by Bundy P
Member since:
June 25, 2007

Sleep Problems

January 26, 2008 05:35 PM EST
views: 63 | comments: 27
I just read an article about how exercising can help you sleep.  I have found this to be true, especially when I swim, but I've had problems sleeping for years.  I have been prescribed sleeping pills to help me, and I use them when necessary, with no side effects.  With all the controversy since Heath Ledger's death, there has been a lot of debate over prescription sleeping pills.  I will continue to use them as necessary, but I will up my exercise routine to avoid using them as often and aid my weight loss effort. 
link to this page
Bookmark this post:
Facebook
Twitter
Delicious
Buzz
More

Comments: 27

Elaine A. Jan 26, 2008, 5:37pm EST
I have problems sleeping no matter what I do
JoAnn C. Jan 26, 2008, 5:39pm EST
I do sleep better on nights when I've exercised.
Vivian P. Jan 26, 2008, 5:41pm EST
being Bi-polar a lack of sleep can be a big problem for me. I am not using anything to sleep now. But is needs be I will
Bob C. Jan 26, 2008, 5:51pm EST
I have always had problems sleeping, or in reality I have just never really needed a lot of sleep.
Roxanne N. Jan 26, 2008, 6:00pm EST
I too have always had problems with sleep. I usually sleep for an hour or two then wake up for 10-15 minutes then sleep for an hour or two....etc.

Exercising does help, but eventually my body got use to that and it started up again. I used ambien for awhile, but I was such a zombie in the morning.
Bundy P Jan 26, 2008, 6:01pm EST
Great comments, everyone!
John H. Jan 26, 2008, 6:21pm EST
exercising makes you tired, hence you sleep better
Barb (Gather Site Ferret) Carlson Jan 26, 2008, 6:55pm EST
I hadn't heard ... is that what happened to him?

I have trouble sleeping if I don't take my nighttime meds. When the depression kicks up, I can't sleep, either. If I don't take my meds, I am awake until about 5am, and I have to get up at 7.
Sue * Jan 26, 2008, 7:45pm EST
I generally sleep fairly well, once I force myself to turn off CNN. Sometimes the hormones jump in and I have a sleepless, tense night or two...but it passes quickly. I'm sorry you are having the problem, but it sounds like you know what to do about it.
Danielle P. Jan 26, 2008, 7:45pm EST
I do sleep a lot better and feel a lot better when I exercise. It's time for me to step it up again.
lynn a. Jan 26, 2008, 7:46pm EST
I haven't exercised in a long time, but when I did daily it used to rev me up. However, sleeping doesn't tend to be a problem for me. Waking up hurting is though. I'm finding an aspirin before bed is helpful.
CyberGwen ! Jan 26, 2008, 7:58pm EST
I have to take them or I would seldom sleep. I try to take as little as possible though by predicting what I need each night. There are nights that even prescription meds don't work for me.
Dawn G. Jan 26, 2008, 8:43pm EST
I have tried sleeping pills but they really do not work for me. I have done the exercise as well and all it did was increase my heart rate and make me more awake. I have sleeping problems about once a year. I can go a month without getting a good night sleep before I get real cranky. My doctor is not sure why other than I have asthma and maybe all the drugs build up and cause me to not sleep. I don't care what keeps me from sleeping I wish it would stop.
El Toro Bravo de Amor Jan 26, 2008, 8:46pm EST
I work out regularly but still have trouble sleeping. I'd heard all my life "When you get older, you don't need as much sleep."

Now that I AM older I've found that its a lie. You DO need as much sleep. You just don't get to have it.
Amanda "middle of nowhere" C. Jan 26, 2008, 10:05pm EST
I have problems sleeping sometimes, too. I don't think there's a problem with prescription medicine unless you start mixing a lot of them. Also, each person reacts differently. I think if you are taking it for the first time, you might want to plan the next day off and plan to have someone with you in case there are problems.

I hope you sleep well tonight, Bundy! And we've missed you!
Kathy E. Jan 27, 2008, 8:35am EST
I just read an article that says the same thing, I've been trying to excercise more anyhow. My problem isn't getting to sleep, tho (usually).A lot of the time, I wake in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep.
Bundy P Jan 27, 2008, 10:56am EST
Did you know Martha Stewart only sleeps 4 hours per night? I'd be a monster if that were my routine!
William M. Jan 27, 2008, 2:20pm EST
I often have trouble sleeping, but don't let it worry me.
Barbara C. Jan 27, 2008, 3:02pm EST
I take medication for depression. One of the meds I tried made me sleepy during the day so the doctor said to take it before going to bed. Now I'm awake during the day and sleep well at night. This was a "side effect" that we used to good purpose!
Phyllis R. Jan 27, 2008, 5:27pm EST
Exercise is great for everything, gets the blood pumping and flowing......actually it will give you more energy instead of making you tired!!
Swimming With The Tide O. Jan 31, 2008, 10:14am EST
I read an article recently that sited a study done on sleep problems. It mentioned some tips to aid in better sleep. One was to not have any light at all. Use black-out curtains if need be and turn off everything that glows at night in your room. Apparently, even the slightest light can affect problematic sleepers causing them to toss and turn or wake up frequently throughout the night.
Cynthia W. Feb 4, 2008, 5:55pm EST
This is probably true in many cases but not all. My boyfriend works out (plays racquetball for 4 hours 3 days a week) and he still has great difficult sleeping. We think he might have restless leg syndrome.
Sherrie H. Feb 8, 2008, 12:49am EST
I will give it a try... can think of one kind of "exercise" I love partaking in before I go to sleep.

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Make New Friends | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Health | Moms | Money | News | Politics | Spirituality | Sports | Travel | Writing
Version 16961, "Pacino"; Copyright © 2009 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.