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You are here: Home / Open Threads / It’s 2 Am, Do You Know Where Your Blog Host Is?

It’s 2 Am, Do You Know Where Your Blog Host Is?

by John Cole|  January 31, 20122:07 am| 109 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

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And the insmonia continues for day 9.

I’ve had this shit before, but it has been bad the past few weeks. And if anyone tells me to exercise, I will pick up and throw my fucking four hundred dollar towel rack exercise bike at your head. I’m using it, god damnit.

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Reader Interactions

109Comments

  1. 1.

    amk

    January 31, 2012 at 2:09 am

    Try yoga man. Serious.

  2. 2.

    Politically Lost

    January 31, 2012 at 2:10 am

    I have had bouts of it occasionally, but nine frickin’ days? Brutal. Three days of bad sleep turns me into a zombie.

    Good luck getting passed this.

  3. 3.

    srv

    January 31, 2012 at 2:11 am

    Shit, my first attempt “Yoga?” failed.

    Allergy?

    I sleep like a baby, something about California. If I was in Texas, Ceder Fever would have me up all night sneezing my brains out.

  4. 4.

    Comrade Mary

    January 31, 2012 at 2:11 am

    Sorry to hear it, John. A friend of mine has been battling the same thing and he’s not terribly happy about it, either.

    Besides the West Wing marathons and threatening us with furniture, is there anything else enjoyable you could do right now? When this hits me, I just say “Fuck it, fun now, nap later”, but then again, your schedule may not support catnaps.

    (Deep clean the house above and beyond your usual white glove standards? I got almost the entire kitchen polished to a fare-thee-well tonight, although the floor can’t be done until tomorrow after I clear off various pots and bits of ceramic on it right now — got to let the oven cleaner work.)

  5. 5.

    2liberal

    January 31, 2012 at 2:13 am

    try pizza and chicken wings.

  6. 6.

    Jeffro

    January 31, 2012 at 2:15 am

    1) No caffeine after 2pm
    2) No “screen time” (tv or computer) in the hour before bed
    3) 5mg of Melatonin 1 hour before bed

    See how that goes…works pretty well here!

  7. 7.

    Lance Boyle

    January 31, 2012 at 2:17 am

    Ambien. Just don’t get hooked.

  8. 8.

    Martin

    January 31, 2012 at 2:18 am

    Anyone else notice that Cole vanished right around the time the naked ad girl arrived?

  9. 9.

    Elizabelle

    January 31, 2012 at 2:22 am

    @Martin:

    Yes. Prefer her to the freak with the zucchini, though.

  10. 10.

    Amir Khalid

    January 31, 2012 at 2:24 am

    Well, if you can’t get any sleep at least make sure you get enough rest. Maybe posting pet pictures will help too.

  11. 11.

    Soldier Boy

    January 31, 2012 at 2:24 am

    The Army gave me Amlytriptyline 25mg for sleep problems after I almost failed to duck a 107mm rocket in Baghdad. I don’t know if you have any on hand though.

    Soldier Boy +7

  12. 12.

    Suffern ACE

    January 31, 2012 at 2:25 am

    Have you thought about moving around with vigor in an organized way for 20 – 40 minutes each day?

  13. 13.

    Martin

    January 31, 2012 at 2:26 am

    @Elizabelle: Well, to be honest, I prefer her to all manner of things. It’s not that I find the ad unpleasant, just found it a bit startling to see it here is all.

  14. 14.

    duck-billed placelot

    January 31, 2012 at 2:27 am

    You know, there’s this site called craftgawker – a zillion DIY projects for the insomniacs among us. Many of them are good for 3AM zombie-time, too, like book-folding! Fold your books! After several hundred pages, you’ll have a surprisingly delicate looking art…thingy.

  15. 15.

    Thoughtcrime

    January 31, 2012 at 2:30 am

    Try a Mutually Beneficial Arrangement with a naked college girl in a Cobra GT. That’ll knock you out.

  16. 16.

    srv

    January 31, 2012 at 2:30 am

    Uh, John, I’d share your pain, but just discovered Archer S3 has restarted and have two episodes to watch.

  17. 17.

    patrick II

    January 31, 2012 at 2:34 am

    Ambien CR for me. Although since I am writing this a 2:30 a.m. it seems it doesn’t always work.

  18. 18.

    Lance Boyle

    January 31, 2012 at 2:35 am

    Oops, used a brand name. “Zolpidem tartrate” works great, but never drink with it, and only use for emergencies. Like now.

  19. 19.

    joel hanes

    January 31, 2012 at 2:42 am

    Hoping “it works for me” advice is not completely offensive :

    – the most important thing is to provide an opportunity for the body’s core temperature to fall a bit..
    This is an essential part of falling asleep.
    I’m guessing that with a dog or dogs on the bed, you don’t have much of a chance to get cooled off.
    Go outside without a coat if it’s bearable;
    go outside with an inadequate coat otherwise.
    You don’t have to stay long; just get well-chilled, so that your body can shuttle blood around to warm your extremities while reducing the core temperature by a degree or two.

