*Hugs* I've been afflicted with insomnia for years, and I know how frustrating and distressing it is to desperately yearn for sleep and not be able drift into it. Mine is primarily due to endocrine disorders I have and the way the medications I must take affect me. I do not believe God is punishing either of us. A friend recommended an alternative to the old "counting sleep" method of trying to keep your mind occupied on something that isn't stimulating when you're wanting it to wind down and sleep. She said to envision wrapping up each of your troubles and worries and handing them to God.
Did your struggles with sleeplessness coincide with any changes to your daily schedule, such as starting summer holidays?
It's common for teens to get their sleep routines out of whack during the summer when they don't have the same wakeup hours. Heat can also be a factor. If your bedroom has been warm that could be making it harder for you to sleep.
Here are a few suggestions of things that helped me:
- Keeping to a routine. Even if you cannot go to bed at a decent hour, try to wake up at the same time every morning so that your body has a steady circadian rhythm. I'll sleep with drapes partially open so sunlight will slip in and help to wake me in a natural way if I've gone to bed late. It's also helpful to me if I have other habits, like getting my things ready for the next day in advance, and winding down through reading a book. I will get online sometimes when I can't sleep, but it's probably the worst thing you can because it is too engaging.
- Keep your room cool and reasonably clutter free. A fan can help both to cool things down and to provide white noise to block out other sounds.
- Exercise daily, but not too close to bedtime. If you're not already doing so try working out and see if that helps. I go for a run every morning to help me wake up and get some sunlight on my skin. Your eyes absorb the light and the pineal gland in your brain which regulates melatonin is stimulated by it.
- Over the counter, non-habit forming sleep aids like Unisom and Simply Sleep have been helpful for me.
I hope you can get some quality, peaceful sleep soon.
