How to overcome sleeping problems? Follow these 4 rules

Dear Ladies,

I want to address a bad habit that I've been struggling with, especially during challenging times. It has been a constant source of distress for me, and I've been trying to break free from it for years. I'll be honest: when I'm stressed, worried, burnt out, or anxious, I deliberately deprive myself of sleep. I often attribute my inability to sleep to my emotional state, but the truth is that I intentionally resist sleep, almost as if I want to make my situation worse. Unfortunately, there's an element of self-pity involved. By staying in discomfort, I have an excuse for my circumstances, which can sometimes feel easier than actively working towards improvement and prioritizing my well-being through restful sleep and a healthy lifestyle. This, in turn, would help me combat the stress, worries, and burdens that weigh me down.

The perplexing part is why I subject myself to such self-destructive behavior, especially when I know what steps I need to take for self-restoration. In my quest for solutions, I came across some valuable suggestions from fellow night owls. I'm listing them here not just for myself but also for any of you who may be experiencing the same struggles.

1. The quick fix:

Consider taking melatonin as a short-term fix when you're on the verge of exhaustion. Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain that helps regulate your internal clock. It can also be found in berries and nuts or taken as a supplement to address sleep-related issues or regulate sleep patterns. However, always consult a healthcare professional and avoid long-term use, as it may affect your natural melatonin levels. You can find more information about melatonin on this website: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin.

2. Follow your kids sleeping regime:

Establish a bedtime routine by setting an alarm to remind yourself when it's time to go to bed. Treat your sleep schedule like you would for your children, setting a good example by following a consistent routine. Set your alarm 20 minutes before your designated bedtime, engage in a proper bedtime routine, and spend around 10 minutes praying or meditation. Prayer can be religious or non-religious and can involve expressing gratitude for the small and positive things that happened during your day, such as good food, lovely weather, laughter with your kids, meaningful conversations, being alive, or the beauty of the town you live in.

3. What is your first thought in the morning?

Ask yourself what your first thoughts are when you wake up. If you're immediately thinking about work and those thoughts are negative, consider exploring the possibility of finding a different job. It doesn't mean you have to quit right away, but start looking for other options. Shifting your focus to new and exciting possibilities can help release work-related stress and prepare you for a future change when the time is right.

4. Who are your friends?

Lastly, evaluate your social connections. Do you have friends to hang out with or a partner to spend time with? If not, invest in friendships. And if you do have friends, make sure they are meaningful relationships built on respect and mutual happiness. It's important to have friends who value your well-being and provide a safe space for you to share your problems, rather than isolating yourself and trying to handle everything alone.

Reflecting on my own situation, I realized that I actually needed to work on all four of these points:

I needed a quick fix to feel human again, so I took a melatonin supplement for three nights, which helped me sleep better and feel much better overall. It's worth noting that I stopped taking it once the immediate issue was resolved.

I started going to bed at reasonable hours, establishing an evening routine that includes meditation and gratitude journaling. I also made sure to keep my phone out of reach.

I honestly admitted that I don't like my job, and I've finally started searching for something new after ignoring it for nearly two years. Taking action on this front has had a positive impact on my sleep patterns and general well-being.

I actively reached out to trusted individuals and shared my worries. My husband has been supportive, offering his advice and listening to me. Although not everything he suggests is a perfect fit for me, his efforts to help me are greatly appreciated. I also confided in a friend who became a listening ear and recommended melatonin and vitamin B12 as a temporary solution to help me rest and regain energy. This turned out to be a lifesaver. 

I'm improving now and gaining a better understanding of the root cause of my problem by sharing with others and actively seeking solutions. The key message here is: Don't become a victim of your circumstances. This can happen to anyone. Instead of drowning in the situation without taking action, actively seek solutions, try them one by one, and take meaningful steps towards recovery. I hope some of these ideas can be useful to you. Give them a try and take action!

Remember, when you have a job you enjoy, friends who care about your happiness, a supportive partner, and incorporate daily prayer or gratitude into your life, you can lead a fulfilling and happier life.

Lets support each other and sleep well!