    – come inside

    – If you like milk, drink half a glass, cold. Cold water is almost as good

    – before you get warmed up,
    get out of your clothes and into a cool bed.
    If you start to get quite warm, peel back the top cover to prevent overheating
    It’s the sensation of growing, almost-sufficient warmth that produces lassitude and drowsiness.

    – If that doesn’t do it, I use Celestial Seasonings’ “Sleepytime” chamomile/hibiscus tea and a Benadryl to good effect.

  20. 20.

    Suzan

    January 31, 2012 at 2:42 am

    audiobooks, pair of earbuds, mystery, thriller and when desperate, history, make yourself follow the plot/story and you’re either out in 30 minutes or don’t resent losing the time on the rare occasion it takes an hour or two. Been working for me since my walkman days. In fact, I’m headed off to bed with Barry Eisler right now. With half a xanax for good measure.

  21. 21.

    Fordpowers

    January 31, 2012 at 2:43 am

    Medicinal Marijuana.
    Get with it. ;)

  22. 22.

    rightprofile

    January 31, 2012 at 2:44 am

    Turn on Cspan drink some tea called Yogi Soothing Caramel Bedtime and then zzzzz

  23. 23.

    moe99

    January 31, 2012 at 2:53 am

    zolpidem is ambien and it works quite well for me. Melatonin has also worked for me in the past, prior to my stage 3b lung cancer diagnosis.

  24. 24.

    Suffern ACE

    January 31, 2012 at 2:59 am

    @Thoughtcrime: It appears she has agreed to be the splash guard for the car. But you’ll need at least 4 or it will look unbalanced. That’s how they get you.

  25. 25.

    opie jeanne

    January 31, 2012 at 2:59 am

    @joel hanes: Yes, core temperature is an issue for me, and that started when I hit menopause.

    Different things work to make me sleepy, though, and one that helps me shut down my brain is working crossword puzzles while lying on my stomach and propped up on my elbows.

    Recently I discovered that, even though it’s a great read, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy knocks me right out.

  26. 26.

    ruemara

    January 31, 2012 at 3:11 am

    melatonin 1 hr before bedtime, with a nice valerian tea. No tv, no books, no stimulation-not even plain old thinking, for half an hour. Meditation, not visualization. barring that, embark on a round of bible study. It always worked for me. I’m still up because I’m sulking my stolenmissing drive. But now the tireds have found me, so I hope they find you soon too.

  27. 27.

    greylocks

    January 31, 2012 at 3:12 am

    I have always had trouble falling asleep. Always as in since I was a small kid.

    Like opie jeanne, I too find that doing puzzles of some kind while lying on my stomach seems to do the trick. I prefer sudoku or kakuro to crosswords, but it doesn’t seem to really matter.

    Also, I know this sounds stupid, but it works for me. I try to relax the little toe on each foot. For some reason, this helps me relax all over.

    Finally, have you tried some kind of white noise? I cannot sleep in a quiet room. I need a fan running or one of those noise generators.

  28. 28.

    Zam

    January 31, 2012 at 3:15 am

    Sleep is for the weak

  29. 29.

    EconWatcher

    January 31, 2012 at 3:20 am

    If it’s stress-related, try St. John’s Wort during the day. Great stuff to get you through rough patches, and it’s just an herb.

  30. 30.

    Elizabelle

    January 31, 2012 at 3:20 am

    Eating ice cream and watching “Suspicion” (Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine) on Turner Classic Movies.

    For anyone hardcore insomniac (or early riser), “Elmer Gantry” is on at 6 am.

  31. 31.

    gene108

    January 31, 2012 at 3:27 am

    I generally go about 3-4 days of not sleeping much and get so exhausted, I’m able to force myself to crash.

    As far as cures to insomnia go…I’m up at 3:30 am….

  32. 32.

    burnspbesq

    January 31, 2012 at 3:29 am

    I can forward you a link to the table of contents of the Federal Register. That’ll put anyone to sleep.

  33. 33.

    Arclite

    January 31, 2012 at 3:29 am

    I don’t know where my blog host is, but I know that THIS IS FUCKING AWESOME:

    Republican lawmakers are pushing for legislation that would require pregnant women to have an ultrasound before terminating their pregnancy. In response, (state senator Janet) Howell introduced an amendment that would require men to have a rectal exam and a cardiac stress test before obtaining erectile dysfunction medication like V1agra.

  34. 34.

    Death Panel Truck

    January 31, 2012 at 3:32 am

    Most people consider “god damnit” as one word: goddamnit.

    It’s actually one of my favorite words. Not two words.

  35. 35.

