Insomnia

How many other people have been having insomnia problems and ways of dealing with it? I try to watch shows, read a boring book or several manga, or play games till I get tired out. Also sometimes write, draw or sew for the same effect or to clear my mind. Talking is a rare option since most friends tend to be dead asleep or busy during the hours I have insomnia at.

Everything short of sleeping medication. I'd take them if I weren't allergic. Drink camomile, or warm milk; read; draw; read some more; write shit-tier prose/poetry/whatever its called; listen to diurnal music; play games(like right now)... Anything that can lull me to sleep. Yet it barely works. Generally, the only way I can /actually/ sleep is through being so mentally and physically exhausted that I can't stay awake. It's horrible.

<a href="http://gifsoup.com/view/603397/hypnotize.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=603397&t=o" border="0"/></a><br /><a href="http://gifsoup.com/" title="GIFSoup" target="_blank">GIFSoup</a> -hypnotize- on the count 3 u will me in a peaceful sleep dreaming all your special anime theme dreams. 1...2...3. .....zZZZzz -made herself fall asleep-

Usually when insomnia hits me, it's because I'm stressed and thinking too much. For me, coffee works, because it actually calms down my mind enough to sort through all of the information (this is because I'm ADHD, so ironically stimulants help calm me down). I also tend to focus on something interesting and enjoyable: drawing, new anime, tattoo ideas, writing, etc. If you want the sleepy-time route, mix together some chamomile and lavender in a tea, both are mild sedatives with zero side effects. I try not to go the dull and boring route when I'm trying to sleep, because it just pisses me off. lol

If you want some natural sedative, you can either try some Valerian Root or Melatonin which are both relatively inexpensive sleep aids at places like Walgreens or CVS. It's a lot easier versus getting a prescription of something like Lunesta or Ambien and won't have as many side effects. I suffer from Tinnitus so insomnia can definitely bite me in the ass too, but usually reading a good book in low light for an hour or so will usually put me in enough of a drowsy mood to fall asleep. Going to bed at a consistent time every night helps too.

I would be careful with Valerian Root. It's a powerful sedative for an herb, and if you take too much of it, it can put you in a coma. When I was studying herbs in college, Valerian Root was one of the ones that came with restrictions during our labs. You have to be very careful with the dosage.