Hi all,
I am having the same problem, when I get into bed my mind starts to race and I cant switch off. I end up working out how much sleep I can get and then count down the hours im awake and get more stressed. Have tried Kalms, sominex and Nitol, nothing seems to work as mu mind is too active.
Starting to really get me down. Just started a relationship too and we are six months in, she does snore occasionally and mves about a bit. It does add to the stress of it all and the times I am dropping off I get disturbed.
I tend to sleep better when the pressure is off me to get up the next day, so weekends without work.
Any advice would be great
Learning relaxation techniques is essential.. ie no phone or computer or tv in hour before bed.
If cant sleep get up and read for 20 mins.
Sleep with a window open.
Get a plant for the bedroom.
Try turning off everything with light from elctrics in bedrom.
Try listening to music... relaxing music more than heavy metal!!
Learning to breathe and relax is essential for those that cannot sleep. It is putting hands on tummy, deep breathe in for a count of 2 and hold it for a count of two, then breathe out for a count of 4. It is not natural to do this... you need to learn and persevere with it. Its a good technique when sitting in a straight back chair during the day. Just to help you relax.
There are loads of relaxation techniques, but you do have to persevere with them not just say after 1st night "that didnt work". We do relaxation in chairs at our cancer therapy group, guarantee at least one person in that 5 person group will fall asleep.
I use the talking relaxation to hubby when he is wound up and thinking about work before bed. It does work..
There are quite a lot of relaxation groups, etc around the country. We have a buddha group that teaches mindfulness and relaxation near us. You do have to actively look for them though.