So, for some reason my brain decided that sleep was an activity it no longer needs. I am hardly sleeping and after 2 weeks of this I am starting to feel just the slightest bit crazy. It’s a good thing I’m not traveling any time soon, since I’m quite sure any airline would charge me heavily for the bags under my eyes.
I’ve struggled on-and-off with insomnia for as long as I can remember, so it’s not a big surprise. It’s just that when I’m in the middle of the cycle, it seems like maybe this time I’m not going to pull myself out of the tailspin. Like maybe this time it will end in absolute, raving hysteria.
I am functioning, of course, as I always do, but outside of work I don’t have much left in the tank. I’ve been asked to submit my expat story to another website, but I just can’t move on it. I’ve got some personal blogs in the works that require a level of energy that I just can’t muster. The way my house looks, omg. You should see the meals I’ve been coming up with in my zombified state…when normally I’m a very good cook.
What do I do? How do I start sleeping again? I’m tired. I’m so tired.
I suggest you all pick up one of these post-haste. I could be coming your way at any moment.
You missed the Zombie walk in Vancouver but I think there’s one coming up in Victoria soon…..
Can you get Melatonin in MX? Erin uses it, says the dreams are fantastic and it really helps her get to sleep. Other than than, I suggest Gravol to knock you out.
By: Bev on October 10, 2008
at 11:28 am
When I was stressed and having trouble sleeping, my husband and I would go for long walks, talking about everything that bothered me. I found that when I slept the best, I was jogging alongside him when he was training for his half marathons. You are living in the perfect climate where you can get out and walk all year round, whereas I don’t particularly like to go out when it is 30 below zero in January. I am so jealous of the gorgeous part of mexico that you live in.
By: Darla on October 10, 2008
at 11:50 am
I don’t know of any cures for insomnia, but a PS3 sure does make it more enjoyable.
By: Anthony on October 10, 2008
at 2:05 pm
I don’t know what your drinking habits are, but I find I sleep much better(unfortunately)if I don’t drink that night.
By: James A. on October 10, 2008
at 2:06 pm
Bev: I don’t know about the Melatonin. I will look into it.
Darla: You’re very right. I sleep much better when I exercise regularly, but since I’ve been back from my trip I haven’t gone to the gym and now I’m caught in the cycle of no sleep/too tired to go to the gym. I have to break that pattern.
Anthony: Oh no, one more addiction for me to master!
James: I don’t drink much during the week, but I do have a glass or two of wine here and there with dinner. Maybe I’ll cut that out and see if it works. I also have Tylenol PM that I might try, just to get me enough sleep so that I can start exercising again.
By: heatherinparadise on October 10, 2008
at 2:19 pm
Oh honey…are we on the same cycle. It’s been two weeks for me as well. You should see the emails I’m sending at 3am!! I need that new Google Math feature, but not because I am drunk, because I’m awake!! Geez!!
I agree with cutting out the wine. I rarely drink during the week. The wine sugars for surely get me. And if I have to drink, I make sure it’s enough to pass out. lol
And the melatonin works wonders too!
BTW, I took an ambien not too long ago and I was sleep Im-ing someone. Very strange to wake up and find the history for that and not remember!!
By: Vanessa on October 10, 2008
at 3:10 pm
Heather, have you tried yoga? Many yoga poses can help relieve insomnia. The slow, conscious breathing in itself can help slow your mind, help you regain control, and help you sleep. You’ve got several great yoga teachers in town that you can take classes from. I’m sure they can recommend poses you can do at home right before trying to sleep. You know Arielle, right? She’s awesome.
By: Becky on October 10, 2008
at 3:16 pm
No advise from my side. I am tired to the bone too but this is because I work way too much and the only reason why I don’t get enough sleep is that I am not going to sleep early enough…
Hope this cycle passes soon for you…. *hugs*
Andrea
By: Andiline on October 10, 2008
at 3:45 pm
Try meditation, it doesn’t have to be the om type but concentrating on your breathing & when something comes into your mind, consciously say, leave to yourself, try & clear everything you can from your mind just before sleep. It takes practice but it can be done, the biggest thing is to breathe.
By: Jackie on October 10, 2008
at 5:15 pm
Tylenol PM and no alcohol works for me. Plus if possible a very dark room.
