Today was the first time I couldn't fall asleep at night, do I have insomnia?

Question

Well usually I fall asleep in about 30 minute but for some reason last night I couldn't fall asleep... I was just moving around in my bed just thinking... Did I get insomnia? I want to sleep d*mn it --; school starts this monday too...

Answer 1

You don't have insomnia. You just couldn't turn of your brain as you were thinking and stressing about it. Try not sleeping for 5 to 6 days at a time. Thats insomnia.

Answer 2

Probably not. Exercise, but not within 2 hours of bedtime. Have a warm bath, or shower, an hour before bedtime, then a glass of very warm milk, possibly with Horlicks, or one of the herbal teas, below, and use dimmer lighting. Put your mind in a position where it wants to shut itself off, and sleep. See insomnia treatments, in much more detail than can be included here, in section 3, at ezy build, below. Use one of the relaxation methods, in bed, after lights out, on pages 2, 11, 2.c, or 2.i, but they can take some time to learn, (progressive muscular relaxation excepted) so learn and become proficient in their use during the day.

An alternative is to use the EFT, in section 53, and pages 2.q, and 2.o, saying to yourself: "Even though I currently have a sleep disorder, I deeply and completely accept myself." (or choose your own wording) while you use the acupressure tapping. Some more; quick, and easy to learn, are at http://www.umm.edu/sleep/relax_tech.htm The progressive muscle relaxation, (most easily learned) guided imagery, and mindfulness breathing are known to be effective.

Find out which works best for you, in the daylight hours, so you will be prepared, come bedtime. For many people, a good idea is to develop a set "wind down" routine for the last hour before bedtime, so your subconscious mind learns that it is time to put thinking aside, and prepare for mindfulness, (awareness, without cogitation/purposeful thought) or the EFT, in preparation for sleep, but the idea with mindfulness is to not even think about sleeping: just drift off, naturally, during exercising those techniques.

Avoid TV, computer, or anything exciting in this hour, although reading a BORING! book is a good idea. I suggest that you try using the EMDR variant, below, prior to the mindfulness, or the progressive muscular relaxation, but after the EFT, if that method is chosen. Experiment, to find which combination works best for you.

In section 3: INSOMNIA: PAGE O - INSOMNIA: A COMPREHENSIVE POST a variant of Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing therapy is shown, which has been used successfully for those people suffering from insomnia, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and anxiety. It is easily learned, quick to use, yet can be very effective; although it is easy to be dismissive of such a seemingly unusual technique, give it a good tryout, for at least a few weeks, to see if it is effective in your case. I learned it from a book by a published clinical psychologist, and now use it every night, and find it works well.

Usually, I have a cup of chamomile herbal tea, an hour before bedtime, and employ many of the techniques in section 3. Others may prefer Sleepytime, by Celestial Seasonings, Relax, Be Sleepy, or valerian root, from supermarket tea, or health food aisles. Milk, or cream should not be used with herbal tea. http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris

Answer 3

your mind id just working overtime, probably thinking about going back to school and other things. You dont have insomnia. go for a big walk and tire yourself out so you sleep properly the next night. Or if you can just shut you mind off and think of something relaxing :)

sweet dreams  

Answer 4

No you don't have insomnia your mind is just being too active.. you need to clear your mind and breathe.. take deep breaths and think about another place

Answer 5

This definitely does not sound like insomnia but does sound more like anxiety.  Your probably just a bit stressed and anxious about school starting.  

Answer 6

maybe you ate something that altered your body or your day wasn't that tiring enough.

Answer 7

Hey what 3 days then go to a night clinnic or make out with your girlfriend

Answer 8

If it is the first time then don't sweat it.  You are probably excited about school and that is why you couldn't go to sleep.  Try not to take naps during the day. Always go to bed at the same time and make sure you do not watch TV or read in bed.  I garantee you tonight won't be a repeat of last night.  Do not exercise before going to bed either as that will really wire you up.