Insomnia

[Craizie]

This is tough. I can admit that I do have a beer problem, and it is the way I chose to unwind. I haven't drank since Thursday and that was the last night I got a good nights rest.

Bingo.

The mistake of an amateur alcoholic.

[Blakeski]

Bingo.

The mistake of an amateur alcoholic.

LMAO I would be willing to bet I could drink most of the people on this forum under the table. On lake days I kill a case for breakfast!

[Big A]

This is tough. I can admit that I do have a beer problem, and it is the way I chose to unwind. I haven't drank since Thursday and that was the last night I got a good nights rest.

Sounds to me like that's the root of your sleep problem, choose to remedy it how you will. Either drink less and less often, don't stop drinking, or just deal with the lack of rest.

Needing to have a few beers to unwind is an issue in and of itself, and the only way to get away from that is to work at finding other ways to quiet your mind. Drinking is the easiest way, but certainly no long-term solution. As you are finding, there is a downside to prolonged consumption, as your body is constantly working to remove the toxins that you are constantly introducing into your system.

It may sound crazy, but I've found meditation to be a great way to relax, it's a mental massage of sorts. Not just before bed either, it's a good way to combat mid-day stress, whenever you have a few minutes to step back from the craziness. Like anything, it takes practice to get good at it, but well worth the investment.

[UserX]

I eat 3-4 times a day.

Not a big caffeine guy, however I do drink a Pepsi Throwback every once in a while since I found them lol

I love Pepsi TB too! They're low in caffeine, as long as you're not drinking a 6 pack a day, I don't think that would contribute.

[Trip McNeely]

It may sound crazy, but I've found meditation to be a great way to relax, it's a mental massage of sorts. Not just before bed either, it's a good way to combat mid-day stress, whenever you have a few minutes to step back from the craziness. Like anything, it takes practice to get good at it, but well worth the investment.

Damn, you really have turned into a Californian. lol

[A+]

Damn, you really have turned into a Californian. lol

Trip McNeely......you's a trip

[Big A]

Damn, you really have turned into a Californian. lol

I'm not talking about any zen bullshit, with legs crossed and all that. I'm just talking about taking a few minutes wherever you are to consciously step away from any and all percieved stress, re-focus, and adjust your attitude.

I've got plenty of practice drinking stress away, and all it does to put it out of mind for the moment, as long as the drinks keep coming. Wake up sober, and nothing has changed. Life really is all about how you percieve and react to it, so why not learn to react to and percieve everything in a positive manner?

That old saying about worry being like a rocking chair is oh so true, and it takes practice to not allow yoursef to sit down, and waste time.

[Trip McNeely]

I'm just giving you shit Aaron. lol

[Big A]

Oh, I totally forgot to mention another great way to combat stress, get to the gym! I'm headed there now to get my "meditation" on.

[Forever_frost]

I'm not talking about any zen bullshit, with legs crossed and all that. I'm just talking about taking a few minutes wherever you are to consciously step away from any and all percieved stress, re-focus, and adjust your attitude.

I've got plenty of practice drinking stress away, and all it does to put it out of mind for the moment, as long as the drinks keep coming. Wake up sober, and nothing has changed. Life really is all about how you percieve and react to it, so why not learn to react to and percieve everything in a positive manner?

That old saying about worry being like a rocking chair is oh so true, and it takes practice to not allow yoursef to sit down, and waste time.

I do this. I've had insomnia since 04 and Ambien doesn't work anymore. I pop my Ambien and then close my eyes and say a prayer. It tends to clear my mind as I'm focusing it on one thing instead of letting it wander. More often than not, it works. And yes, in case Racr's "God/Christianity/prayer" radar goes off, I did compare praying to meditating.

It quietens your mind and slows things down. Also, grab a hot shower before bed.

[idrivea4banger]

Good ol' insomnia. I always said sleep deprivation would kill me off quicker than alcohol. I've been dealing with this shit since high school.

[01vnms4v]

I average 4 hours usually. If I'm lucky I get 5 1/2. My problem is I can't turn my brain off. I just lay there and think of the most random nonsense and toss and turn. Melatonin pills are hit and miss. I've just grown used to seeing things out of the corners of my eyes or shadow people that sleep depravation brings....lol

X2 here as well

[Unicorn Jeff]

Most of the time I don't have a problem but every once and a while I can't fall asleep and i'll get like 4 hours of sleep. When I lay down I try to think of nothing and keep a clear mind so I'll pass the fuck out.

[Trip McNeely]

Insomnia is the worst, especially when you catch yourself looking at the clock every hour trying to think of how many hours you can get of sleep. Then you finally fall asleep and 30 minutes later your alarm clock goes off.

[Special K]

been battling this without success since childhood. Ambien makes me do all sorts of weird stuff, so even though I thought it was helping and I was sleeping, apparently I was really doing all sorts of insane shit! For the past year I have been functioning on 2-4 hours a night. It sucks!