What To Do When You Can't Sleep Because You Are Thinking Too Much?

[AKL_Megs]

We are in the process of buying our first house. During waking hours, 1,000,001 things about the house are running through the back of my mind, but once my head hits that pillow, everything is brought to the surface, and all I can think about is...

"I wonder when we will close," "What color curtains should I put up," "Where would the toaster look best," "Should we change the paint color in the office?"



I literally roll around, thinking about every possible thing there is to think about in regards to home ownership, and keep myself awake until 2-4am.

I REALLY don't want to get started on Tylenol PM... I had a rough "addiction" to that back in college.

I've tried Valerian, I have tried Melatonin. They don't work.

I've tried not thinking about it, and I only think MORE!

We still have a month until we close, and I can't keep doing this to myself.

What works best for you?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I have a book I write in my head. Puts me to sleep when I need it.

My dd says if it puts me to sleep it must be a boring book.

You have to force yourself to redirect your thoughts. After awhile it becomes "normal". Sounds weird, I know, but that is my remedy.

 

[tasha99]

I read Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher." zzzzzzzzz

 

[AKL_Megs]

I read Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher." zzzzzzzzz

Everyone tells me to read something boring! That never works for me either!!!

 

[Boston Tea Party]

For me, I just have to live it out. We went on a whirlwind last minute trip to NY, Boston, and DC this summer with about two weeks to plan. I was up until almost 4 every night with my mind just racing. Nothing I could do about it.

Enjoy your first house.

 

[AKL_Megs]

For me, I just have to live it out. We went on a whirlwind last minute trip to NY, Boston, and DC this summer with about two weeks to plan. I was up until almost 4 every night with my mind just racing. Nothing I could do about it.

Enjoy your first house.

NOT what I wanted to hear!

I guess I will roll with it!

 

[Liberty Belle]

I try to redirect my thoughts. Usually I try to think of the last store I went in and picture the shelves/racks. I try to remember each product I saw and see it again in my head. That doesn't last too long and I'm alseep.

 

[Magic Mom]

Turn the tv on to something only mildly interesting. It will catch your attention enough to turn off the thought loop in your mind, but not enough to keep you awake.

 

[AKL_Megs]

I try to redirect my thoughts. Usually I try to think of the last store I went in and picture the shelves/racks. I try to remember each product I saw and see it again in my head. That doesn't last too long and I'm alseep.

Good idea! I will try this tonight!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Turn the tv on to something only mildly interesting. It will catch your attention enough to turn off the thought loop in your mind, but not enough to keep you awake.

That helps too. Last night it was "History of the Grail" on Discovery.

I had indulged in too much caffeine yesterday.

 

[AlaskaMOM]

journaling

you can use a spiral notebook, and before turning out the light each night just write down your dreams, wishes, ideas, thoughts, concerns, anything and everything that's on your mind. You can also add to it during the day, so you won't forget that "perfect" idea.
It helps me (when I use it)

Also no caffeine, especially in the evening. Some people like herbal tea to calm them, or a hot bath before bed. Try to get in some exercise everyday, it really does help you sleep better.

Have fun with your new home.

 

[etoiles]

I have this problem too. I try counting so I direct my mind on something else. It has worked for me. Or take a generic Zyrtec which also helps with my allergies. I have not gotten any addiction to it and only take it once a week or so.

 

[AKL_Megs]

I have this problem too. I try counting so I direct my mind on something else. It has worked for me. Or take a generic Zyrtec which also helps with my allergies. I have not gotten any addiction to it and only take it once a week or so.

I might try a Benadryl or two tonight, just to get myself back in a cycle... It was bad for me in college, I took 4 Tylenol PM's a night for a YEAR just to sleep. It was bad. I hate to get hooked again.

 

[Saphire]

Whenever my Mom tell me she can't sleep I tell her its because she isn't moving/exercising enough during the day. If you increase your activity level and tire yourself out physically, you most likely won't have trouble sleeping at night. So she usually finds a new project to do...gardening, painting, spring cleaning, etc., it works!

 

[Aimros]

i definitely think writing things down, as a previous poster mentioned, is extremely helpful. one of my problems when i can't sleep is i start thinking im going to forget all of things im thinking in the morning, and that just stresses me out more. if you write down all of your thoughts, sometimes that can help you relax and get some sleep!

 

[MrsSpratt]

My Doc recommend's Benedryl; several of my friends have success with Calms Forte, which is a homeopathic remedy that helps calm you.

Congrats on your house and good luck!

 

[diznygirl]

Maybe you could just go with it - concentrate on thinking about one room and where you will put things and what color you will paint it. If you are focusing on one thing, hopefully all the others won't bother you.

There is lots of good advice here.

 

[Nette]

I agree with redirecting your thoughts. I have often counted my breaths (in for 1 out for 2) or lately I've been also thinking about a novel I want to get started. But when those don't work after about an hour, I get up and take .25 mg of Xanax. It's fast acting and makes my mind shut up long enough for me to fall asleep.

 

[lisah0711]

The working on your breath thing does help. When you concentrate on breathing in and out you can't worry about where the toaster will go. I can fall asleep but wake up in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep. I have a CD of relaxing music from iTunes that I turn on very low so it won't disturb DH. It is pretty good because I never have heard the end of the CD or at least I don't remember it!

Good luck and try not to worry because worrying only makes it worse.

 

[luvmy3]

I read a book. It clears my mind of all the thoughts and makes it easier to fall asleep.