Why can't I sleep? Is there anything I can do to help?

[Anonymous]

I can't sleep to save my life!!! It's really bad in the summer; I go to bed between ten and twelve and I fall asleep between 3:30 and 6:00 usually. On really bad nights I've been up until 9:00 AM. It's better when school starts, but I only get about five hours a night and crash on the weekends. Between college classes, highschool classes, sports, student governmemt, and relationships it really takes a toll. Can anyone give me some advice on how to sleep? People have tried to get me on some kind of sleep aid, but I refuse to start taking pills.

[Anonymous]

I am literally the exact same in every way. Sometimes I even stay awake for a whole 24 hours or more. I recomend this
turn off the computers and electronics
turn of the phone
turn off every light
wear large warm blankets
drink tea
go to the washroom before hand
dont go on your phone again
Close your eyes
think about the day
fix your pillows
dont use any pillows if necessary
dont get up no matter what
if any of this doesn't work, ask for professional help. You can probably get therapy for it or medication. It coukd also be a symptom of something larger like an illness of a sort. Also, write everything you are thinking down if you have a wild imagination so it empties your mind. concentrate on one thing. Sleep.
I hope I helped in any way.

[Opinion Owner]

Thank you so much! I am honored I was Most Helpful to you :)

[lePoissonRouge]

Sounds like you have insomnia. Unfortunately, the best way to treat that is with sleeping aids. Of course you could always try camomile tea, but it's not nearly as powerful.
If you just need something to help you relax, something you could do is listen to sleep hypnosis videos on YouTube. Or some ASMR, but that creeps some people out since it's kind of like ear p*rn.

[Levin]

do you feel really hot in bed? From the little information you've provided, it looks like you're doing too much; too many expansive yang activities, you're burning yourself up. Sounds like you should take some time to reflect and relax, do a bit less, maybe cut a few non essential things out of your schedule. Also, if you're too hot, you should eat more cooling foods, such as salads; focus on smaller, less bulky meals throughout the day, to keep your sugar levels stable; stimulants, coffee, tea, sugar, greasy crap from McDonald's? Tai chi and meditation is a natural way to cool down a bit, and is excellent for your health.

[Levin]

Also, one of the perhaps, most essential things, in my view. Is not eating late at night. Make your last meal at 7pm, and don't make it huge (chew thoroughly throughout all your meals too). See if that makes any difference.

[decemberxblue]

Try melatonin. It's already in your brain as it helps regulate sleep/wake cycles. Don't try more than 2.5mg (Half a mg) initially. Otherwise I like to focus on my breathing.

[Blacklonewolf]

I have the same problem but it doesn't change throughout the year. It stays the same. I'll sleep on a good night 2-6 hours.
What helps me sleep is either walking till I can't anymore and drinking tea. I don't like taking pills for anything.

[Asker]

I've tried exercise before bed, but it hasen't worked. I'll give tea a shot :). Thank you.

[Blacklonewolf]

Welcome. :) hope it works for you.

[misscocobutter]

Are you anxious about something, maybe try to wind down before you go to bed by relaxing or meditation. Keeping to a routine helps too, going to bed and getting up at the same time