[psychman09]

I currently and have been for quite some time been having trouble getting sleep at night. I work 4 days a week, a total of about 50 hours plus depending on the week, and my work days end between 10:30pm and 12:30am depending on the day. My job can be quite stressful at times, but on most occasions I do not come home feeling stressed. I have some times taken a hot shower before I go to bed at night, which has on some occasion shown results (i.e. me sleeping better or falling asleep faster) but not with a lot of consistancy. So to put in bluntly there is no cause and effect with taking a hot shower before I go to bed. I also do not watch TV in the bedroom. My bed is a good bed as far as comfort and quality. Almost a year ago I was in a bad car accident which seems to still effect my comfort at night especially in the colder months of the year, but the warm shower usually takes care of some of the aches and pains. At least enough so that I am able to sleep. My girlfriend and I do sleep together, space sometimes can be an issue but for the most part not. I struggle when settling down into the bed with finding positions that are comfortable enough for my to shut my eyes and make zzzzzzzzzzz's. Lol I would greatly appreciate anyone with any thoughts or ideas that could help. Again I am 100% sure that it is NOT INSOMNIA. So please spare me the time of telling me that I should be tested. Other then that I am all ears. Thanks to all those who respond!

[starbuck8]

Have you ever checked out the health food stores? There are sleep remedies there. One in particular is called Valerian, but there are others that can help you to relax and get some sleep. Another thing, and this may sound girly, but instead of having a shower, have a warm bubble bath with lavender oil added to the water, and some scented soothing candles lit, with the lights off, and maybe some soft music. It really does help you to unwind and relax, if you do some of these things.

Now this may even sound a little more girly, but don't worry about it. You could light some aroma therapy candles, meditate or do yoga stretches for a few minutes. The health food stores also have "sleepy time" tea's, that could help you sleep.

Have you ever asked your girlfriend to give you a back massage with warm oil? I know this is probably not something she would want to do every night, but hey... take it when you can get it right? ;)

I definitely DO have insomnia, and some of these things help me, so one of them is worth a try for you, even though you don't have insomnia.

Oh, and although it tastes gross... to me anyway, if all else fails, the warm milk thing really does work. (If you don't like the taste, you can find caffeine free chocolate flavouring to add to it at the health food stores) You might also want to try Melatonin, but be forewarned about the dreams you may have if you buy that.

Hope this helped you some. Sweet dreams! :)