Pam, Magnetic sleep systems work wonders for your condition. They help you to put the body into 4 hours of delta level sleep vs. the "normal" 1 hour a night. You're welcome to email me if you'd like to learn more: detoxexpert@gmail.com. I've been using one for about 8 years now and love it. I know many people who have no symptoms when they use it.

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The health problems related to lack of good REM sleep are piling up quickly. More and more the experts in the field of sleep have found not getting enough restful sleep causes obesity, depression, Diabetes 2, leads to driving accidents, while driving too many hours and becoming sleepy, work takes a beating at jobs for those with lack of sleep, and I just learned that one of the worst things that causes "flares" in Fibromyalgia and Lupus is lack of quality sleep. I suffer from both, and my sleep has been disrupted now for many months. I had right shoulder surgery this past March, and had to sleep with a huge sling, and my arm was immobilzed with a huge foam pad also. The only way at that time to sleep (and I had to sleep in it for 8 weeks) was flat of my back. Well, that is a position that I just cannot sleep in very well, plus it brought on my lower back pain, that now continues to plague me. I had mentioned it to my PCP before, but it was not until 2 weeks ago, my new Rheumatologist told me part of my issues with "flares" and pain is the lack of sleep. I average about 4 hours a night, if that. I can fall asl o get relief is to get out of bed, and sit on the sofa. Finally, my Rheumy put me on Ambien CR. The last week I finally sleep a little better.

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Burning lavender by your bedside is a method that has helped me battle insomnia. I know it sounds strange, but it works! I the lavender in a small wood dish by my bed and burn it. Not only does it help me sleep but since doing this nighttime ritual I haven't had a single nightmare. I used to struggle with chronic nightmares. There's a lot of natural ways to help you fall asleep.

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I agree with you Pam - 5- 6 hours a sleep a night? what are you all kidding me Give me at least 8-10 ;o) that makes me happy and functional but then again I love my bed and my bedroom and sleeping is awesome! Am i wierd?

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oeps! 'it' meaning: the crossing, not the bed (obviously) :)

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Another important aspect of a good nights sleep is if there is a source of a strong electromagnetic field close to your bed - such as a cellphone or DECT phone station / recharger, a radio-clock or a lamp with a trafo. A good source of information is the following website: www.powerwatch.org.uk
Another aspect I as a Feng Shui consultant always consider when checking a bedroom is if the bed is standing on a crossing of the so-called Hartmann grid (so-called 'earth lines'). Since they run from North to South and East to West in a distance of app. 2.20 - 2.40m, chances are that your bed is standing on a crossing. As long as your bed does not contain metal (as in box spring matresses or a metal bedframe) and it is not in the torso-area, you are fine. Shifting the bed half a meter from its current location can already make a huge difference!

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I hate the thought of having to use the CPAP. I took care of a man who had to and I think that would make me fear going to bed at night! I thank God for good restful nights as it makes for such better mornings. The referral to eating at night was referring to those who were dieting and not sleeping due to hunger pangs. Therefore the suggestion to eat a high protien snack. Interesting to be able to use hypnosis to be able to get back to sleep. That sounds pretty awesome as it really does taking stopping the mind from cranking and calming down.

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I'd recommend also making sure your bed is totally chemical-free, healthy, and prevents things like dustmites, allergens, etc. from ever getting in. Earthsake (www.earthsake.com) has mattresses and tons of bedding like that - and they are actually on sale right now too. They also have a great LEARN section of their website where you can learn more about getting a good night sleep and how your mattress & bedding materials can make all the difference. Stuff you probably had no idea about but will help a LOT! You can check out the info. at http://www.earthsake.com/learn.html

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I had insomnia my entire life right from birth on. About 8 years ago I got a magnetic sleep system. It took me a few weeks to get used to it but now I'm asleep within a couple minutes and have been doing so consistently.

Many people also sleep better after doing a good detox. The body is always working at night to detox so if you lighten the body burden you will sleep better as a side effect.

None of the typical things worked for me. I learned progressive muscle relaxation, tried many kinds of herbs over the years, sleep clinic, etc and the sleep system was the best by far.

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To comment on anxiety in bed, and something not specifically mentioned here; waking up from nightmares and not being able to or being afraid of going back to sleep:

I find it useful to not only get out of bed and go somewhere else, but to get some sort of sensory input that returns me to the here and now. Usually running cold water over my hands can switch my mind from that surreal nightmare land to reality. Find something other than harsh light that firmly brings you back to reality.

Also, don't be afraid of being awake in the night. Sometimes the anxiety of wakefulness at 2 a.m. keeps us from going back to sleep. Tell yourself that it's OK to be awake, be able to relax about being awake, and you will be better able to go back to sleep. Often when I find myself 'stuck' in wakefulness, I'll use the time constructively by praying for other people. As I get my mind off myself, I lose my anxiety and feel good about the moment, even though I'm not doing what I should be at that hour. If you do not believe in prayer, find some other way to get your mind on others and not yourself, in a positive way.

Lastly, during a recent illness where I could not always lay down, I put a lazyboy next to the bed. When I could not bear to be in bed, I shifted to the chair. I was still in the sleeping environment, still with my hubby, still near the bathroom, but in a position that allowed me to rest. When I felt able I would shift back to the bed. It really helped a lot.

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