Sleep problem!!

[Cecily]

I'm 14 yrs old, but I can't get to sleep until late!!
My light goes out at about 10 pm, but I normally toss and turn til about 1 am before I fall asleep. It used to be ok because I woke up about about 10 am, but recently I've been waking up at about 7:30, but can't go back to sleep, so I'm absolutley exhausted!! This has been going on for about 3 months now. I have nothing really that could stop me from sleeping, like disablities, apart from my back which I had checked yesterday. The specalist said it was ok, although slightly tender still. Any advice would be great!! Thank you

[percypony]

Sounds like you have got yourself into a sort of pattern by waking up late and therefore not needing to fall asleep so early. How about doing something into the evening (I don't know, needlecraft, reading whatever) until about 10-11pm and seeing if it makes you tired.
Some people just do not need that much sleep though and 6 hours (or so) might just be all you need.
I am always tired and go to be about 10:30pm and get up 05:30am every day. I can't have any more sleep as I just don't have time (!!!) so thought maybe I would try having less and seeing if that made me feel better but I haven't got the courage up to try it yet!!! ;D
S x

[barrd]

Whilst on this forum I haven't posted many serious things, this I do take seriously. I've suffered with sleep problems all my life, the only thing to do is have a good diet, plenty of exercise and get into a good and regular sleeping pattern. All these things I do not do therefore still at late 30's suffer long nights of insomnia. I'm an idiot though, so whilst still young listen to what I say and take heed.

Look after yourself and hope you find a lifestyle that allows peaceful sleep.

[aberlemno]

As one of the early birds on this board, I can sympathise, as I don't sleep too well either. I find that I sleep best when I've had lots of exercise. I never have any trouble going to sleep - just not sleeping on past 5.30 a.m. or so. A hot milky drink at bedtime is meant to work, and reading in bed is excellent. Try not to watch TV or come on the computer last thing as that stimulates your brain. If you have any worries, imagine putting them inside a big box, folding the box smaller and smaller and then putting it in the bin. There it stays!

[eveadel]

I have suffered with sleep problems before and I its not something I would like to happpen again. I ensure I have a milky drink before I go to bed, I actually find watching telly in bed helps me get to sleep. I usually go to bed about an hour before I really need to go to unwind and relax. What you have got to try and do is not worry about not sleeping or waking up early as this can cause aggravation or anxiety about it. Have you ever tried something herbal like Kalms or Rescue Remedy? If you are waking up or are easily woken up have you tried ear plugs?? If not a good idea maybe is to go to your GP and asked to get referred to a specialist - dont take the meds as they make you feel worse.

[OP]

I get plenty of exercise at the moment, looking after 2 horses on my own, and I've tried milky drinks and reading. But today my mum picked up a herbal remedy bottle, which is supposed to help you unwind. I have to put 4 drops under my tongue before I go to bed, and I supposedly should drop off quite quickly!! Thank you everyone for your advice - I'll try it all.

[eveadel]

Let us know how you get on - all the best

[OP]

OK - it basically worked!! I switched my light off at about 10:30 and went to sleep at about midnight...its an improvement!! But the stuff really works - it has brandy in it, and made my tongue tingle, but about five minutes after I'd taken it it made me feel all calm and relaxed which is great!! Thanks everyone xx