posted February 01, 2008 07:19 AM         

Now circumstances have changed and I'm able to have a normal sleep schedule with time for a full night's sleep, but I'm having the hardest time returning to that. And I've always been a sleep lover. I'm definitely not one of those people who's satisfied with 5 or 6 hours of sleep. Eight is my magic number. Hell, sometimes I'd even go wild and get 9.

It's been about a month now that I haven't had to stay up all night. For the first week, everything was fine. I'd conk out and sleep at least 8 hours, I guess b/c I'd been so sleep deprived. But for the past few weeks, I can't stay asleep. Falling asleep isn't usually a problem, but I wake up after 4 hours (sometimes less), probably b/c my body is so used to only sleeping that much at once. Also, I used to exercise at night, and my body must still be expecting to be active at 4 in the morning.

Yesterday I woke up after only a couple of hours. Later in the day, I fell asleep when I shouldn't have, and ended up being 25 minutes late for an important meeting.

Last night I only slept for 3 hours. And I'm worried b/c tonight I have some work that I need to be in top form for, and a good night's sleep would really help with that.

So I was wondering if anyone has any advice for getting back on a regular sleeping schedule. I've taken over the counter sleeping pills, but I still wake up after 4 hours and they make me groggy. I guess it'll just happen in time?

I'm upset b/c I'm afraid my accidental nap yesterday may have cost me a job I really wanted. If anyone has any tips that'll help me sleep, please share.

posted February 01, 2008 07:35 AM         

Insomnia is a relatively common sleep disorder, affecting about one-third of the adult population worldwide. Insomnia can cause severe sleeplessness and is more common in women, but the quality of sleep decreases equally in both women and men as we age.

Typical symptoms of insomnia include problems falling asleep, waking up frequently in the night with difficulty falling back to sleep, waking too early in the morning, and feeling unrefreshed when waking in the morning.

The causes of insomnia are varied. Noise, temperature changes, medication side effects, jet lag, and a change in surroundings can all cause insomnia, as can PMS, menopause, menstruation, or pregnancy.

If you suffer from insomnia, try to stick to a routine at bedtime, and go to bed at the same time every day. Avoid caffeine and nicotine before bedtime, and get plenty of exercise during the day. A dark room free of noise may also help-consider buying a "white noise" device if your bedroom is noisy. If you are having trouble falling asleep, try relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga.

Trouble Sleeping? Try Mantram
Mantram is the practice of repeating over and over in the mind certain syllables, words or phrases that help unify consciousness and counteract negative mental states. It is especially helpful for people with restless minds, whose turbulent thoughts keep them from relaxing, concentrating and falling asleep. The repetition of a verbal formula is a way of focusing the thinking mind and counteracting the damage done to both mind and body by thoughts that produce anxiety, agitation and unhappiness.

You can practice mantram anywhere, especially as a sleep aid and a natural remedy for insomnia- it is a totally portable technique, requires no training or equipment, and can be used in any circumstance, so long as you don't practice it while doing something that otherwise requires your undivided attention. Try experimenting with it - choose a word, sound or phrase that is pleasing to you, and repeat it. If your mind wanders, simply focus back on the word. You will be amazed at the results.

Source
*Compliments of my friend Daisy

BTW This works, it truly works!!!

posted February 05, 2008 06:28 PM         

Henceforth you may call me Dr. Zala.....

posted February 11, 2008 01:24 PM         

Z

posted February 12, 2008 03:06 AM         

I'm sure our synastry is no less than soulmate quality.

Actually, your Sun is probably in my 12th house and my Moon may be in yours. Double whammy 12th house action often leads to bat violence, I've read. (As in, I read it here as I wrote it. )