Do you have trouble sleeping or relaxing at the end of a long day?

2017-08-24T22:05:55-04:00

Are there techniques that help you relax?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 25 at 2017 7:34 AM

2017-08-25T07:34:41-04:00

I read for a few minute at night, within at least 5 minutes, my lights are out until the alarm goes off.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2017 9:37 AM

2017-08-25T09:37:19-04:00

Reading definitely helps me wind down. And sometimes I sit on the couch after the kids have gone to bed and have a drink. Or two. And no, I don't have a drinking problem. :)

Response by Cpl John Barker made Aug 28 at 2017 4:53 AM

2017-08-28T04:53:10-04:00

There's this trick one of our Corpsmen taught us at NTC before my 2nd deployment. Basically what you do is take 2-3 ambian and try to jerk off before you fall asleep. It's awesome because either way, you win!

Response by SFC Lawrence Dickerson made Sep 4 at 2019 7:34 PM

2019-09-04T19:34:42-04:00

Since coming off of a 20 year usage of VA prescribed opiates, I find that I am unable to fall asleep or go back to sleep easily

Response by HA Carol Mann made Sep 4 at 2019 7:42 PM

2019-09-04T19:42:20-04:00

Yes

Response by Lt Col Margaret Fitzgerald made Sep 4 at 2019 7:44 PM

2019-09-04T19:44:04-04:00

I wake up several times during the night and often wake at 0500 - retird. I eat correctly, am stress free (retired) and use a c-pap.

Response by SP5 Joe Kreger made Sep 4 at 2019 7:46 PM

2019-09-04T19:46:31-04:00

A 25mg Benadryl has helped me sleep better.

Response by Amn Lisa Drum made Sep 4 at 2019 7:57 PM

2019-09-04T19:57:35-04:00

YES!

Response by PO1 Tony Miller made Sep 4 at 2019 7:58 PM

2019-09-04T19:58:08-04:00

Studying foreign language

Response by Capt Richard Holmes made Sep 4 at 2019 7:59 PM

2019-09-04T19:59:33-04:00

cAN FALL ASLEEP BUT SEEMINLY FOR SHORT PERIODS AN HOUR OR TWO

Response by PO1 Tony Miller made Sep 4 at 2019 8:04 PM

2019-09-04T20:04:15-04:00

Sometimes

Response by MSG Jorge Quinones-Ortiz made Sep 4 at 2019 8:06 PM

2019-09-04T20:06:05-04:00

No, play computer games until get / use a coach for sleep apnea.

Response by LCpl Anthony Vance made Sep 4 at 2019 8:07 PM

2019-09-04T20:07:30-04:00

I have had a problem falling asleep for many years nowadays my lack of good sleep are affecting my health , Is there help fir me ??

Response by SSgt Jorge Ignarra made Sep 4 at 2019 8:12 PM

2019-09-04T20:12:06-04:00

Every day! After 5 or 6 days of fitful sleep, I'll crash for 12 - 14 hours and still wake up tired.

Response by TSgt William Schwarz made Sep 4 at 2019 8:12 PM

2019-09-04T20:12:39-04:00

yes

Response by Sgt James Gibson made Sep 4 at 2019 8:13 PM

2019-09-04T20:13:19-04:00

Nothing that I have found yet.

Response by SGT James Whatley made Sep 4 at 2019 8:18 PM

2019-09-04T20:18:45-04:00

no, but I wake up about 3Am and find it hard to get back to sleep

Response by Sgt Kent Koopman made Sep 4 at 2019 8:19 PM

2019-09-04T20:19:04-04:00

Not falling asleep, but staying asleep.

Response by SGT Eddie Green made Sep 4 at 2019 8:19 PM

2019-09-04T20:19:05-04:00

Not too much trouble falling asleep but usually can’t sleep longer than 5 hours

Response by LCpl Anthony Vance made Sep 4 at 2019 8:20 PM

2019-09-04T20:20:02-04:00

Cant sleep

Response by PO2 Darlene Weigand made Sep 4 at 2019 8:23 PM

2019-09-04T20:23:37-04:00

I have trouble getting my body to relax. My mind races with what went on during the day and what is going to happen the next day. I am the general manager at a gas station and sometimes feel like a kindergarten teacher trying to get my employees to stay off there cell phones and wear proper work uniforms

Response by CW2 Steve Jameson made Sep 4 at 2019 8:24 PM

2019-09-04T20:24:14-04:00

I have recurring nightmares from my Vietnam service. They happen as often as 3 to 5 times per week, and I have been sleeping about that many hours per night for the past 50 years. I have tried pretty much everything I have read about and have done CPT at the local VA clinic. I have been doing PTSD counseling and group therapy for five years. Tried hypnosis. Tried acupuncture. Re-wrote the dream with a different ending. I do not want to do any more drugs as I am already on a cocktail of over 20 pills per day (including vitamins for macular degeneration). Nothing has worked.

I attended a 10-day Vipassana meditation training which I completed about 11 days ago. So far, no dreams and I am sleeping better. This is COOL!

Response by SrA Stephen Gulas made Sep 4 at 2019 8:24 PM

2019-09-04T20:24:42-04:00

A little bit of weed puts me to sleep.