    Arclite

    January 31, 2012 at 3:33 am

    Hmm. First time I posted this it got moderated. I’ve broken up what I think is the offending word, so I hope this works. This is too awesome:

    Republican lawmakers are pushing for legislation that would require pregnant women to have an ultrasound before terminating their pregnancy. In response, (state senator Janet) Howell introduced an amendment that would require men to have a rectal exam and a cardiac stress test before obtaining erect1le dysfunct1on medication like V1 ag ra.

  36. 36.

    gene108

    January 31, 2012 at 3:35 am

    @burnspbesq: If you want go the boring reading rout, I’d suggest FAR regulations or IRS guidance.

    The IRS guidelines are easier to follow, but since John did a stint in the Army, he might be as overwhelmed by all the acronyms in FAR that drive me insane.

  37. 37.

    Kane

    January 31, 2012 at 3:41 am

    To cure yourself of insomina, I highly recommend sex. No sense wasting all those moves of tossing and turning in bed. And if passionate love making doesn’t put you to sleep, at least you’ve had some fun.

  38. 38.

    freelancer

    January 31, 2012 at 3:43 am

    Take off your shoes and socks and make fists with your toes on the carpet.

  39. 39.

    MikeJ

    January 31, 2012 at 3:45 am

    @gene108: That’s the plan I’m on. I did get 8 hours sleep on Friday night/Saturday morning though. When I woke up I was still dreaming so I lay in bed another half hour. I like that hyperassociative state.

  40. 40.

    cmorenc

    January 31, 2012 at 3:49 am

    1) No coffee after 11am.
    2) Start drinking a bit of skim milk, 2 or 3 small glasses worth as your evening beverage. Milk is a subtly, gently relaxing beverage.
    3) Two ibuprofen or two aspirin right before bed. They will gently smother quite a few threshold-noticeable minor tensions and discomforts that work against the relaxing release of your body from your conscious mind, which you need to sleep.

  41. 41.

    Bago

    January 31, 2012 at 4:00 am

    I just saw a movie from china called “The Viral Factor”. It’s long, the plot is inconsistent, but it’s insanely multicultural, very family uhh, centered. But the amazing thing about it is the sound. The VFX and sound come together to give you that “HOLYFUCKINGSHITWEAREBEINGSHOTAT” feeling. Sweet Christ, the opening in Sudan was intense enough for 3 movies.

    But yeah, plot wise, turn off your brain and wait for another gunfight. The simulated ear ringing after the flash bang grenades was a nice touch. At least twice characters were advised to cover their ears before firing their guns. This team was serious about sound.

  42. 42.

    gnomedad

    January 31, 2012 at 4:12 am

    If you are exercising, don’t do it within several hours of bedtime, so I’ve heard.

  43. 43.

    darwinsjoke

    January 31, 2012 at 4:13 am

    Just drink a bottle of Nyquil. Make sure that you’re already in bed befor you finish it though. Otherwise you’ll never make it to the bed before you pass out.

  44. 44.

    Sean

    January 31, 2012 at 4:15 am

    DVD commentaries. And pot. Works like a charm.

  45. 45.

    LongHairedWeirdo

    January 31, 2012 at 4:17 am

    I won’t tell you to exercise. In fact – don’t do aerobic exercise late in the day, and especially don’t do *heavy* aerobic exercise in the latter half. Either one can disturb your sleep.

    Doctors also recommend you not to use your bed for anything but sleep and sex, and that, if you’re tossing and turning too long, don’t stay in bed – you don’t want to teach yourself that bed is where you go to toss and turn, you see.

    (NB: they’re talking about a subtle effect here, like noticing a rest area can make you go from having a nearly-empty bladder to suddenly having to go. But small, subtle things matter with something as sneaky as sleep.)

    And a set of actions before bed (always the same) can help, too… again, a subtle thing, but it’s something that can help put you in sleep headspace.

    Good luck; insomnia is awful.

  46. 46.

    Villago Delenda Est

    January 31, 2012 at 4:21 am

    Yeah, John. You’re very obviously using your exercise bike.

    AS A TOWEL RACK!

  47. 47.

    Villago Delenda Est

    January 31, 2012 at 4:22 am

    @Arclite:

    Yes, it is. It’s so awesome I can’t hear myself think!

  48. 48.

    gnomedad

    January 31, 2012 at 4:35 am

    @freelancer:

    Take off your shoes and socks and make fists with your toes on the carpet.

    Send your guests home first.

  49. 49.

    Rita R.

    January 31, 2012 at 4:38 am

    Chamomile tea (Good for nervousness and stomach issues too.)And I’ve found that a warm bath before bedtime is great for bringing on relaxation and sleepiness.

    As for the Mutually Benefical Arrangements lady, I think it’s interesting that it seems to mostly be men who are, let’s say, uncomfortable with her debut. Are these all gay Balloon Juicers, in which case — I get it. Or did I miss a memo about a shift in what straight men find sexually attractive?

  50. 50.

