I am having trouble getting to sleep at night. I go to bed regularly at 11:00pm and don't manage to fall asleep until well past 3:00 in the morning. I then wake up at 7:00 to get ready for work/university. I am fit and active and do at least 1 hour of exercise every day. I am eating fewer calories than normal in order to lose a little weight I have gained over winter, but surely this should make me sleep, not keep me awake? I don't want to take sleeping pills, but I'm getting very tired! I need sleep! Please help.:confused:

Drink warm milk before sleep,
By the way, what do you study in University and what type of work you do at day time will have influnces on the hours of sleep you get every night.
Do you feel tired ?

I feel your pain and am having similar problems. I recently read a study that watching TV, playing on the computer, or exercising right before bed can all lead to bouts of insomnia. I've started reading and drawing before bed and it seems to slowing be getting me back on schedule.

I actually saw a doctor for a short time about my insomnia and she also recommended not using your bed for anything but sleeping (and sex). It helps your brain realize that that particular place is for sleeping only.

As far as a warm cup of milk before bed, it's never been proven but it might be the tryptophan in milk that makes you fall asleep or it could just be a placebo effect. If your lactose intolerant I guess that wouldn't help much. Sorry about the long winded answer; I hope it helps!

Thanks guys, I study fashion design and am either working (retail) or studying at university from 8am to 6pm. I basically slept last week out of pure exhaustion but am creeping back into insomnia. I do feel really tired but I guess my brain just won't switch off. I'll try the warm milk tonight. I also bought a meditation CD which might help me switch my brain off. Again, thanks for the advice guys!

To wake up alert and early in the morning, most experts recommend the following.

Wake up at the same time EVERY DAY including weekends. Only go to bed when you cannot stay awake any longer.

If you do this then after a while your body will settle into a pattern.