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Wondering who or what profession helps others with sleeping problems.  
I do not sleep very well at all. I can't even nap. I don't even get tired. When I do get tired it is only for a short time and if I don't try to nap or sleep then I don't get that back. I usually can't take advantage of that window of opportunity due to working or having my kids. I actually keep hoping I will reached an exhaustion moment where I can actually just pass out but I don't. I can't stop thinking in my head which is obviously the reason I can't sleep. I think of everything I need to do today, tomorrow, months from now... yesterday... it doesn't stop...  
I been told by family and everything: don't worry about things tomorrow, it will still be there the next day to deal with, shut your brain off, ask hubby to help...etc  
First of all, my hubby is great and is concerned for me. He knows I don't sleep well and that i can't even relax when I am awake. I think when im awake and trying to sleep. He tries to help around a lot... Next, I can't shut my brain off and not think of tomorrow... I am a very proactive person... I try to think of everything and its back up plans... I don't know why but that's just who I am  
I do not drink coffee. .. or anything caffeinated ... so why can't I ever just get tired?! I don't want to take sleeping pills as I have young children and I don't want to not wake up if they need me. My hubby has a job where he needs to be alert so I am not going to get him to do this. There is history of this problem with relatives so I know this is genetic too.  
What do I do? Who do you talk to about something like this? My family doctor won't be able to help with this...  
So tired mentally wish it was physically...

Marijuana.  
Seriously.

Have you tried an ativan at night? or exercise before bed?  
 
Edited by Kiwiyop, 2017-07-04 09:05:20

Have you tried melatonin or any herbal teas? There are a few herbs that might help, but make sure you do your research on use & safety.

First off...there is no quick fix.  
I don't have all the answers but I can relay some things that have helped me. Personally I go through periods where I sleep well (well enough for me anyways) and then there are times where i get stuck in alternate sleep cycles (waking up through night and not being able to go back to sleep, not being able to fall asleep, etc)  
 
Here are some sleep habits that work for me and help me sleep better:  
1. Regular exercise  
2. Deep breathing (sometimes when I can't sleep I take deep breaths and count them off...think counting sheep.)  
3. No tv or electronics (phone, iPad etc) when at bedtime.  
4. Reading (this can be tricky. I need a book that keeps me interested, but not overly interesting/exciting or I'll stay awake all night reading)  
5. Tools to quiet thoughts in your head (writing things down - Ive spent many nights thinking of all the things I have to do. If I write them down I can revisit in the morning. This simple trick often quiets my thoughts)  
6. Minimal eating after 7pm. My body goes into overdrive trying to burn calories overnight and will keep me awake.  
 
I've always been an early riser and my system will not allow me midday naps no matter how tired I feel, that's just the way I am.  
 
I often fall in and out of decent sleep patterns. The above are some things that help me personally. When my pattern is off it's usually because one of the above is not being followed. There's no "one-sized-fits-all" solution, what works for me may or may not help you.  
 
Best of luck or maybe I'll close with:  
 
Wishing you Sweet dreams!

why don't you want to talk to your doctor. you have stated a history in your family with some kind issues with this. maybe you doctor can prescribe you something or send you to a specialist. I think your family doctor would be your first stop in this situation.

go to Hedley''s or 2 farm for kids see what they can offer for relaxing and sleeping herbs in tea or sleep aid capsules. Find out when is best time during the day to take them also the amount of doses to be more effective.  
these are supposed to help: ashwagandha, chamoline, valerian, magnolia bark, passion flower, and others. Need help for relaxation, calm, less insomnia and cortisol  
 
Edited by plus zero, 2017-07-04 10:32:19

https://www.nowfoods.com/essential-oils/metal-touch-ultrasonic-oil-diffuser & https://www.nowfoods.com/essential-oils/peaceful-sleep-oil-blend  
 
Work's great for me when I just can't seem to get to bed'  
If you don't want to order them online, next time you head into Winnipeg go to Valhalla Automated Spa (valhallaautomatedspa.com) it's where I shop for my oils

Thanks,  
I do read books. It does help my mind think of something else but I end up usually not being able to put the book down lol  
I exercise too. I would consider myself a healthy person...  
I will try my family doctor... maybe she does know a specialist and the specialist can let me know what herbs and natural supplements I can take that suit me.  
I keep putting off seeing the doctor hoping to go straight to a specialist, guess I better get on it!