Response by PVT Lois Siple made Sep 4 at 2019 8:31 PM

2019-09-04T20:31:19-04:00

I just can't turn my mind off when I am so tired and want to go to sleep.

Response by SrA Raul Molinar made Sep 4 at 2019 8:33 PM

2019-09-04T20:33:14-04:00

I’m am disabled and have trouble sleeping and staying asleep. Wake up through out the nite.

Response by SFC Byron Gillespie made Sep 4 at 2019 8:34 PM

2019-09-04T20:34:39-04:00

I haven’t had a good restful nights sleep in many many years! I have been retired since October 2004 and still get up too early and can never fall asleep at a decent time at night! I do have a bit of depression though....

Response by AA Gwendolyn E Mugliston PHD made Sep 4 at 2019 8:34 PM

2019-09-04T20:34:44-04:00

It all depends on which technique will work which night after events of the day. It is very unpredictable. I wake q 2hrs mostly and generally fall back asleep. If I am upset and still upset when it is time to sleep, the interruptions are more extended and and sometimes last longer.

The best technique I have found for me is 6-5-4- take 6 seconds to breath in, hold for 3-5 and breath out over a slow 4 seconds. The body pillow I use has mytop leg on it, the other is elsewhere under me and my arms encircle the pillow and my hands hold each other. I sing or hum "Ohm mani padme um" and make sure my head is relaxed, my neck and the rest of my body is relaxed. That usually gets me to sleep or back quickly.

Response by LT Grover Comer made Sep 4 at 2019 8:35 PM

2019-09-04T20:35:36-04:00

Yes, I do not sleep well. Wake up frequently.

Response by SSgt Lani Unger made Sep 4 at 2019 8:36 PM

2019-09-04T20:36:27-04:00

I have had trouble sleeping after I deployed and relaxing. My husband says that when I do fall asleep I snore really loud and I wake up sometimes coughing or feeling like I am choking.

Response by SSgt Lani Unger made Sep 4 at 2019 8:38 PM

2019-09-04T20:38:05-04:00

I have sleep apnea so I am always waking up because I feel like I am choking.

Response by SPC Terry Keith made Sep 4 at 2019 8:38 PM

2019-09-04T20:38:36-04:00

I wake up in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep

Response by PO3 LaVerne Smikrud made Sep 4 at 2019 8:40 PM

2019-09-04T20:40:51-04:00

Reading is the best thing for me. Nothing else seems to work.

Response by SGT George Villareal made Sep 4 at 2019 8:43 PM

2019-09-04T20:43:58-04:00

I’m a truck driver and have sleep apnea. Lot of times waking to pee. Sometimes just wide awake for no reason.

Response by SPC Mary Kathleen Scott made Sep 4 at 2019 8:48 PM

2019-09-04T20:48:39-04:00

Yes to trouble sleeping, staying asleep and waking to early.

Response by LCpl James Riley made Sep 4 at 2019 8:51 PM

2019-09-04T20:51:39-04:00

can/t sleep wake up often due to pain and mind racing

Response by CDR Jim Pack made Sep 4 at 2019 8:57 PM

2019-09-04T20:57:08-04:00

I go to bed around 2130 every day and fall asleep in less than two minutes. I then wake up about two hours later and can't go back to sleep until around 0300.

Response by SPC Tomas Hood made Sep 4 at 2019 8:58 PM

2019-09-04T20:58:57-04:00

Here I am, awake when I should be sleeping. But, you asked... so here I am...
(Yeah, the answer is yes to both questions.)

Response by Sgt Michael Randall made Sep 4 at 2019 9:03 PM

2019-09-04T21:03:20-04:00

I fall asleep about 0130 and wake at 0230 to 0330 every night. Go back to sleep and wake at 0730. Not very good sleep.

Response by SSgt Steve Moots made Sep 4 at 2019 9:04 PM

2019-09-04T21:04:10-04:00

cpap---not effective 100
%

Response by SGT Holly Johnston made Sep 4 at 2019 9:11 PM

2019-09-04T21:11:18-04:00

Yes, I may sleep a hour or two and then I am up. Tossing and turning until I drive myself crazy.

Response by Cpl Walter Roberts made Sep 4 at 2019 9:14 PM

2019-09-04T21:14:05-04:00

Mind won’t shut down

Response by A1C Charles Calvo made Sep 4 at 2019 9:25 PM

2019-09-04T21:25:00-04:00

I have had trouble sleeping for over 40 years .I wake up 2 3 4 in the morning and can not go back to sleep. I probably get 4 luck maybe 5 hours sleep slot of times less

Response by SPC Kebrina Bolling made Sep 4 at 2019 9:31 PM

2019-09-04T21:31:28-04:00

I wake up almost every night between 4 and 5am very rarely am I able to fall back asleep. I am so glad to hear from others who share the same issue.