    Ruckus

    January 31, 2012 at 4:39 am

    Embrace it. Don’t fight it. As long as your work doesn’t suffer. I don’t know if I have insomnia but I have been a night owl for at least the last 50 years. Even when I had a job that I had to get up at 6am for, late nights have been my companion. My current gig(small retail business, last day tomorrow btw, holly shit it’s actually today already) starts at 11am so late nights are not a problem. 2am is not at all unusual and 3:30-4 happens several times a month. Last night went to bed at 2:30ish but was still awake at 3:30. I’ve tried all the remedies other than drugs and while none of them was successful, I’m still here and still breathing. Maybe this was another thing mom was wrong about and we don’t all need 8 hours sleep every night.

  51. 51.

    Temporarily Max McGee (soon enough to be Andy K again)

    January 31, 2012 at 4:50 am

    @DougJ:

    I used to have sleep problems, too (now I’m up so late because I work late), but once I addressed the Black Dog- aka The Irish Disease, aka Depression- I started sleeping like a baby.

    IIRC, you’ve got no small amount of the Old Sod coursing throughout yourself. If you haven’t thought about the depression angle, talk to your doc the next time you’re in for a checkup.

  52. 52.

    Helena Montana

    January 31, 2012 at 4:51 am

    Nyquil. It works like a charm. Of course there is a bit of a hangover, but it wears off by afternoon.

  53. 53.

    Anne Laurie

    January 31, 2012 at 4:59 am

    Sounds counterintuative, but do you fall asleep in your recliner while you’re reading or watching tv? If so, you may need to experiment with either raising the head of your bed with a foam wedge (mechanical solution for sinus problems, post-nasal drip, hiatal hernia, esophogeal inadequacy… ) or putting a bolster/wedge under your knees (for back problems, poor circulation, leg cramps). Or both. I can only get a good night’s sleep in the “astronaut position”, and I know I’m not the only one.

    Also, as others have suggested, keep your bedroom cold (it’s okay to pile on the blankets, as long as you can shove them off in your sleep) and run a ‘white noise’ generator in the bedroom. The Spousal Unit manages this by running the air conditioner all year long (set to fan-only for six months a year), but since your neighborhood is no doubt quieter than ours and you don’t share a bed with a human radiator, you can probably find more energy-efficient solutions.

  54. 54.

    John O

    January 31, 2012 at 5:05 am

    I’m up with heartburn. Vacation diet is killing me…but I can’t believe how many BJer’s are up at this hour.

    Sorry to hear about your insomnia, John. No fresh new suggestions from me…I’ve always been able to sleep, and I look forward to my mid-afternoon naps in a big way.

  55. 55.

    Citizen_X

    January 31, 2012 at 5:06 am

    The only drug mentioned I’d recommend is the illegal one: weed. And even that becomes problematic if you rely on it to get to sleep.

    Long term solution: seriously–I did say long term–Buddhist detachment. Learn to meditate, and that requires that you learn to detach from things you’re trying to attain, like whatever your meditation goals or methods are.Then when trying to sleep, use your meditation to calm your mind and lower your metabolism, and clear your brain of that self-defeating thought: “MUST GET SOME SLEEP NOW.”

    It’s not easy, but it’s the only thing that really works for me.

  56. 56.

    Citizen_X

    January 31, 2012 at 5:06 am

    The only drug mentioned I’d recommend is the illegal one: weed. And even that becomes problematic if you rely on it to get to sleep.

    Long term solution: seriously–I did say long term–practice Buddhist detachment. Learn to meditate, and that requires that you learn to detach from things you’re trying to attain, like whatever your meditation goals or methods are.Then when trying to sleep, use your meditation to calm your mind and lower your metabolism, and clear your brain of that self-defeating thought: “MUST GET SOME SLEEP NOW.”

    It’s not easy, but it’s the only thing that really works for me.

    ETA: sorry about the double post.

  57. 57.

    Stella Barbone

    January 31, 2012 at 5:09 am

    What Joel says. My dog just woke me up — she’s got a screw loose. I’m waiting to get cold right now.

    You can make your own melatonin. Try to get some early morning sun exposure. I realize that as a southern Californian it’s easy for me to recommend rolling out of bed and going outside when the sun is just starting to peak over the horizon, but never the less, bundle yourself up and spend a few minutes outdoors.

    Also too, as you get, um, wiser, you don’t metabolize caffeine as rapidly as you once did. You might consider abstention.

  58. 58.

    R-Jud

    January 31, 2012 at 5:21 am

    I’ve had insomnia of external origins five nights running thanks to the other two people in my house having colds. The small one coughs constantly, then wakes up and yells for me. The large one snores like a goddamn drain.

    Last night, however, I solved the problem: I put the small person in bed with the large person and slept on the couch.

    Other times I’ve gone for a week or two without much more than a few hours’ sleep here and there. The best solution is not to fight it and to stay away from screens. I read, I write, I play Set with myself.

    I also zombie-proof the next day’s activities: laying out clothes, pre-cooking breakfast, arranging a ride to the train station if I’m working away from home, etc.

  59. 59.