Good luck, it’s a pain.
By: Nancy on October 10, 2008
at 6:43 pm
Good luck, Zombie. I have never had insomnia. Ack, there’s another nail in my coffin from you. BUT I often refuse to go to sleep, because I JUST CAN’T MAKE MYSELF…some weird “must stay awake and do things” thing… the daytime results are the same, though, as my drooping lids will testify… I do hope somebody’s Rx works for you… we give Michael melatonin on his off nights….
By: charmarie221 on October 10, 2008
at 9:31 pm
I second melatonin. It’s the chemical your brain produces to make you sleepy and stay asleep. It’s great for jet lag too. Try one of the vitamin stores like GNC.
By: Jonna on October 10, 2008
at 10:21 pm
After reading your latest entry I saw this on MSNBC: http://health.msn.com/health-topics/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100214716>1=31036
Thought is was interesting….I just want you to get some sleep so I can see you again! I miss you selfish I know, but the gym is NOT the same without you.Period.
By: Sara on October 11, 2008
at 9:11 am
First time comment, year-long reader…
Tylenol PM rocks!
all the zombie talk reminded me of the movie Shaun of the Dead, so my son and I watched it last night….Hilarious!
By: Jamey B on October 11, 2008
at 9:31 am
Vanessa: I have tried Ambien before and really liked it, but really had to be IN BED before I took it, with how well it worked.
Becky: Yes, I love yoga and was quite active in the gym and yoga classes a few times a week. I’ve got to get back up on that horse and will as soon as I’m not so tired, this Monday. I did get some sleep last night, so I feel a bit better today. Thank God.
Nancy: I did forget I had Tylenol PM, since we can’t find it here. My friend Adam gave me some on my last trip, so I remembered that last night and took a couple. Worked well!
Char and Jonna: Looks like everyone’s in agreement about the melatonin…I’ll stop by the GNC.
Sara: I miss you too, and the gym. I am going to shoot for Monday, come hell or high water.
JameyB: Hi, thanks for coming out of the shadows! I’ve never seen Shaun of the Dead, now I will have to check it out.
By: heatherinparadise on October 11, 2008
at 9:53 am
You’ve NEVER seen Shaun of the Dead?? Oh honey, see it immediately. And the plan for zombie attacks is to head straight to Liars Club. Love love love you sleepyhead.
By: KT on October 11, 2008
at 10:57 am
lol anthony my Xbox helps me with my insomnia.
Living Lake Chapala
By: Living Lake Chapala on October 11, 2008
at 12:00 pm
Andiline: Thanks, woman. I know you work too much, you have to relax!
Jackie: I do not know how to meditate. I might look into some tapes, but I have a feeling I will laugh if I try to meditate. I have “monkey brain” in that it just never stops chattering. I give my brain the finger and tell it to stfu a lot.
KT: I just read the synopsis of the movie on IMDB. I gotta get it. Wish I could head to Liar’s Club…hanging out at KT’s bar always makes me pass out good. I could barely move that next day after Jakes…ugh.
Living Lake Chapala: Welcome to this side of Mexico!
By: heatherinparadise on October 11, 2008
at 12:07 pm
Keep in mind that your dear liver REALLY, REALLY hates an alcohol/acetametaphine(tylonol) combo
By: James on October 12, 2008
at 9:51 am
James, I’m starting to think that you think I drink a lot. I knew that about the Tylenol, but is it true of ANY amount of alcohol/acetaminophen combo, or just heavy amounts of alcohol?
By: heatherinparadise on October 13, 2008
at 9:33 am
No, I drink a lot, Grasshopper.
I think the combo, in any amount, is not good.
Tylenol has a product in the US called Simply Sleep. It does not contain acetametaphine, and it works well for me.
By: James on October 17, 2008
at 4:58 pm
Well, crap. My liver is toast, then. I wish I could get some of that Simply Sleep stuff…not available here. I’ve been sleeping better (getting 4-5 hours now) so am starting with the diet/exercise on Monday to see if I can’t kick myself out of this. Barring that, I’m heading to the Dr. for some head examination and some mental meds. Probably where I should have gone in the first place!
By: heatherinparadise on October 17, 2008
at 5:34 pm