topic Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep? in Community Chat

What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

newjersey — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:48:37 GMT

I really don't feel like going to doctor for sleeping medication as I take enough medicine. I try to read, or go on the computer, but can't concentrate.

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

FancyPhillyshopper — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:57:38 GMT

I used to be a workaholic and never had enough sleep!

I value quality sleep.

Are you physically tired (worn out from physical activity) or mentally/emotionally exhausted? If you are physically tired, you have to just help the body shut down.

A warm shower before bed is always relaxing!

Yes, reading in bed can help your eyes close.

Being on the computer keeps the brain alert, and the bright lights can overly stimulate the eyes- not a good choice.

Sometimes listening to music on a small radio next to the bed, or having some kind of white noise will help sleep.

Being mentally stressed may require a different type of relaxation. You have to try to distract yourself--maybe watch a funny television show or a funny movie. If you have a pet, you can comb him/her out and snuggle together for a while.

Sometimes the cool wind of a fan can be very restful.

Some people like a glass of milk, or herbal tea.

Maybe you need more physical activity in the day to help sleep better at night!

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

shoekitty — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:58:07 GMT

usually if you can't sleep, you are to get up after 20 mins. Go sit somewhere in dark for. While. My sleep Dr told me no videos or bright lights at least hour before bed. Especially not a large tv. The lights stimulate the brain in many, especially bright and red colors. Also, no eating 6 hrs before bed. No caffeine. Maybe decaf sleepy tea. I get in bed late. I do watch more slow programs I like but don't need to get into. I use a mini iPad, propped on a pillow on my stomach, lol I usually fall asleep about 1 am. I have fallen asleep during the programs. Sleep is hard. Talk to a Dr. they can give you hints, maube a sleep aid for a week or few days. Or just advice.

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

Tinkrbl44 — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:25:34 GMT

@newjersey wrote:
I really don't feel like going to doctor for sleeping medication as I take enough medicine. I try to read, or go on the computer, but can't concentrate.

@newjersey

Well, of course, there's Melatonin and other OTC sleep aids.

Personally, I find reading for a bit when I get into bed the perfect thing to wind my brain down.

No phone or TV in the room.

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

Catch71 — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:25:52 GMT

I find moving to a different bed or even laying on the couch helps. It's frustrating to just keep tossing and turning. Reading helps too!

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

sunshine45 — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:28:47 GMT

i take a melatonin or a tylenol pm. they work well for me to put me to sleep and to stay asleep.

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

SilleeMee — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:36:31 GMT

I shut down my computer after the sun goes down. In my bedroom, anything electric with a blue light on it I put black tape over it. I don't ever leave the bedroom TV on while I go to sleep. All outside lights that might shine into my bedroom window are blocked out so it's pitch black in there.

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

rockygems123 — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:46:43 GMT

@newjersey

Magnesium works really well.

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

drizzellla — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:49:22 GMT

On occasion I just am not able to fall asleep. So I lie in bed and play sudoku, mahjong or solitaire on my tablet. And generally my eyes get tired and I roll over and fall asleep.

I generally found this to be true. There will be a movie I want to watch, generally on TCM. It will be shown late at night. I will start to watch the movie and next thing I know, I missed alot or all of the movie.

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

River Song — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:54:48 GMT

I tried melatonin but it gave me weird dreams, some people have nightmares. I tried sound machines but they just kept me awake. I usually read a book on my kindle to get sleepy. You can decrease the screen brightness for reading before going to sleep. A friend would listen to talk radio to put herself to sleep. Listening to an audio book for 30 minutes might do the trick.

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

msgb — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 03:13:35 GMT

This is a question I have been wondering for some time.

I tried Melatonin but I developed a rash from it. Turns out allergic.

I will eat dried tart cherries at times.

Magnesium glycinate.

Hibiscus tea.

An epsom salts bath.

