So any tips how to get some sleep?

(And I'm not kidding around this time )

People used to whinge at me all the time for being awake all night, and sleeping during the day. It's because I'm on the computer, or watching telly, or reading, or whatever it was - completely ignoring that fact that even after a 40 mile hike, and laying in the pitch black in the middle of a moor, I still don't sleep at night.

Then I got a proper diagnosis of DSPS, and now every time somebody complains about my sleeping habits, I can make them feel really bad because I've got a name for it, and that makes it a "condition", and people always feel crappy when they criticise somebody for a "condition" they have.

So my tip is go see a doctor and get a label for it. You don't need a fix, just a label.

There's a nice App called 'Pzizz - Deep Sleep & Power Nap'. It works with me

Any coffe shop can do the job

@Bould: Great another label.....but I do appreciate your comment. It does seem to have something to do with my bio clock.

@imab99: Seriously a app? Will take a look at that.

@charez: Well you do have a point.

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At this moment I'll try everything will make a note

I didn't intend to get a diagnosis either - I was volunteered by my then girlfriend to take part in some sleep trials, because the scientist in charge was her cousin doing his undergraduate thesis, and he couldn't fill his quota, and I didn't really get a choice in the matter.

But it was really useful once I'd got it. The only serious issue with sleep problems is getting to work. Everything else you can fit in whenever you're awake, give or take shop opening times. Having that diagnosis gives you some leverage with your boss. If you're lucky, you can get flexitime. If you're not lucky, you can at least get a bit of leeway.

I used to take at least an hour or two to drop off to sleep, but about 3 months ago I stopped drinking any caffeine within 6-8 hours of going to bed (apart from a cup of tea after dinner occasionally). No coffee, no cola, no energy drinks. I also cut down on sugary stuff in the evening, as that can get me a little revved up when I should be winding down.

Since giving up the evening stimulants, I usually now go to sleep within 20 minutes of going to bed. I also find that I am sleeping better. When I was loading up with caffeine & sugar, I would be in bed for 8-10 hours & still wake up tired. Now, I sleep for around 6-7 hours & wake up refreshed & ready to start the day.

If I do feel like a hot drink in the evening, I have a herbal infusion such as Spearmint & Camomile Twinings. An added bonus is that, because I don't need to add sugar or milk, the change is helping me lose a little bit of weight.

None , did try all. last time sleep over 5 hours was over 15 years ago

Well my new boss is flexible enough (He lives in Texas) . I only work online now.

I used to work in shifts for a Tobacco company and that is what probably messed me up.

I'm going to follow Bould's advice and maybe even try out some other things mentioned in this topic.

My thanks for the replies.

Marcel-R6 wrote:
I used to work in shifts for a Tobacco company and that is what probably messed me up.

I worked rotating shifts for many years too & I felt that my body clock was set at about 26 hours instead of 24, so each day I could stay up a little later than the previous day. But now I think that my system was messed up by the constantly changing work hours. Now that I am out of the workforce I try to discipline myself to go to bed at about the same time every night (give or take an hour or two), and have a strict rule of no more all-nighters on the Internet. The regular bedtime has really helped my sleeping habits - I actually start yawning & feeling like it is time to go to bed half an hour beforehand.

I was kinda the opposite of that.

I assumed I was perfectly normal, and it was my all night sessions on the internet, and funny working hours, and stuff that screwed it up. It wasn't until I walked Lands End to John O'Groats (A 200+ hour walk, taking about a month) and didn't have any of that stuff that I started to think something might be wrong.

I'd still never have seen a doctor if I hadn't been obliged to though.