Response by PFC Robert Julian made Sep 4 at 2019 9:41 PM

2019-09-04T21:41:04-04:00

I have trouble getting to sleep every night.I take meds to help overcome insomnia and anxiety, some times they work when they don't I am forced to go to sleep aids, including temazepam and as a last and final resort, diazepam.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2019 9:41 PM

2019-09-04T21:41:35-04:00

Yes

Response by 1LT Bruce Hamon made Sep 4 at 2019 9:42 PM

2019-09-04T21:42:39-04:00

Response by COL Herbert Grogan made Sep 4 at 2019 9:43 PM

2019-09-04T21:43:11-04:00

I have a chronic cough that the VA has denied as service connected. I need a voice. Help.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2019 9:43 PM

2019-09-04T21:43:17-04:00

Yes I have trouble sleeping and relaxing at the end of the day

Response by PO3 Ed Kranson made Sep 4 at 2019 9:45 PM

2019-09-04T21:45:03-04:00

yes

Response by SGT Vince Gugliuzza made Sep 4 at 2019 9:48 PM

2019-09-04T21:48:36-04:00

Intermittent sleep

Response by 1SG Jarvis Jenkins made Sep 4 at 2019 9:55 PM

2019-09-04T21:55:37-04:00

I normally watch tv until I fall asleep,Then I wake up and can't get back to sleep.

Response by SP5 Michael Wilkerson made Sep 4 at 2019 10:20 PM

2019-09-04T22:20:12-04:00

Sleep in spurts. An hour or two, awake for maybe 20 - 30 minutes if not more. Sometimes after a couple of hours am up for the duration. Also, have been diagnosed for sleep apnea, however, cannot waer a CPAP due to severe claustrophobia - SSD.

Response by Capt Ron Herzfeld made Sep 4 at 2019 10:24 PM

2019-09-04T22:24:00-04:00

It is not easy to shut the world down for the evening. I find that allowing my body to consciously relax I find my tension gently lifting away. It is important to focus on the positive, happy moments of life and find peace from the negative aspects that can haunt our lives.

Response by Capt Jane Barrington made Sep 4 at 2019 10:37 PM

2019-09-04T22:37:49-04:00

Some nights I can fall asleep for a few hours. Other nights I toss and turn till sunrise. Sleeping on the couch sometimes helps...

Response by CPL Scott Leifert Sr made Sep 4 at 2019 10:39 PM

2019-09-04T22:39:12-04:00

Nothing helps with anything. And usually sleep very little during the dautime.

Response by SPC Adrienne Pittman made Sep 4 at 2019 10:42 PM

2019-09-04T22:42:35-04:00

I don't completely fall asleep unless I take medicine. Without it I toss and turn then feel exhausted in the morning.

Response by CN Melodie Bales made Sep 4 at 2019 10:45 PM

2019-09-04T22:45:32-04:00

Yes, I been having problems for years, I have tried The cpap, It doesn't work,I really dont like anything on my face,plus I get a lot ,to go to the bathroom:(

Response by PO3 Keith Woodcock made Sep 4 at 2019 10:50 PM

2019-09-04T22:50:12-04:00

I can fall asleep, but it seems like only in about 2 hour (if I'm lucky) stretches. Otherwise it's a couple of hours and then up the rest of the night and day.

Response by Pvt Lori Gronas made Sep 4 at 2019 10:52 PM

2019-09-04T22:52:57-04:00

None ☹️

Response by CPL Doug Criss made Sep 4 at 2019 10:53 PM

2019-09-04T22:53:40-04:00

Not really

Response by PO3 Charles McDonald made Sep 4 at 2019 10:59 PM

2019-09-04T22:59:55-04:00

i use a sleep aid Zolpidem

Response by PO3 Charles McDonald made Sep 4 at 2019 11:00 PM

2019-09-04T23:00:51-04:00

sleeping

Response by CMSgt David Volitis made Sep 4 at 2019 11:15 PM

2019-09-04T23:15:10-04:00

Chronic insomnia. Sometimes up two to three days without sleep. Can be completely and physically worn out, but cannot turn my mind off to go to sleep.

Response by SFC David Meyer made Sep 4 at 2019 11:16 PM

2019-09-04T23:16:02-04:00

I stay up untell 1-3AM so I get tired enough to fall asleep. I take 2 sleep aids about 11:00-12:00. I also use a BIPAP Machine. If I am lucky I get 8 hours and feel somewhat refreshed. But often feel more tired in the morning when I wake up then I was before I went to sleep.

Response by 1SG Jarvis Jenkins made Sep 4 at 2019 11:20 PM

2019-09-04T23:20:08-04:00

I wake up and can't go back to sleep,Use a cpap it work's fine just can't sleep all the way through!

Response by SSgt Dawn Williams made Sep 4 at 2019 11:28 PM

2019-09-04T23:28:40-04:00

Does that mean the VA will buy me an adjustable bed so I can stop sleeping in my recliner?

Response by SSgt Dawn Williams made Sep 4 at 2019 11:31 PM

2019-09-04T23:31:58-04:00

Will the VA help me buy an adjustable bed or do I have to keep sleeping in the recliner? If I sleep in the bed I can barely move the next morning with extreme stiffness and pain in my neck. As it is some nights I don't sleep at all. In the daytime, I sleep from 1 to 4 hours if I'm lucky.

