Expert: Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP - 2/13/2008

Question
I've just spent the whole of the night awake fighting and fighting and fighting sleep.  Why do I do this?  Does anyone else do this?  Am I alone?  

I've been like this since I was a little girl.  I remember reading and listening to the radio until 2 or 3 in the morning under the covers and my teachers telling me and my parents off because I was forever falling asleep in class.  I'm middle-aged now and I STILL do it!

I find I just can't settle down because I'm so completely AWARE of everything around me - and my mind keeps on running like some mad machine.  

The tiniest chink of light through the curtains keeps me awake.  The smell of the fuel from cars going by makes me super-alert.  The sound of shifting and toilet-flushing by my neigbours, remembering something I read about on the web, memories from 10 or 20 years ago...  Aaargh!  It's like I have to forever be on the alert 'just in case' something happens.  What the hell is gonna happen at 3:30 in the morning???

I'm putting this message on a load of different forums because I know that there must be SOMEBODY out there who can suggest ways I can get to sleep.

And before you say warm baths, warm milky drinks, no TV or stimulating books, dark room, lavender oil, no coffee, St. John's Wort, blah blah blah.  Yep, done all that, over and over again for years.  And before you say, 'try drugs', nope, don't want to go down that route.  

I'm sorry if I sound short or bad-tempered everybody.  But since I'm so tired and so desperate, I kinda am!  Somebody tell me please, What else can I try???


Answer
My Dear English Girl,

Thanks for asking me your question.  I apologize for my tardy reply.

I know you stated you have tried lavender oil, but my mother says the this 'sleep lotion' from Bath & Body Works really works.  She is very ADHD and has sleep apnea.    

Aromatherapy  
Body Lotion
Sleep - Lavender Chamomile  



Sleep well. Lavender essential oil soothes and calms you so you can sleep better. Chamomile has a lulling effect to enhance sleep.
Imported.

Use each night before bed

$13.00   SIZE: 6.5 fl. oz./192 mL  

I also listen to an entrainment CD - that helps my mind focus and relax so that I can go to sleep.  It has both a guided part - (that's the one I listen to - because it help me stay on the task of listening.  He has ADHD too.  He even says during the process "As your mind starts to drift, and it will..."  He already knows it is going to happen ) and it has a part that just has the music. Maybe trying some brain music might help. (No subliminal messages he promises).

The CD is called, The Soothing Pulse, by John M. Ortiz.  I went to a conference he did.  I love this CD.  

There is one last thing.  My chiropractor suggested a supplement when I was just 'hyped' well into the night.  It seemed to help, but I would contact a naturopath to discuss supplements and stuff.  I believe it is a mineral supplement, not even herbs.  

Please look up for your self-education "entrainment.'

I wouldn't be able to explain it well here.  

Good luck and Good night, I hope.  

Many Blessings

Christine