It happened again.

SunsetSonata · #1 01/29/09, 07:26 AM

One-two hours sleep, and I have to work all the way til 8pm tonight.

Don't know how I'm going to do it, but leaving early is NOT an option - I've done it too often and got spoken to. This time I think the pressure of having to get enough sleep pushed me over the edge. Last night I took a hot bath, talked with a friend, had warm milk, went to bed early and felt pretty good about sleep - until I realized it was 12:30 and as tired as I was I wasn't sleeping. I don't know HOW I'm going to get through this day other than sucking down lots of coffee.

I am going to check this thread throughout the day at work - I could REALLY use a morale boost. From previous responses I know I am NOT alone.

I could seriously cry.

titansrunfarm · #2 01/29/09, 07:32 AM

Ack, I feel your pain, I just got off a 12 hour 7p - 7a shift after I got up yesterday morning at 4am and couldn't convince myself to take a nap yesterday afternoon. I feel surprisingly good right now..but I have to go back for another shift tonight. My advice is stay busy the more I am doing and the less time I end up sitting about the quicker the shift goes and less tired I feel. Easy on the coffee, too.

Danaus29 · #3 01/29/09, 07:49 AM

I know my mind just won't shut up at times, times when I am terribly worn out and need sleep sooooo bad. Then I finally fall asleep only to be woke up by horrible nightmares a couple hours later. After that there is little chance of going back to sleep.

What I usually do to help me fall asleep is read. Something boring that I have read a million times before. On good nights I'll read a page then drop the book. Make sure it's a light paperback, anything else is too hard to hold or makes too big of a thunk when it hits the floor.

tyusclan · #4 01/29/09, 08:47 AM

I may be offering advice that you have already tried or don't won't to try but have you tried Melatonin. I have had diff. sleeping for YEARS. My future SIL recommended the Melatonin. I buy it at WalMart. It really works for me and no hung over feeling like the benadryl sleep aid did. If you've already tried this just ignore but I sure hope you can get some rest soon. I know how it feels trying to keep going with no sleep. tyusclan momma

greenacres · #5 01/29/09, 09:16 AM

When I was pregnant and had trouble sleeping I drank chamomille tea. It helped.

Strange Bear · #6 01/29/09, 10:13 AM

My solution is 2 advil and 2 or 3 calcium/magnesuim/zinc tablets. Hope something helps.

sewsilly · #7 01/29/09, 10:17 AM

I'm all for chamomile tea, too. And I found a new one (to me) that I like a lot called "tension tamer extra".... it's nice...

Hang in there...

dawn

MariaAZ · #8 01/29/09, 11:11 AM

If you are into herbal remedies, you might want to look into valerian.

rean · #9 01/29/09, 11:22 AM

I know coffee is your salvation during the day. However, I would lay off it. Try eating some apples instead.

chickenmommy · #10 01/29/09, 11:33 AM

I'm right there with you today. I have the 3-11 shift tonight. On 4 hours sleep. Been awake since 4 am thanks to the wonderful neighbor with the little car that needs a muffler. For some reason he feels it necessary to rev the engine for the five or so minutes it takes for it to warm up. I sometimes lay in bed hoping I hear a bit of a bang (rod going through the head!) That would slow the revving down I bet! Thank goodness most of my shift is jumping full speed to get the food out! So glad it doesn't include any sitting, I wouldn't be able to stay awake at a desk! Why oh why can't I go back to sleep when I am awakened?

beccachow · #11 01/29/09, 11:47 AM

Aww, sweetie, I was hoping you had found something to help you. Tell me again, why no prescription sleep aids? There are sooooo many of them, and lots of the do really good with no hung-over feeling. Did you try melatonin? Someone else mentioned Valerian root, that sounds like a good option too. Hang in there. Where I'm sitting it's almost 1:00, you're getting there! Keep busy busy busy.