    John O

    January 31, 2012 at 5:26 am

    Snoring is a sleep deal-breaker for me. Drives me nuts. Especially the truly apnea snorer, who you wonder all night if they’ll breathe again while you don’t sleep. Sympathy to anyone who has to put up with one of those.

  60. 60.

    Raven

    January 31, 2012 at 5:30 am

    So much to do, there’s plenty on the farm
    I’ll sleep when I’m dead
    Saturday night I like to raise a little harm
    I’ll sleep when I’m dead

    I’m drinking heartbreak motor oil and Bombay gin
    I’ll sleep when I’m dead
    Straight from the bottle, twisted again
    I’ll sleep when I’m dead

    Well, I take this medicine as prescribed
    I’ll sleep when I’m dead
    It don’t matter if I get a little tired
    I’ll sleep when I’m dead

    I’ve got a .38 special up on the shelf
    I’ll sleep when I’m dead
    If I start acting stupid
    I’ll shoot myself
    I’ll sleep when I’m dead

    So much to do, there’s plenty on the farm
    I’ll sleep when I’m dead
    Saturday night I like to raise a little harm
    I’ll sleep when I’m dead

  61. 61.

    Chris Wolf

    January 31, 2012 at 5:45 am

    Read your insurance policies. If you’re still awake after that, break out your automobile warranty.

  62. 62.

    Brian

    January 31, 2012 at 5:50 am

    Had it man it sucks I know.

    Used to work a night shift and it threw me all off a couple of times for a week or so. Now people wonder why I get pissy about going to bed on a regular schedule.

    Goodluck.

  63. 63.

    Michelle

    January 31, 2012 at 6:05 am

    Booze, man!
    Booze!

  64. 64.

    Michelle

    January 31, 2012 at 6:07 am

    Or…
    Nyquil.

    My mother found that a semi-nightly dose of the good green stuff helped send me to sleepy time.

    She cared.

  65. 65.

    R-Jud

    January 31, 2012 at 6:18 am

    @John O:

    Especially the truly apnea snorer, who you wonder all night if they’ll breathe again while you don’t sleep.

    Yyyyyyyyyyyyyyup. Got me one of those.

  66. 66.

    pattonbt

    January 31, 2012 at 7:14 am

    It depends. For me the only times I dont sleep well if my brain is going a thousand miles an hour before I want to go to bed. So i make sure I turn off my brain (more than usual) no later than 8:30. And I dont want the exercise bike thrown at me, but I did find exercise helps “unrace” my mind and tire me out a bit. I cant go to bed right away after exercising, but in an hour to hour and half Im in deep sleep.

    But if it isnt a racing mind vexing you, then I got nothing. I sleep like a log.

    But in University and such, I would always have to run after studying. Otherwise I wouldnt sleep well.

  67. 67.

    dr. bloor

    January 31, 2012 at 7:17 am

    Light box therapy (early in the day-not before bedtime!). Body isn’t ready for night if it hasn’t had enough daytime, and it will make your charming disposition even charmier.

  68. 68.

    Radar

    January 31, 2012 at 7:25 am

    What, no picture of Christ flippng the bird? It’s 4am, am on the trainer waiting for Steve Benen to fire up the Maddow blog. Listening to Bill Press and thinking happy thoughts. Time to dry some towels, ain’t got all day. Stay dry John Boy.

  69. 69.

    WyldPirate

    January 31, 2012 at 7:25 am

    Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious medical condition and should not be ignored. It is much more common in overweight individuals and can contribute to greater risk for high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, depression, stroke, diabetes.

    Notice a pattern here? A vicious cycle that feeds on itself…each condition above can exacerbate the other often leading to bad consequences.

    I was diagnosed with severe OSA IN 2002…gave up on CPAP after 6 months. big mistake. Everything above got worse.

    This shit is no joking matter. It can kill you or disable you way before a “normal” life span runs its course.

  70. 70.

    HeartlandLiberal

    January 31, 2012 at 7:29 am

    Get a prescription for Xanax. Pop just half a normal dose. Anxiety eases, you sleep. No hangover, no after effects.

    The drug does not have to be taken for any period of time to get the effect. It can be taken as needed, and just a minimal dose will help you.

    You just keep it on hand, and when what you are describing happens, pop one and sleep peacefully.

  71. 71.

    Omnes Omnibus

    January 31, 2012 at 7:46 am

    @freelancer: No! That causes terrorists.

  72. 72.

    bob h

    January 31, 2012 at 8:09 am

    It could be depression brought on by excessive contemplation of Republican politics.

  73. 73.

    marianne19

    January 31, 2012 at 8:14 am

    Years ago went to a sleep disorder clinic and learned:
    Bedtime ritual important. Many good ideas above, like tea or melatonin.
    No screen time (back then it was TV) one hour before sleep.
    Don’t use bed other than for sleep or sex.
    If you can’t sleep, some alternatives:
    Read something dull in a soft chair till you get sleepy.
    Do something boring that you hate, like dusting or washing dishes till you get sleepy.
    Similar to what’s posted @45

  74. 74.