I could be wrong but I don't think you need help sleeping but help managing your thoughts/mind. Maybe someone to talk to, to help manage your constant thinking?

If you have a Scentsy burner try a Lavender scented bar or even lavender scented candles in your room. There's also lavender scented pillows specific to these needs as well, scented bath bombs or salts right before bed. . I know not everyone enjoys the smell but its very soothing and relaxing. Might be worth a shot.

You are not wrong... I need to manage my thoughts/mind.... that part is genetic too!  
I hope me kids don't become like me!  
It's great when I'm at work 110% but not when it comes to relaxing at home ... need to balance something here

Have you tried any essential oils? I find it helps to put on the bottom of my feet or use a diffuser. I usually use lavender and cedarwood!

Talk to the doctor they will give you a referral to RAMA sleep disorder office that might be able to help

Sleep Clinic in Winnipeg is a minimum 2 year wait. I am currently on that list. Doesn't help with the here and now.  
I second Melatonin. As we age our body produces less.  
Strongly recommend no electronics like phone, iPad or tv at least an hour before bed.  
If it is that your mind cannot settle you could talk to your Dr about Lorazepam. It helps to calm the mind and will help with sleep. However, not something you want to take on a regular basis but occasional use. My mind is constantly racing especially when I try to sleep. Go figure. But it does really help me.  
You could also try Valerian root, if you are looking for an herbal supplement. It is supposed to help with sleep and anxiety. I have zero experience as I have never tried this myself.  
Good luck!!!

Rainy said "Talk to the doctor they will give you a referral to RAMA sleep disorder office that might be able to help "

*RANA not RAMA  
 
https://www.ranacaregroup.com/sleep-apnea/  
 
Also OP, you can try and contact them directly, I did that, and was seen a few months later... discovered I have severe sleep apnea : haha'

A "dream pillow" could be worth trying. It is a pillow filled with herbs that help sleep. I believe hops is part of those herbs. I found that interesting.

Flutterby said "A "dream pillow" could be worth trying. It is a pillow filled with herbs that help sleep. I believe hops is part of those herbs. I found that interesting. "

I have one. Helps me get comfortable and of course it does loose it's smell, but Peavey has some great lavender spray, I use on it.  
 
I did not realize how important a good pillow was! Do not buy a knock off. Go to sleep country, I spent $70, but well worth every cent.  
 
But don't buy their bottle of lavender, too expensive, like I said Peavey has great stuff and so much cheaper. I spray it on the pillow and pillow case when I can't smell it anymore.  
 
I too am a terrible sleeper, up all night, but that has helped. I still need to take meds to sleep and even those don't really helped. I have learned all the relaxing exercises, still don't help. But being comfortable does help to relax.  
 
Good Luck - I don't think people that can sleep really understand how frustrating and hard it is. I fell asleep yesterday at lunch, with my laptop on my lap and a muffin in my hand and was like that for two hours....and wow, wake up very cranky when that happens!

Before starting medications, try these techniques that have worked for me during my worst times. Yoga- I couldn't believe it myself. A strategy called cognitive shuffling. Take medications if you need them though, sleep deprivation is awful.

Have you heard of ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response)? It is defined as an experience characterised by a static-like or tingling sensation on the skin most commonly triggered by specific acoustic, visual and digital media stimuli.  
 
Basically, look up ASMR on YouTube and choose a video based on what sounds you enjoy that sound relaxing. I enjoy the sounds of an ear or scalp massage or an ear cleaning with a fluffy pick. Don't forget your earbuds or headphones! I have playlists on YouTube packed with sounds that make me drift off (I find it difficult to fall asleep) that I start about an hour or so before bedtime. Get into bed, put your earbuds in, play a video and close your eyes. I swear by this every night. Hope it helps you too