Response by CDR Rick Newman made Sep 4 at 2019 11:36 PM

2019-09-04T23:36:45-04:00

None I have found yet

Response by PO1 Joseph Breyer made Sep 4 at 2019 11:43 PM

2019-09-04T23:43:59-04:00

Yes

Response by PO1 Joseph Breyer made Sep 4 at 2019 11:44 PM

2019-09-04T23:44:43-04:00

Yees

Response by SPC Elijah Brown made Sep 4 at 2019 11:51 PM

2019-09-04T23:51:35-04:00

None

Response by Sgt Michael Lefort made Sep 5 at 2019 12:00 AM

2019-09-05T00:00:30-04:00

Have trouble falling asleep, stay asleep for only a couple of hours, then up the rest of the night. Sometimes I can fall asleep, but wake up after two or three hours and can't get back to sleep. Then I'm sleepy and nodding off all day.

Response by SPC Gary Coleman made Sep 5 at 2019 12:31 AM

2019-09-05T00:31:23-04:00

I wake up every hour on the hour like clock work. I feel very tense when I'm laying down as if I'm ready for combat.

Response by SPC Joe Thatcher made Sep 5 at 2019 12:35 AM

2019-09-05T00:35:45-04:00

Chronic insomnia

Response by SSG Paula Williams made Sep 5 at 2019 12:37 AM

2019-09-05T00:37:55-04:00

Yes

Response by SPC Jerry Nunes made Sep 5 at 2019 12:48 AM

2019-09-05T00:48:43-04:00

Trouble sleeping most of the time!

Response by SSgt Stephen Piecuch made Sep 5 at 2019 1:39 AM

2019-09-05T01:39:13-04:00

Pleasant thoughts help. I am a golfer. I pick one of my favorite golf courses and play each hole like a professional. Birdie, birdie, and usually fall asleep after a few holes. On the occasion I get to the
ninth hole, I just get up, have a cup of tea and read anything available for a few minutes and go back
to bed. Back to the first hole and it does not take long after that. Works every time.
SSGT Steve Piecuch

Response by PO2 Rick Egli made Sep 5 at 2019 1:48 AM

2019-09-05T01:48:21-04:00

I sleep too much, sometimes all day. Always tired no reason to get up

Response by PO3 Teel Hughes made Sep 5 at 2019 2:07 AM

2019-09-05T02:07:53-04:00

Reading, needlework

Response by SPC Tabitha Dunfey made Sep 5 at 2019 2:26 AM

2019-09-05T02:26:01-04:00

Even taking 1 Ambien and 1 1mg of Xanax their are days that I don't sleep. My brain won't shut off. I can work a 12 hr day and still not be tired. Their are other days that I'm so exhausted that I sleep all day.

Response by Amn Lynette Fields made Sep 5 at 2019 2:44 AM

2019-09-05T02:44:06-04:00

I have a hard time getting to sleep at night. I might doze off for a very few minutes.

Response by A1C Jeff Frost made Sep 5 at 2019 6:21 AM

2019-09-05T06:21:06-04:00

Exercise.

Response by SFC Joseph Bailem made Sep 5 at 2019 7:01 AM

2019-09-05T07:01:13-04:00

Reclining in my recliner and falling asleep for a short period of time.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Sep 5 at 2019 7:14 AM

2019-09-05T07:14:32-04:00

I am currently exploring this option

Response by PO1 Eddie McDonald made Sep 5 at 2019 7:23 AM

2019-09-05T07:23:07-04:00

I wake up every morning at 3:00 Am. I have trouble focusing and my attention span has gotten very short

Response by CPT Carole Thorogood made Sep 5 at 2019 7:30 AM

2019-09-05T07:30:44-04:00

I get to sleep easily following two minutes of 4 8 7 breathing, then wake after 5 or 6 hours and cannot get back to sleep.

Response by Pvt Gloreus (Pete) Johns made Sep 5 at 2019 7:49 AM

2019-09-05T07:49:51-04:00

I now take Ambien to fall asleep and stay asleep, My VA therapist has understood my inability to shut down my brain and the anxiety that can come from sleep deprivation. I'm thankful for that. It seems that the older I get the worse, the syndrome. There is no particular thoughts that haunt me, it's almost always different. Sometimes it's combat related, sometimes it's just stress related from things I'm going through at the current time. It's extremely frustrating, and debilitating, at times. Especially since I can only take the medication for 20 out of 30 days. If it's two or 3, or 4 o'clock in the morning, and I have to be up early the next day, it causes anxiety, which feeds on itself. But I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I do have some help.

Response by Sgt Tom Ray made Sep 5 at 2019 8:08 AM

2019-09-05T08:08:42-04:00

Wake up several times each night

Response by PO2 Sandra Stein made Sep 5 at 2019 8:34 AM

2019-09-05T08:34:16-04:00

I cant get to sleep and when I do I keep waking up. The next thing I know the alarm goes off and I'm tired and feel beat.

Response by SN Sam Kanipe made Sep 5 at 2019 8:38 AM

2019-09-05T08:38:07-04:00

I wake up alot of times every night . I wear a C-Pap , I have problems with it leaking and this wakes me up . I sometimes sleep with my face against the pillow to stop it from leaking . .