    RossInDetroit

    January 31, 2012 at 8:19 am

    Insomnia blows. I get spells of it a few times a year, especially in the winter. I haven’t found anything that helps except earplugs and very dull reading. It was so bad this winter I made my way through 3 books on particle physics. I’m still a zombie but I’d know a Kaluza-Klein shape if I ran into one on teh street.

  75. 75.

    R-Jud

    January 31, 2012 at 8:28 am

    @WyldPirate:

    Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious medical condition and should not be ignored.

    The NHS is generally pretty good about getting people into a sleep study when they come in reporting sleep apnea.

    Unless they’re a skinny, active dude under 50, like my 6’3″, 175# husband, who doesn’t seem to be suffering in spite of the fact that he spends a good part of his night not breathing all that much. Then you get brushed off.

    I can’t take it anymore, so I’m shopping for a supplemental private policy. I’ll happily pay to get this crap sorted out.

  76. 76.

    I'mNotSureWhoIWantToBeYet

    January 31, 2012 at 8:39 am

    More for the “what works for me” list:

    1) Read a dense, boring book – http://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Answer-Today/dp/1597528013 is a good candidate. (Even after seeing a lecture by Kung, I couldn’t finish it.)

    2) Drink half a glass of a strong red wine (e.g. a Merlot). No more.

    3) Light doesn’t bother me when I’m trying to sleep, but noises do. Get a noise machine if sounds bother you.

    4) When nothing else fails, go with it. Stay up long enough until you get close to the next reasonable sleep time and then go to bed and only sleep for 8 hours.

    HTH a little. Hang in there. Good luck.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  77. 77.

    RossInDetroit

    January 31, 2012 at 8:48 am

    I’m a light sleeper and any sound is likely to wake me up. After 20 years of sleeping in very quiet places I moved to an apartment and didn’t sleep through the night for months. Since then I’ve worn ear plugs every night for 22 years and that’s not much of a problem.
    Sleep sounds are easy to find as MP3 downloads. There’s a great recording of a rainstorm that knocks me right out. Another good one is ocean waves. Some people prefer white noise.

  78. 78.

    WyldPirate

    January 31, 2012 at 9:01 am

    @R-Jud:
    Good luck w/ getting it sorted, R-Jud. I know that two of my ex’s suffered through my snoring and gasping. It didn’t help the relationships at all.

    Glad to hear your SO doesn’t have the other conditions that make OSA even more dangerous for one’s health. You’re probably correct as to why NHS is ignoring it. Could be that he has some structural issues in his mouth or upper respiratory tract causing the snoring and/or apnea. He also may have central sleep apnea which has a completely different etiology.

    At any rate, if it’s a problem for you, it’s a problem for both of you. Good luck getting it sorted out.

  79. 79.

    seanindc

    January 31, 2012 at 9:10 am

    fap it. that is all.

  80. 80.

    R-Jud

    January 31, 2012 at 9:23 am

    @WyldPirate:

    It didn’t help the relationships at all.

    Yep, when I’m exhausted because of the noises he makes, I wind up resenting him for something he has zero control over (and which is probably causing him damage, to boot). It doesn’t help that he’s so bloody cheerful all the time: stop smiling at me, Gurgling Sleep-Leech!

    Anyway, thanks for the good wishes: hopefully we can get him seen within the next couple of months.

  81. 81.

    Ben Wolf

    January 31, 2012 at 9:24 am

    @John Cole

    I apologize if this has already been done, but could you describe the symptoms of your insomnia?

    Are you not tired?

    Is your mind racing uncontrollably?

    Is some part of your body chronically uncomfortable (leg, chest, arm)?

    Are you experiencing intense emotions when trying to sleep?

  82. 82.

    Kirk Spencer

    January 31, 2012 at 9:31 am

    John, you’ve had lots of advice of things to do. I don’t remember seeing the one I’m about to give you:

    Have you seen a doctor about this?

    One or two nights in a row, three or four times a year, home remedy’s fine. Nine nights in a row less than a month after you’ve had five nights in a row less than a month…

    The doctor may not be able to help, either, but at this point it’s worth taking it to that level.

  83. 83.

    elftx

    January 31, 2012 at 9:50 am

    Have you had your Thyroid checked ????

  84. 84.

    Ben Wolf

    January 31, 2012 at 9:54 am

    I have had bouts of insomnia throughout my life. Not tired (until morning), can’t shut my brain up, restless leg syndrome (in my chest and arms). The one thing which has been consistently effective in treating it is twenty minutes of mindfulness meditation every night before bed. It even helps the sleep you get to become more restful.

  85. 85.

    Teejay

    January 31, 2012 at 9:56 am

    “Did you try ____ ?”
    Ranks right up there with: “Did you check your pockets?” and
    “Did that hurt?” for all time most annoyingly stupid questions. Still…

  86. 86.

    lunaticfringe

    January 31, 2012 at 9:59 am

    Could be seasonal affective disorder, which could be solved by light in the morning, or alternatively about 5000 IU of vitamin D3 first thing in the morning.

