Insomnia and Weight

[tiggerlover]

I have suffered from mild insomnia for a very long time, however over the last year it has gotten a lot worse. I thought my weight had something to do with it as last year I had gained a lot. Now I am losing weight (33 lbs.) since last year, but the insomnia isn't getting any better. I still have weight to lose, I currently weigh 185 and I was wondering if you thought the weight could still be the culprit? I do have a doctors appointment next week for my annual exam (which is 6 months overdue) and I plan to talk to the doctor about it, but I was still wondering if my WISH friends could offer some insight.

Thanks for listening!

 

[mowsie dreamer]

Do you have trouble going to sleep? Or do you sleep and then wake up and can't get back to sleep? If it's the latter, maybe you could have some form of sleep apnea? Not a medical opinion by any means, just a guess.

Congrats on your 33 lb loss! That is terrific!

 

[tiggerlover]

Originally posted by mowsie dreamer
Do you have trouble going to sleep? Or do you sleep and then wake up and can't get back to sleep? If it's the latter, maybe you could have some form of sleep apnea? Not a medical opinion by any means, just a guess.

Congrats on your 33 lb loss! That is terrific!

I usually fall asleep, but I wake up several times during the night and often times it is difficult to go back to sleep.

 

[RaySharpton]

Congratulations on your great weight loss and best wishes at your physician's appointment. It's just terrible when I do the same thing. For me, it might be caffeine from coffee or stress at work.

Ray

 

[anniet]

I have read/heard that weight loss can be impeded if your body doesn't get all of the rest it needs. Don't know if you have a swimming pool available to you, but I have to say, I started Water Aerobics a few weeks ago and on the nights that I do it, I sleep sounder than I ever have in my life!!!!!!!

 

[TigH]

Do you have problems falling asleep, or do you fall asleep ok and then wake up late at night?

I know you are already doing lots of exercise, but I would recommend trying yoga at least once to see how you like it, and then maybe try to do it once a week. It's GREAT for learning how to take long, slow, full breaths. If you have trouble with sleep, getting into this type of breathing would be an excellent way for you to quiet your mind.

Try buying a lavendar sachet or some lavendar essential oil to put on your pillow. If you get the sachet, place it under your pillow. If you get the oil, just use a TEEEEEENIE sprinkle on your pillow. I always have nice dreams when I use lavendar.

If I am wound up, I will take a melatonin pill before bed time. It's not like a sleeping pill full of man made chemicals. It helps me just ease into that natural drifting off to sleep mode. I only take them once in a while, not all the time.

Have you thought about getting a white noise machine or something like that? Maybe do some "just for you" rituals before bed time, like write in a journal, or imagine that you are taking all the worriesome/stressful thoughts of the day and you are putting them in a box and then putting the box away. Tell yourself how relaxed and ready for sleep you are. Practice doing this often and try to keep your mind focused on this relaxing thought pattern if you notice you are starting to make your to do list for the next day.

Good luck! I have no idea if weight has anything to do with insomnia. I just know that if I eat junk food or drink more than a few beers, my sleep pattern is messed up!

 

[loisg1]

DH has sleep problems as well. He feels that it's job stress related plus he drinks more coffee then anyone should ever think of. He takes a sleeping pill prescribed by the primary.

Wish I could offer some other suggestions, but talking to your doc sounds like the best place to start. Sleepytime tea before bed might help as well as any of the other wonderful suggestions that were offered.

Take care
Lois