Response by 1SG Mark Kelley made Sep 5 at 2019 9:21 AM

2019-09-05T09:21:54-04:00

Every day.

Response by SPC Dennis Baber made Sep 5 at 2019 9:42 AM

2019-09-05T09:42:05-04:00

I use a cpap, make the room totally dark and wear ear plugs.

Response by SPC Michael Moon made Sep 5 at 2019 9:58 AM

2019-09-05T09:58:37-04:00

No but have trouble staying asleep more than 1.5 hours without sleep meds.

Response by SSgt Stephen Zimoga made Sep 5 at 2019 9:59 AM

2019-09-05T09:59:56-04:00

Since I quit working in 2010 I've had trouble getting to sleep. I was prescribed Xanax and Ambiein. About a year ago I started waking up at 2am and every now and then I would have vertigo. Bruised my ribs. When I moved to TX I was take off of Ambien, FDA study re: Ambien and Xanax. I was also prescribed Gabapentin for my back problems. My Psych told me to take a Gabapentin when I go to bed to replace the Ambien. The spells of vertigo increased. August 23 2019 I fell and broke some bones in my skull and spent a week in the hosp. The problem is I fell in the kitchen and I don't remember, just woke up in my bed later on that morning, pool of blood on the kitchen floor and my pillow full of blood. While in the hosp, the gave me Lorazepam which puts me to sleep for the full night. If I do wake up I am conscience and able to get back to sleep with no problems. I hope the VA can continue on with this drug. Still waiting to hear. My goal is to get off of sleeping meds all together and be tired like normal people.

Response by SSgt Stephen Zimoga made Sep 5 at 2019 10:01 AM

2019-09-05T10:01:17-04:00

Response by SN James Capers made Sep 5 at 2019 10:10 AM

2019-09-05T10:10:12-04:00

Yes but can go to asleep but short periods and wake up toss and round a lot trying to get back to sleep.

Response by SP5 Byron Claussen made Sep 5 at 2019 10:11 AM

2019-09-05T10:11:10-04:00

Yes. Currently taking temazapam and still have trouble staying asleep

Response by Sgt Stephen Manda made Sep 5 at 2019 10:20 AM

2019-09-05T10:20:07-04:00

I have trouble falling back asleep after I wake up to use the bathroom

Response by A1C Ron Wilburn made Sep 5 at 2019 10:28 AM

2019-09-05T10:28:18-04:00

Nothing helps.

Response by PO1 Louis Green made Sep 5 at 2019 10:39 AM

2019-09-05T10:39:54-04:00

I wake up after 3 or 4 hours and can't go back until 7 or 8 am if at all. Retired and no stress.

Response by SGT David Petree made Sep 5 at 2019 11:21 AM

2019-09-05T11:21:01-04:00

some of u need a sleep study done.. others need to try getting your mind to turn off . juking off is only a short term thing . after a while even that won`t work.

Response by SGT Bill Herren made Sep 5 at 2019 11:22 AM

2019-09-05T11:22:02-04:00

yes

Response by SSgt Bryan Andersen made Sep 5 at 2019 12:12 PM

2019-09-05T12:12:36-04:00

I will sleep a few hours wake up fall back asleep and repeat all night long. It’s exhausting

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2019 12:17 PM

2019-09-05T12:17:50-04:00

Only way I can fall asleep and "stay" asleep (i.e. fall back to sleep when I wake up) is with dream water (available on amazon) and some melatonin. I also listen to audiobooks on a timer. I'm usually awake at 0330 regardless of when I go to bed. I used to fight it. Now I just get up and get my day started.

Response by Cpl Richard Fox made Sep 5 at 2019 12:39 PM

2019-09-05T12:39:29-04:00

Ever since my wife of 54 years passing ten months ago and mean children grabbing all they could I haven’t been able to sleep good like before. I finally can get to sleep using 4-7-8 breathing and melatonin, but wake up early am 2-3 and on an off until dog says get out of bed to let him out at 6. I use a CPAP and no problems with that. I’m 76 years old and take 1600 mg of Gabapentin for severe spinal stenosis that works along with muscle relaxers and class IV pain killers.

The sleep problem from a clinical standpoint is that I’m not happy and to correct that it would take good health and a bad memory which I’m blessed with neither. Life is suffering.

Endeavoring to Preserver.

Response by PFC Debra Thorsted made Sep 5 at 2019 1:09 PM

2019-09-05T13:09:45-04:00

Don’t remember when it started. But seems like most of my adult life

Response by SGM Alphonso Epps made Sep 5 at 2019 1:11 PM

2019-09-05T13:11:45-04:00

Hell yea....I only sleep 3-4 hours a night and sometime during that time it's like I'm still woke.....crazy huh?

Response by Sgt Joseph Gerstner made Sep 5 at 2019 1:17 PM

2019-09-05T13:17:11-04:00

I can't fall asleep then when I do I sleep walk

Response by PO2 Karen Gordon made Sep 5 at 2019 2:24 PM

2019-09-05T14:24:36-04:00

I am allergic to med fillers so cannot take oral meds. I'm going to try CBD gummies. (I got my mom off the Ambien using CBD edibles.) Seemed like my not sleeping episodes were getting better until I recently stayed in a hotel overnight ALONE... oh Lord that was sheer panic.