  87. 87.

    charyl

    January 31, 2012 at 10:14 am

    It’s very simple: 1) doctor’s appointment for a 2) prescription. And HeartlandLiberal‘s right — ask for Xanax / Alprazolam because of everything s/he mentioned.

    Another benefit, it also works as a muscle relaxer without those side-effects, so back problems feel a little better in the morning (I have 2 fusions on my cervical spine). I’ve been up since 2:30AM because I didn’t take mine.

  88. 88.

    Pococurante

    January 31, 2012 at 10:22 am

    If it has gone on this long it is not insomnia.

    It’s capital ‘D’ depression. Clinical Depression doesn’t feel like crushing grief, it feels like an edge of anxiety that never lets go.

    Go see a psychiatrist to have your brain chemistry evaluated (you may be burning through serotonin faster than your body can make it) and to determine if behavior therapy is helpful (nearly always the case for all of us anyway).

    I went through this about ten years ago. I also agree with lunaticfringe, Nordic Natural Omega 3s and D3 are a big help for me during the winter months.

  89. 89.

    CaseyL

    January 31, 2012 at 10:25 am

    Ah: another immigrant to the Land of Insufficient Sleep. Welcome, salutations, and deep sympathy. No wonder you’ve been more cranky than usual.

    I’ve had insomnia on and off – mostly on – for the last 4 years. Tried everything, none of it worked, not even the Rx. I think sleeping in 2-3 hour bursts is the way it’s going to be from now on.

    You might have to go the Rx drug route, John. At least give it a shot.

  90. 90.

    Nick

    January 31, 2012 at 10:33 am

    You might look into powerlifting (i.e. heavy), especially if you have a distaste for exercising. Squats and deadlifts will shut you down, and both are fairly easy to learn without a coach/PT/gym buddy

  91. 91.

    Paul in KY

    January 31, 2012 at 10:48 am

    @Ruckus: Best of luck on your last day. I hope you get your whole remaining inventory bought out.

    Also, best wishes for your future.

  92. 92.

    grove cleave

    January 31, 2012 at 11:01 am

    good advice: yoga, fresh air, using the bed only for sleep and sex, better diet, exercise.

    bad advice: drugs, alcohol- you need actual sleep, not drug-induced unconsciousness.

    also, i’d suggest unplugging your wireless router, turning off your cell phone, computer and tv, and moving the head of your bed away from the wireless gas meter. some people (and pets) are hyper-sensitive to radio waves and it can definitely cause insomnia. minimizing those could be helpful.

  93. 93.

    Violet

    January 31, 2012 at 11:08 am

    I know you drink alcohol. Not sure how much, but alcohol can affect sleep. Try cutting back or eliminating it entirely, if you haven’t already.

    Best of luck John. Lots of good suggestions here. I hope you get it sorted out.

  94. 94.

    Nate

    January 31, 2012 at 11:30 am

    The last time I was visiting my Dad, he had this awesome treadmill (seriously, you can plug an ipod into it and shit). I asked him if he liked it, and he said, “I love it! Best fucking clothes drying rack I’ve ever owned!”

  95. 95.

    schrodinger's cat

    January 31, 2012 at 11:34 am

    Read Jackson, one page in and you will sleep like a baby.

    ETA: A warm bubble bath before bed, will calm the frayed nerves, very soothing.

  96. 96.

    Lee Hartmann

    January 31, 2012 at 11:55 am

    Had this, still do at times.

    See a doctor/sleep clinic or both. Lots of good suggestions above but medical help seems indicated.

    best of luck.

  97. 97.

    anna

    January 31, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    Solved mine with Melatonin. Google melatonin. No adverse side effects, no addiction to it. Can buy at local WalMart or pharmacy in different strengths. If you are a big person, get a higher strength. Let your body get used to it for a few weeks, but don’t stop taking it. I have taken Melatonin for 10 years now, no problems. The first week or two, you may be just a bit groggy in the mornings, but that will pass as your body gets used to it. I have told many people about Melatonin, and it seems to have worked for most of them….much better than taking those dangerous prescription sleep-aids or cough syrups. Please try it for just one month and report back.

  98. 98.

    Jennyjinx

    January 31, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    I know a lot of people have recommended Vitamin D and I’m going to do it again. It’s not just S.A.D. but being deficient can cause a whole host of other problems. I actually did some research a few years ago when my rheumatologist tested mine and nearly stuck me in the hospital because it was so low.
    I was prescribed 50,000 UI every week for 3 months.

    Anyway, check out this link, John and whomever is interested: Sunlight and Vitamin D
    Both Good for Cardiovascular Health
    from the National Institute of Health

    I’ve had bouts of insomnia where I’ve got 3 days without so much as a nap. My doctor ordered me onto melatonin for my general insomnia (a normal part of my illness) and Ambien for those times when I can’t sleep. None of that helps when your body just doesn’t want to sleep.

