MikeM

It appears insomnia has started as a part of my recovery. Not that I care really, I can handle it.

I'm going to try and sleep again in a moment. In the meantime, does anyone have any ideas for what you can do online during a sleepless night?

letitgo

Ditch all screens. Read a real book.

ALinNS

Go for a walk, always works for me

least

When I can't sleep, I like to watch movies, or old MASH episodes. Fun way to pass the time in the wee hours.

Wastinglife

Insomnia has plagued me for years. For a long time, I drank to combat it, not realizing that passing out drunk is not the same as good REM sleep. Whenever I came off a binge, I would be awake for days. Insomnia is a problem that is very common with recovering alcoholics so done be too concerned.

StartingOverNW

This is what I do for insomnia too (except when I read on my kindle iphone app to fall asleep)

Anna

Yeah, the light of the computer screen is not going to help you sleep. Reading is always a good idea.

MikeM

Great suggestions. I decided this time to look up anti alcohol commercials on YouTube. I'm going to compile a couple of them and post them in a new thread.

strategery

When I used to have sleepless nights, I'd watch reruns of old shows on cable.

teatreeoil007

I've tried many things for insomnia, having struggled with it for many years. So I'm always on the lookout for new ideas. Some things that contribute this problem: work schedule, circadian rhythms, discomfort/pain, environment/noise, stress and worry, spouse's snoring or sleep disorders,etc.

I've tried chemically induced sleep but I discovered you gotta watch it: you can become tolerant of sleep meds and think you can just take more...NOT a good idea. When I stopped taking Ambien some time ago, I had REBOUND insomnia. But while I was taking it I did things in my sleep like get clothes out of the closet and leave them laying around the room: no recall either.

So, anyway-one of the best things I have found is try to avoid sleeping in, get up and stay up; don't take naps, cut off caffiene intake in the afternoon, manage stress well, bathe or shower before bed, make the bed. If there are discomfort or pain issues keeping you awake alleviate them. When I can't sleep? I usually read a good book, although if it's a really good book that's counterproductive because then I stay awake reading; sometimes I read SR.

MikeM

Ok, time to try again. Browsing through the anti alcohol commercials has made me a bit more tired. I posted the result in another thread.

See y'all tomorrow!

SoberLeigh

Goodnight, Mike; sleep well.

Obladi

Movies keep me up. You tube keeps me up.
Even when I fall asleep, when I wake up, I want to keep watching.

The only online things that have worked for me for falling asleep are reading something on Kindle or reading SR threads when not logged in (so I won't be tempted to reply).

I've read that we're supposed to put away all electronic devices and that's probably the most sound advice.

Taking a hot bath helps...

Upward2Enlightenment

The light emitted by computer and phone screens, especially close to you, is supposed to interfere with your circadian rhythms.

Upward2Enlightenment

If the insomnia continues, you may want to talk with your doctor about melatonin supplements. They seem to help me but, check with your doctor.

bradly22

Read an actual factual book. I've been on Michael Chriton novels when I can't sleep. Though sometimes I end up reading 50 pages.

Dharma33

I have a couple of apps that play 'relaxing sounds' like rainfall, ocean waves, etc. that work for me when I can't sleep. I just plug in my headphones, and darken the screen so the light isn't on.

Keep up the great work, Mike!

MrPoutine

I find that listening to podcasts (usually documentaries) on my iPad helps me to get to sleep more effectively than reading. It helps to find a podcast spoken by some one with a soothing voice. You can listen with the lights off, and you can set the iPad to automatically turn off after a preset time.

Plure

Play some Smash Bros. on Nintendo!

Plure

You might want to talk to your doc at some point if quality sleep doesn't return. I was having trouble sleeping for 2.5 months in late 2014 and it set my recovery back I think several months...my brain was unable to hear during this time at all. Eventually got placed on a sleep aid which was great.