, that's what I use, works like a charm.
Seriously though, go do a sleep study and get checked for Apnea. If you are tired when you wake up and don't have energy throughout the day it may mean that you are not getting into full REM sleep. They will give you one of those cool Darth Vader machines and you will sleep like a baby.
Now, if it is bad dreams or PTSD type stuff, go talk to somebody and get it off your chest.
Jack Daniels brother, that's what I use, works like a charm.
Seriously though, go do a sleep study and get checked for Apnea. If you are tired when you wake up and don't have energy throughout the day it may mean that you are not getting into full REM sleep. They will give you one of those cool Darth Vader machines and you will sleep like a baby.
Now, if it is bad dreams or PTSD type stuff, go talk to somebody and get it off your chest.
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
CSM Michael J. Uhlig, definitely have sleep study done. Even if it is not sleep apnea, it might be restless leg so CSM (Join to see) is point. Both of which are an easy fix.
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LCDR (Join to see)
I have sleep apnea and use a CPAP every night, when I was on active duty I thought it was normal to be up all night and it came in handy for some assignments where I had responsibilities even at night. I have to tell you the first time I slept with the machine it changed my life.
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Maj Matt Hylton
2nd on the sleep study - I've been having problems like this over the past year (never get to dream state/REM sleep cycle) and the very first thing my doc suggested was getting the sleep study done to see if I had Apnea or some other obstruction.
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Have you been screened for sleep apnea? It could be the problem. As for techniques to fall asleep, well taking deep breaths, inhaling for 5seconds and exhaling for 5seconds for about Two minutes before you go to sleep helps because it relaxes the body. Good luck and I hope you can get some rest soon
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Actually, lack of sleep will destroy you. It is very hard on your heart and you may kill yourself or someone else falling asleep driving.
I can tell you a couple of things that have helped me. Read before you fall asleep. Reading tires our mind. Most of the time I can’t read over 5 minutes. It doesn’t have to be a good book, just read something that continues, not a short article, but hopefully a good book.
Secondly, when you wake up early, simply tell yourself you need more sleep and try to relax and fall back to sleep. If there are no stressors remember it is a good time to relax and sleep. God bless, good luck.
I can tell you a couple of things that have helped me. Read before you fall asleep. Reading tires our mind. Most of the time I can’t read over 5 minutes. It doesn’t have to be a good book, just read something that continues, not a short article, but hopefully a good book.
Secondly, when you wake up early, simply tell yourself you need more sleep and try to relax and fall back to sleep. If there are no stressors remember it is a good time to relax and sleep. God bless, good luck.
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