Takes forever 2 fall asleep and sleep alll the time.

[ashleighk]

Every night I try and fall asleep around a decent time and always lay there for hours on end. My mind constantly races and I think about EVERYTHING! There is always something on my mind. I try and block it out by thinking of one object, but sooner or later my mind wanders off onto something else. I'm so sick of it. My DR told me it was because I was bi polar, he gave me some sleeping pills that will only work temporarily. He said that the pill will kind alike, build up a wall in my brain and block out all the thoughts, but sooner or later the bi polarness will break down that wall.. So I guess there is no cure for it. When I do finally fall asleep I will sleep for probably 10-12 hours at a time... I cant stand sleeping all the time. I will fall asleep around 3am and wake up at 3 in the afternoon. My whole day is gone... And if I do get up before that I am exhausted and grouchy... Anyone have any ideas??? Thanks.

[Cuchculan]

Sleeping pills, in my opinion, give a false sense of sleep. Have you ever tried anything to stop your mind racing? Like reading a book. Listening to the radio. Even some exercises to burn off that energy you would have within you. Once upon a time I used to sleep the day away. Used to hate it. Cause I knew i had missed out on the whole day. I just started to go to bed at 10pm, radio on, and got up at 6am. Stopped myself doing things throughout the day that wouldn't have me tired at night. Used to take a few naps. One in the evening as well. I cut all that out. No matter how tired I felt. Yes, the medication I am on does knock me out. But that is only for a while. I can wake an hour later and be wide awake. But I stay in bed. I resist the temptation to get up. And I am back asleep before I know it. I just needed a distraction at sleep time. As well as a normal radio I use radio scanners. Listen to the ambulances and fire crew and the likes. All just to stop the head having those racing thoughts. Worked well for me. Just a case of finding that something that will work as good for you.