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Why Am I Not Falling Asleep Even Though I Am

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Posted on Tue, 9 Apr 2019
Question: why am I not falling asleep even though I am tired this has been happening for 4 days
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Insomnia

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

I'm sorry you are having problems with this. Insomnia can be miserable.

The type of insomnia you are having, if you are able to stay asleep once asleep, but have difficulty falling asleep is a problem with sleep induction. This is most often due to either a person's sleep timing being off such as from traveling to a different time zone or trying to go to bed earlier than you usually do, or stress/anxiety and worries.

If the problem is trying to go to bed at a different time, melatonin can help. (Avoid it if you have a history of autoimmune problems such as Lupus, though.) It can resent your brains timing for sleep. Also, avoid using any electronics (lap top, phone, etc) for several hours (3-4) before bed as the light from these can interfere with sleep.

Avoid caffeine (chocolate, regular tea, cola, coffee) starting around 2 in the afternoon.

If the problem is that your mind seems over stimulated or focused on worries when you are trying to go to sleep, try meditation practices (I can suggest some simple ones) before going to bed. Lower the lights in the house and do quiet activities such as reading.

If you are having a lot of stress from worries, and if this problem continues, and antidepressant may be needed to help calm anxiety, which in turn wlll allow you to sleep.

I hope this information helps. Please let me now if I can provide further information.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Why Am I Not Falling Asleep Even Though I Am

Brief Answer: Insomnia Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX I'm sorry you are having problems with this. Insomnia can be miserable. The type of insomnia you are having, if you are able to stay asleep once asleep, but have difficulty falling asleep is a problem with sleep induction. This is most often due to either a person's sleep timing being off such as from traveling to a different time zone or trying to go to bed earlier than you usually do, or stress/anxiety and worries. If the problem is trying to go to bed at a different time, melatonin can help. (Avoid it if you have a history of autoimmune problems such as Lupus, though.) It can resent your brains timing for sleep. Also, avoid using any electronics (lap top, phone, etc) for several hours (3-4) before bed as the light from these can interfere with sleep. Avoid caffeine (chocolate, regular tea, cola, coffee) starting around 2 in the afternoon. If the problem is that your mind seems over stimulated or focused on worries when you are trying to go to sleep, try meditation practices (I can suggest some simple ones) before going to bed. Lower the lights in the house and do quiet activities such as reading. If you are having a lot of stress from worries, and if this problem continues, and antidepressant may be needed to help calm anxiety, which in turn wlll allow you to sleep. I hope this information helps. Please let me now if I can provide further information.