How can I adjust my sleep habits?

[mscher]

Re: How can I adjust my sleep habits?

I appreciate all the replies.However, let's get back to the subject.
I DON'T WORK NOW. I want ideas on how to recover to a "normal" sleep pattern.
I received a PM from a member that was useful. For all my fellow (ex) night workers, I feel for you.

One issue I see is that you nap too long, which is probably why you can't get to sleep at night. 30-45 minutes is about all that you need, believe it or not. As a truck driver, 15 minutes (timed) works perfect for me, always.

Another tip (no joke), is to read up on and learn basic transcendental meditation. It's easy to learn and do, which will allow you to clear and calm your mind, that will help you go to sleep.

Take it from a driver, sleep is very precious, so make the best of it.

Good luck

 

[gonfishn]

Re: How can I adjust my sleep habits?

Improper sleep patterns can also be attributed to your sleep set. What felt good to you five years ago maybe because you are not getting the right support. It may be from an injury or our body chemistry has changed with age.

Meds just cover up the real reason you are not sleeping well be it what ever. If you sleep better in a motel than at home you need a new mattress. Since they are thrown away every three to five years(contract bedding) they get a cheap spring unit and cover it with some nice soft cushioning knowing its longivity is
short.

Sleep patterns are effected by the time you actually are comfortable. Pressure points contribute to a restless night. Many a nite is spent on the couch becuase of a bad sleep set. Unless of course you have been banned to the couch by your beeter half.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: How can I adjust my sleep habits?

Hey fishy, you didn't happen to save that ole rag you had with you on the boat and you just couldn't hold it and it was used for..........geez, don't care to get too descriptive here, you know what I mean, but lets just say you kept that rag around to keep you up?
Drag that sucker out for a time or two when gettin sleepy eyed and man I bet it will work as good as smellin salts.
Other than that, maybe that sleep test is worth re doing...

 

[dave11]

Re: How can I adjust my sleep habits?

One issue I see is that you nap too long, which is probably why you can't get to sleep at night. 30-45 minutes is about all that you need, believe it or not. As a truck driver, 15 minutes (timed) works perfect for me, always.

Another tip (no joke), is to read up on and learn basic transcendental meditation. It's easy to learn and do, which will allow you to clear and calm your mind, that will help you go to sleep.

Take it from a driver, sleep is very precious, so make the best of it.

Good luck

Yea, they do work. I call them "Power Naps".

 

[mthieme]

Re: How can I adjust my sleep habits?

You're retired.
What does it matter?

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: How can I adjust my sleep habits?

You're retired.
What does it matter?

Although I'm retired, I need (want) to adjust to "society's" standard of living. It's a real pain to try and find a fishing or hardware store open at 3:00 AM

I am slowly adjusting however. Got out of bed yesterday at 10:30 AM.
I'm going to attempt 9:30 this next AM.

If I could just get off this dang computer.

 

[mthieme]

Re: How can I adjust my sleep habits?

The bait stores around here open up at 5:00am.
I here ya though.
I ran into this problem once. The doctor told me I had no routine.
When I started working again, that cured that issue but I had gotten my days and nights mixed up in the meantime.

By the way, are you gonna update your pic now that the womb broom is gone?

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: How can I adjust my sleep habits?

You need to do these things:

1) Exercise (walking is exercise)
2) Eat right (3 meals a day, normal food, just dont eat too much)
3) Drink plenty of water

If you feel sleepy, go for a walk.

Trust me, do all this and you will feel much better.

Ken

 

[arboldt]

Re: How can I adjust my sleep habits?

Several random thoughts...

My body has always been a bit odd. Back in college, if I needed to stay up to study, if I had a cup of coffee I'd be out for the night. The warmth put me to sleep long before the caffeine kicked in.

ALthough retired, you really should force yourself to a scheduled activity that follows the schedule you want. There's always plenty of volunteer activities in any community. Even if you do it for a couple months until your schedule is reset.

Learn to listen to your body. Don't force it past the time it says to quit. That may mean turning off the PC, TV, etc earlier than you're used to.

Ask your doctor about that sleep study. If the electrodes etc kept you awake, it wasn't done properly. I, too, and one who says that a CPAP has at least saved my marriage if not my life, as my attitudes and personality has become much pleasanter. Also, significant swings in blood sugar can give super-energy or lethargy, and you know that's an issue for you.

Finally, if you're *really* having a problem falling asleep, maybe I can loan you some of my college philosophy books. I remember one theology book purchased used. A previous owner had written inside the cover:

If there should be another Flood, For refuge hither fly.
Though all the world would be submerged, this book would still be dry.

 

[wajajaja02]

Re: How can I adjust my sleep habits?

I didn't read all 28 responses, but I too spent most of my 40 years on the 3rd shift. We share the same physical characteristics. Sleep apnea is a biggy for getting quality sleep, and good sleep patterns, The Sleep specialist will be more helpful than your regular pcp. My pcp happens to be both.
sleep apnea,will lead to low o2 levels, high blood pressure, and heart rate, and arrhythmias, all silent killers.
Google up sleep apnea and read about it. its serious, and once you get it under control the changes it will make in your life are astounding. Treatment is painless.

 

[azlakes]

Re: How can I adjust my sleep habits?

For me it only works with wine. If i drink beer, and it's usually stronger/microbrew beer. I end up farting all night and usually do wake up once to take a leak, then have a hard time falling back asleep, both because the beer wore off... and that everything smells like farts. It's awefull in the winter when the windows are closed and the heat is on.
If i do booze/liqour... it certainly puts me out but the hangover is not worth it, i'd rather function without sleeping than function that way.

...kewl

Tyme i also worked the night for many years. Try what was recommended and stay awake during the day and get to sleep at 10-11pm. Stay in bed and rest if thats all you can do but get up at 6 -7 am. After a couple days you should get back to normal...

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: How can I adjust my sleep habits? UPDATE

Re: How can I adjust my sleep habits? UPDATE

I have returned to a normal pattern.
I just kept setting the alarm an hour earlier every day and I no longer take any naps.

This morning I woke up at 7:30 AM on my own with no alarm after watching Monday Night Football.

Thanks to all for your tips and suggestion.