Response by CW4 Bobby Perry made Sep 5 at 2019 2:30 PM

2019-09-05T14:30:23-04:00

yes

Response by SSG Jack Adams made Sep 5 at 2019 2:35 PM

2019-09-05T14:35:19-04:00

I sleep spurts of 1-4 hrs. Wake almost every night around 3. Only way I can sleep is with TV on. If it goes off, I wake up.

Response by MSgt Paul Garoppo made Sep 5 at 2019 2:41 PM

2019-09-05T14:41:51-04:00

I have sleep apnea and even when utilizing my cpap I only get 4 hours of sleep max.
Just had another sleep test and received a call that my apnea is severe. I was told to bring my machine to an appointment on October 25th 2019 when my test was in August! WoW! I hope that the training helps me better than the wait!

Response by Sgt Raymond Lipay made Sep 5 at 2019 3:02 PM

2019-09-05T15:02:34-04:00

Response by Sgt Raymond Lipay made Sep 5 at 2019 3:03 PM

2019-09-05T15:03:57-04:00

No. I only sleep 5 hours a night

Response by MCPO Teodoro Garcia made Sep 5 at 2019 3:16 PM

2019-09-05T15:16:15-04:00

Yes, I have hard time falling sleep and short of hours (3-4 hours) on a daily basis. I also have problem going back to sleep after wee hour.

Response by Sgt Wilson L Brame made Sep 5 at 2019 3:20 PM

2019-09-05T15:20:31-04:00

Haven't been able to sleep more then 2 to 4 hours at any given time day or night. Recently completed my 8th surgery and fusion from T4 to S1 with osteotomy, my second osteotomy. Prior to this last surgery I underwent fusion at the C3 to C7 level, Spring 2019. This has been my life every since my injury at Dover AFB in 1968. I've complained about not sleeping to the Doctors at the Cheyenne VA Hospital and VA Clinic in Fort Collins, Colorado. No-one cared so I quit complaining. Are there techniques that help? Yes! I purchased my own medical insurance and I'm seeing non-VA Doctors who care. I'm sleeping better now. Go figure!

Response by LTC N Willard Schwartz made Sep 5 at 2019 3:40 PM

2019-09-05T15:40:27-04:00

Trouble sleeping through the night

Response by SFC Alberto Martinez Rivera made Sep 5 at 2019 4:06 PM

2019-09-05T16:06:22-04:00

YES

Response by SPC Dorsey Kemp made Sep 5 at 2019 6:23 PM

2019-09-05T18:23:10-04:00

fall asleep easily, but am up several times at night going to the bathroom as a result of prostate cancer surgery and subsequent radiation treatments.

Response by SPC Andrew Villar made Sep 5 at 2019 6:47 PM

2019-09-05T18:47:12-04:00

Yes...yes..yes

Response by SN Mike Boyer made Sep 5 at 2019 9:26 PM

2019-09-05T21:26:08-04:00

Can not sleep

Response by LCpl Donald Reilley made Sep 5 at 2019 10:23 PM

2019-09-05T22:23:42-04:00

Yes, fall asleep but always wake up a few hours later and cannot get back to sleep. Quite often have to get up and watch tv.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2019 11:21 PM

2019-09-05T23:21:22-04:00

Yes, I,m up every hour and a half to two hours supposedly to pee but it is really because my brain has gone into high gear. I struggle to relax and eventually go back to sleep. Then the process repeats. It takes eleven plus hours to feel like it time to get up.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Sep 5 at 2019 11:24 PM

2019-09-05T23:24:45-04:00

The first thing I do at the end of a busy day is light my lilac candle. I have discovered the impact of certain aromas on stress and anxiety. I also cannot sleep in silence. I keep my TV on all night. I preset channels so I don’t wake up to something which freaks me out. It takes an entire routine ands melatonin cocktail for me to fall asleep. My sleep patterns are so ‘unique ‘, they couldn’t help me in a sleep study. I’m lucky because I’m retired, so I have the luxury of afternoon naps and sleeping during the day. I have always been a ‘night owl’, so I do the things in the evening which most people do during the day. I think everyone is unique and we each have our own routines!

Response by SSgt Dee O'Connor made Sep 6 at 2019 1:37 AM

2019-09-06T01:37:54-04:00

No. I'm afraid to sleep as nightmares, sweating, seeing faces, cant stay asleep. No longer know how to go to sleep

Response by SSgt Dee O'Connor made Sep 6 at 2019 1:38 AM

2019-09-06T01:38:31-04:00

No techniques that help me relax

Response by LTJG Connie Scott-Graham made Sep 6 at 2019 4:09 AM

2019-09-06T04:09:55-04:00

I don’t understand what you are asking me.

