Overcoming this?

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The night before i have something big and fun planned for the next day (like going too a big city) i often find it near impossible too drift of too sleep because i am so excited about the next day. Ironically i am so tired the next day that i end up ruining the whole experience


How can i overcome this problem? At times like this i wish there was a sleep machine. that was invented Overall i worry so much about falling asleep that makes it impossible for me too nod of.

Actually, I have the same problem. What you need to do is, rather than lie down and wait for sleep, try reading for an hour. Will take your mind off things and will tire out your eyes. Exercise helps too.

Taking a hot as f**k bath and stuffing myself full of fat, sugary food (together with sugary drinks) usually does the trick, but makes me a zombie the next day despite of how much I've slept. (if I even wake up)

actually exercise keeps you awake sarah

Correct. You want to AVOID stimulation of any kind, mind or heart. I have a hard time sleeping if I allow my mind to race or wander aimlessly. To avoid "thinking too much" I focus on something that doesn't bring on emotions... not as boring as counting sheep or laying bricks, but something like building a house or making the same business proposal I've daydreamed about for years.

I just have to remember to DO it... sometimes I seem to want to dwell on the things hurting me that day, keeping me awake when I know full well it's going to prevent the sleep I so badly need.

[/slaps self]

Find something that stops fixation...I find music does this, but then the fixation transfers.

Regular exercise earlier in the day will help you sleep better.

It does.

I find a cup of hot chocolate and piano music helps (I like Erik Satie and Debussy). I would still take valerian, but I can't because of my mood disorder.

I've used codeine to get to sleep, too - but that can interfere with your moods and be addictive.

I meant two hours before bed. Sorry, forgot to say that.

drink copious amounts of beer?

Diphenhydramine or doxylamine help me. They are sold OTC in the US and are just antihistamines but they make you sleepy. They are also packaged as sleeping pills as well.

Bad idea, gives you the wrong kind of sleep, and would make you more tired.

A lot of people are also on a melatonin kick... I bought some myself to improve sleep. Too early to tell if it's helping.

Those cause dependency.

Not dependency, but a tolerance to where you feel like you need a higher dose. Some people can take up to 15mg but it's best to stick with 3 mg for a night or 2 before stopping for a night or 2. All they really do is reset your body's circadian rhythm

I used to have that problem when I was a kid and probably to some extent even now.

I think depriving yourself of sleep the night before will probably help you feel sleepy on the night when you do need to sleep.
Also as some people have suggested, being active during the day tends to make you tired and sleepy at night.
In my case a glass of wine always makes me really sleepy.
Also a nice warm shower makes me sleepy as well.