I will not take prescriptions because I tend to be allergic to a lot of stuff that binds them or they have as an extra.

Reading also helps - I use a book light that doesn't bother my husband.

Exercising thru the day.

Not all work all the time but some help some of the time.

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

shoekitty — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:19:36 GMT

oh I forgot. I had a script for the CALM app. You can get a 30 day free trial. I loved it. I used it for sleep. They have these marvelous sleep stories. There is one I used every night for a while, and I'll be darned if I didn't fall to sleep. Never heard the end. It is called RYTHEM OF THE TRAIN. there are many more it is an excellent idea. There are tested sleep stories. Maybe try it. They also had great meditations and daily short things to do for anxiety. It worked!!I have a subscription now.

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

rms1954 — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 03:21:25 GMT

Have glass of wine.

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

Sooner — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 03:35:42 GMT

I roam around the house, drink water, look outside, check to see if the fox or the raccoon or the possum came by yet, maybe file my nails, that sort of thing.

I started doing it as soon as I could finagle my way out of my little bed, and have done it all my life. Back then it was "reading" my books in the dark and talking to my stuffed animals. Or so I have been told.

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

cindyNC — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 04:24:50 GMT

Honestly, sometimes it helps if I have a snack. We ate early today.......before 5pm.......and I'm up sometimes until after midnight.

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

Biftu — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 04:26:28 GMT

I don't go to bed until I am really tired regardless of the time. I don't force myself to get into bed until then. I have to have the TV on or my mind will race. I don't watch it, just listen. If the TV shuts off automatically, I wake right up. Five or six hours of sleep works for me regardless of when I go to bed. No nap during the day needed. Eating or drinking coffee before bed doesn't affect me at all. Sleep patterns vary, what works for one may not work for others.

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

Tinkrbl44 — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:34:49 GMT

@cindyNC wrote:
Honestly, sometimes it helps if I have a snack. We ate early today.......before 5pm.......and I'm up sometimes until after midnight.

@cindyNC

Your comment reminded me of my Dad's cure.

If he was up late and couldn't sleep, he'd get a piece of cream cheese on a couple of Ritz Crackers. One tiny little "cheese and crackers" did the trick. He'd go back to bed and fall asleep in a short while.

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

Starpolisher — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 08:21:32 GMT

I follow Alan Mandell, motivationaldoc, on IG and you tube. He gives natural healing remedies. He suggest putting on socks. When your feet are cold, your core body holds on to heat and the temperature needs to drop to signal your brain to sleep. Also says, eating a piece of banana 🍌 or a handful of almonds. Both rich in magnesium, will help you sleep. 😴 I've been up since midnight. I was just looking here to see if anyone else was up.😁I fell asleep around 9pm and woke up and can't go back to sleep. I put socks on and was just looking for a banana or almonds. Unfortunately, I don't have either! The best I could come up with was some Bailey's Irish cream.🍀Just had a decaf Irish coffee ☕️ 😋 I feel sleepy now!😴😅

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

ThinkingOutLoud — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:02:19 GMT

Make sure it's not your meds that are causing the problem. It could be a single one or a combo of them that are affecting your sleep.

Lowering the temperature in your room may help.

Count sheep.

Re: What do you do if you're tired, but can't sleep?

CalminHeart — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:12:06 GMT

@newjersey wrote:
I really don't feel like going to doctor for sleeping medication as I take enough medicine. I try to read, or go on the computer, but can't concentrate.

Electronic devices are the last thing you should reach for if you can't sleep. There are numerous studies showing specific light from them stimulates the brain.

I often can't get to sleep. My brain races with all kinds of thoughts.

I meditate saying the Hail Mary prayer over and over and over. I'm usually out by the 6th time.

I turn the tv on with the sound so low I can barely hear it and lie down with my face the opposite direction. I just got an eye mask so the light to be sure the light won't bother me.

If all else fails, I go to the couch. I might watch tv but am so tired that I never see the end.