Response by Sgt Michael Ray made Sep 6 at 2019 4:52 AM

2019-09-06T04:52:55-04:00

Yes

Response by SSG Lamar Gillian made Sep 6 at 2019 5:20 AM

2019-09-06T05:20:18-04:00

Response by SSG Lamar Gillian made Sep 6 at 2019 5:20 AM

2019-09-06T05:20:36-04:00

Response by PV2 Paul Mahoney made Sep 6 at 2019 7:59 AM

2019-09-06T07:59:46-04:00

N/p falling aseep,just staying asleep W/O reoccurring dreams/nightmare s.

Response by PV2 Paul Mahoney made Sep 6 at 2019 8:01 AM

2019-09-06T08:01:42-04:00

Not that I've found.

Response by SSgt Quin Hahn made Sep 6 at 2019 11:58 AM

2019-09-06T11:58:31-04:00

Multiple sleep tests, all negative, multiple medications, all negative, last 20 years using Lunesta, first time had a full 7 hours of sleep Then the VA started using a generic Lunesta, sleep dropped to short 1 to 2 hours of sleep, the VA can't treat this as a special condition and allow me to get the original Lunesta.

Response by CPO Jeffrey Hunter made Sep 6 at 2019 1:00 PM

2019-09-06T13:00:01-04:00

JUST BE STILL AND THINK

Response by SP5 Darrin Montena made Sep 6 at 2019 8:07 PM

2019-09-06T20:07:37-04:00

Eating a bowl of cereal

Response by Sgt Joseph Davis made Sep 7 at 2019 2:16 AM

2019-09-07T02:16:00-04:00

Have trouble falling asleep sometimes staying up all night. When I do fall asleep I very seldom sleep more than a couple of hours at a time. In those short hours of sleep I toss and turn. Am always tired the next day.

Response by Lt Col Dave Clark made Sep 7 at 2019 10:53 AM

2019-09-07T10:53:21-04:00

For many of us, this is caused by type of hyper-vigilance. The importance and value of hyper-vigilance is paramount if you’re in a war zone or an area/situation of potential danger/attack. However, it can keep you from “turning off” when you are in a safe environment. This is something my nephew and I have in common. If allowed to consume us, it will not only rob us of restful sleep, but will also cause mental and physical disorders.

I have found it helpful to not only recognize this as a good trait in the correct situations, but also a hinderance if allowed to consume us. I have averaged 3-5 hrs per night sleep for at least 15 years. This led to a struggle with depression for a few years and I still have sleep apnea.

However, there are a few things that have helped me so much that it is no longer something that consumes me.

First, I am a fully committed Christian (I’m not saying I’m a good person; I’m not. Christ is my Savior and my Lord and His grace covers my failures.). This is important, because the Bible is replete with advice that deals with this exact issue. Many people find it helpful to read Psalms, but I like strong, succinct commands like Phil 4:6-8. Obeying these verses often put me back to sleep while reading the Bible, praying or meditating on some new insight He has given me in His word.

Helping my wife (who was born and raised in a foreign culture and speaking a different language) to deal with the difficulties, prejudices, pain and stress of life in the United States, has helped me to turn my focus from my own difficulties. It is amazing how hard it becomes to stay awake while comforting (calmly, and empathetically discussing with my wife her pain while lightly massaging her scalp or her back, etc) for long periods of time.

Third, I have learned some techniques that help focus the mind and relax the body in preparation for sleep. I taught one of these techniques to my wife and children. I used to talk them through it with a calm, quiet voice and they have almost always fallen asleep before I finished. I start at the most distal (farthest away from the center) parts of their body by saying quietly, “focus on relaxing your big toe on your right foot”. At this time, I will gently move back and forth their big toe a few times. Then I will say, now remember to keep your big toe relaxed while you focus on relaxing the toe next to it” and I’ll slowly and gently move that second toe back and forth. I’ll continue this through all the toes on the each foot referring back to all that came before and I’ll work my way from toes to feet to ankles to calves, etc. Then I’ll do the same with the fingers to the shoulders, then the core muscles, then the neck, face and scalp. Before I finish, they’re usually asleep. I do the same for myself, except I just slightly move each muscle the first time to ensure I feel the difference between tense and relaxed.

This is a helpful technique to reduce the number of things that are flooding my mind and keeping me from sleeping, because it forces me to focus on one boring task and release the other distracting thoughts. It’s not magic, but with practice it helps.

Finally, I stopped worrying about the fact I only sleep 3-5 hours per night. Your body needs sleep to regenerate, but God has made our bodies to be remarkably resilient. After years of reduced a number of hours of uninterrupted sleep, my body has adapted to sleep heavier for a fewer number of hours. I’m in my late 50s and retired now, but even before retiring, I was still able to function on 3-5 hours of sleep.

What has worked for me may not work for everybody, but have faith that you can “adapt and overcome”. Seek new TTPs that work for you and put them in your toolbox. Pull them out, sharpen them and use them regularly. You’ve got this!

Response by SN Karen Brown made Sep 7 at 2019 11:55 AM

2019-09-07T11:55:10-04:00

Can go to sleep, usually. Can't stay asleep, and often have a hard time getting back to sleep once I wake up.