    Of course, those are legal remedies. Sometimes, if you can swing it without fear of losing your job after a drug test, a big joint with some friends really is all you need.

  99. 99.

    Nutella

    January 31, 2012 at 12:34 pm

    This guy’s got an interesting cure for severe insomnia. Sounds like it’s worth trying.

  100. 100.

    Jennyjinx

    January 31, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    I have a comment in moderation. I’m not sure why it got caught, but it’s pretty helpful if someone wants to fish it out.

  101. 101.

    KS in MA

    January 31, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    Good luck, John. You might add Vitamin B-1 to the list of drugs and/or non-drugs to try. It’s a real nice tranquilizer.

  102. 102.

    Ivan Ivanovich Renko

    January 31, 2012 at 1:37 pm

    @joel hanes: Interestingly enough, I went to sleep just fine last night (it’s last night, now) but woke up at 3 am and couldn’t get back to sleep.

    Got up, left the bedroom, sat down and read for a while (the house was kind of chilly, I’m a tightwad) and when I started feeling chilly, I went back to bed.

    Nearly slept through the alarm. I think (at least for me,) you may be onto something with this temperature thing.

  103. 103.

    Bruce S

    January 31, 2012 at 1:59 pm

    I’ve also been suffering from insomnia and fear it’s actually threatening my sanity – mostly because Morning Joe starts at 3am out here on the West Coast and in that vulnerable state I’m tempted to watch it. Truly horrible experience. I’m thinking that hitting myself on the head with a hammer might be the better option.

  104. 104.

    Ruckus

    January 31, 2012 at 2:15 pm

    @Paul in KY:
    Thanks
    Inventory is not so hard, it just doesn’t have much monetary return. The big problem is equipment. Getting rid of that is harder, especially with this economy. It helps if you can learn to value stuff at 10-20 cents on the dollar.
    Oh well, life’s a bitch and then you die. You’ll notice that I haven’t moved on to the “What’s up next in the life parade” phase of owning a business. Or life. Maybe next week.

  105. 105.

    dance around in your bones

    January 31, 2012 at 2:56 pm

    I 33rd the melatonin advice.

    If my mind is too busy I chant to myself “Don’t think, don’t think, don’t think”…..a weird mantra, but it works.

    Also, try scrunching up your scalp, then relaxing it. Then your face, your neck, your shoulders, etc all the way down to your toes. I do this progressive scrunching/relaxing sometimes and I swear I melt into the mattress.

  106. 106.

    LongHairedWeirdo

    January 31, 2012 at 4:25 pm

    It’s capital ‘D’ depression. Clinical Depression doesn’t feel like crushing grief, it feels like an edge of anxiety that never lets go.

    Mild nitpick:

    It can feel like a lot of things. But, the most important point (it doesn’t *have* to feel like “crushing grief”) is dead accurate.

    If (generic)you think you maybe could be depressed, don’t ignore it because it doesn’t seem like what you think depression is.

    There are some good talk therapies out there for depression, as well. Depression is often the brain falling into bad habits that you can get it out of. Cognitive therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy are kind of like physical therapy for the brain – your brain is doing something suboptimal because it’s hurting in one location, so you get it back on the right track by finding the right way to do things.

  107. 107.

    Halcyan

    January 31, 2012 at 5:08 pm

    I live north of Seattle, and we don’t get sunshine in the winter. Well, not much of it. I do two things so I don’t keep waking up in the middle of the goddam night: I take both melatonin and bendryl, and I sit by a full spectrum light for 15 minutes each morning. If I don’t do both of those things (maybe that’s 3 things… oops in reverse) I wake up starting about 2 hours after I went to bed. Then after about 5 hours, I won’t get any more sleep at all.

    I think it has to do with winter.

  108. 108.

    marina

    January 31, 2012 at 8:34 pm

    o.k., I’m sorry I ever said anything about exercise…forgive me. For insomnia, I take Trazodone. It’s an old anti-depressant that turned out not to work well on depression, but it did make people sleepy. Doctors don’t tend to prescribe it, because no drug reps push it–it’s generic. When you go to a doctor for insomnia, they hand out anti-depressants and sleeping pills at the drop of a hat; if you want Trazodone, you’ll probably have to ask for it. It’s a lot better than sleeping pills, because it doesn’t have any weird side effects, and doesn’t cause significant dependency. With Ambien, et al., by the time you know you’re dependent, it’s a bit late.

    My understanding is that anti-depressants work well with serious depression, but don’t do much for anxiety or mild-to-moderate depression. Go to a psychiatrist rather than a family doc for depression or anxiety–they actually know stuff.

  109. 109.

    gerry

    January 31, 2012 at 9:30 pm

    FWIW, as I got older I found that too much to eat in the evening interfered with sleep. Of course I still have trouble sleeping. Ambien seems to help.

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