Response by MSG Pedro Colon made Sep 7 at 2019 2:54 PM

2019-09-07T14:54:24-04:00

Yes

Response by 1LT William Griffin made Sep 8 at 2019 11:19 AM

2019-09-08T11:19:09-04:00

I have a very difficult time falling asleep almost every night, Sometimes my only solution is to stay up that entire night and hope I will be tired enough to fall asleep the next night

Response by PO2 Ursula Jones made Sep 9 at 2019 2:44 AM

2019-09-09T02:44:50-04:00

Mind won't shut off

Response by Capt James Sirois made Sep 9 at 2019 11:47 AM

2019-09-09T11:47:10-04:00

While Ambien is a great short-term solution, keep in mind that it is addictive if you take it for long periods. Alcohol is also not a solution. You wake up to urinate throughout the night and sleep under alcohol, which is an anesthetic, does not support REM sleep very well which is necessary for a restful sleep. Sleep studies are the best solution as they can pin-point the real problems that you have. OTC (over the counter) melatonin is helpful but often not a good solution since it is geared for adjusting circadium rhythms. If this is not your problem, it will be only marginally effective. Anatomy often is the problem, i.e. nasal blockages, refluxes from the stomach can be a problem. Often, just raising the head of your bed by putting blocks under the legs can help. There are a number of anti-acid drugs that your doctor can prescribe. Avoid stimulants such as caffeinated drinks (coffee, soda, etc) prior to bedtime. Don't watch TV in your bedroom, because it keeps your mind in an active state. These are just a few of the things you can do. I'll post in the future to add more suggestions. Jim, nurse anesthetist.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2019 6:45 PM

2019-09-09T18:45:05-04:00

Write out your full name. Now write it in cursive. Underneath that write that once more but a little smaller.
Underneath that....a little smaller still.

Quickly your mind will focus on trying to complete the simple task and redirect your attention.
Close your eyes and begin mindfulness, thoughts or thinking. Start with a simple image like a roo. With a chair. What's it made of. What color. Is there a style? Is there a table, does it match? And do not have a single thought of judgement about any of it. Whatever you eventually imagine you'll then see in your thoughts, instead of working to create the image.
To help me sleep.....alphabet A to Z, naming a fruit. So apple, blueberry, cantaloupe, date, etc. You'll start to struggle thinking of fruits and eventually not worry about anything else but this insignificant thought and probably pass out trying to think of a fruit.

Response by SP5 Jack Woods made Sep 10 at 2019 11:59 AM

2019-09-10T11:59:06-04:00

No method works all the time. Some nights awake for 5 minutes, other nights 2 hours.

Response by PO2 Rudolph Madronich made Sep 10 at 2019 10:36 PM

2019-09-10T22:36:23-04:00

Yes, I have trouble sleeping I can sleep really for about 3 to 4 hours then I wake up and have trouble falling back to sleep. When I do fall back asleep it is for about 1 hour but I wake up and fall back to sleep of and on until I get out of bed in the morning

Response by CPT Jose Garrigo made Sep 13 at 2019 12:43 PM

2019-09-13T12:43:54-04:00

I sleep an average of 4 hours every night and then I'm dragging in the afternoon to the point that I've almost been involved in accidents and I must take a nap in my car in the afternoon.

I've tried acupuncture and meditation but it doesn't help. My GF is pissed I keep getting up at 2 -3 AM nightly

Response by AN Bee Gee made Sep 17 at 2019 4:08 PM

2019-09-17T16:08:05-04:00

I have tried so many things, none really work. I seem stuck in a "lack of sleep cycle"...

Response by AN Bee Gee made Sep 17 at 2019 4:27 PM

2019-09-17T16:27:20-04:00

I sleep an hour, sometimes two, here and there. I do always lay down and try to sleep, but sleep is hard to come by. I've tried reading (I just end up reading all night), I've tried teas, tinctures, etc (all along the natural path), I've tried TV on/TV off, Music on/ music off, laying around going "ohm"/focus on something peacefull, you name it, I've probably tried it. I go on for this sometimes for weeks until I totally "crash" for up to 10 hrs on an "off day." It sucks, because the longer I get no real sleep, the more unfocused I can get (concentration suffers a bit). And a lot of times when I do finally doze off, my sleep apnea ("coming up for air") will rattle me awake...
(I can't stand the straps on my face, I feel like I am being choked, so the "gear" is out of the question; the O2 canuala doesn't help so much...)

Response by LTC Stephen Sullivan made Sep 19 at 2019 7:39 PM

2019-09-19T19:39:44-04:00

I read until I get sleepy

Response by Sgt Stephen Bregoli made Sep 22 at 2019 4:23 AM

2019-09-22T04:23:38-04:00

Anxiety out of control. Need to see daylight before relaxing unless exhausted.

Response by PO3 Luis Jordan made Sep 22 at 2019 8:04 PM

2019-09-22T20:04:10-04:00

i go to bed 12pm and up 5 am i use a c-pap

Response by A1C Gary Clark made Oct 2 at 2019 11:49 AM

2019-10-02T11:49:50-04:00

Yes, I have trouble sleeping

Response by SPC Anthony DiCapua made Oct 10 at 2019 1:03 PM

2019-10-10T13:03:50-04:00

Yes