thanks for your sweet note. Most of the time, I am not exactly coherent enough to be able to read when I am in my insomniac mode.

However this morning was an interesting one. Woke up at 1 am- ish – feeling ready to totally start my day. If this continues, then I will be able to catch up on my reading in no time at all.

Dance Party! I LOVE IT!!!!

Actually its one of the methods I use as well. Although I don’t do it before bed…maybe I should try it.

I do have moments when I will have an energy surge in the middle of the night – which is when I put on some vinyl on the record player and jump around like crazy. It wears me out enough so I just collapse.

I only do it on the weekends though….it seems a little to umm primitive for the work week.

I find it best if I don’t force myself to sleep but instead let it come naturally. For that reason I don’t go to sleep until my body feels sleepy, not tired, but sleepy.

Then I’ll turn out the lights, put my MP3 player on and jump around a bit, do a bit of dancing (in the dark, where no-one can see you ;o) ) and then gradually I find I get a bit more tired so I’ll lie on the bed and listen a bit more sitting up, then I feel the need to lie down in bed or on bed making my way further and further in sleepiness. Then I’ll turn the MP3 player off as a slow song has finished. Can never do it in the middle of the song, I tried a few times the song just ends up going round and round in my head.

Then within five minutes I’ve normally dropped off to sleep. =)

This is after years and years of lying awake tossing and turning. I just it’s all about finding the best bedtime routine for you personally.

Alice, awww thanks!
I do have the very best people reading this blog….but its always nice to hear that someone enjoys what I write about

**UPDATE! I finally started getting some quality sleep after 2 weeks. I think the trick was to just accept the non sleeping for what it was, and not worry about it. because eventually, you are just going to have to sleep – due to exhaustion. And so now once again, I am almost great.

Jeannie – thanks for all of the advice. You were a huge help today (just talking about this stuff, was a big release – and I think its my best chance for getting some sleep.

Nathan – I am not quite sure on the hypnosis thing. I am going to email you, so you can clarify things a bit for me. Thanks for all of the advice…I am just crazy about your suggestions.

Rowdy – I too have problems sleeping if my feet are cold. But, alas this is not the problem this time. I have been known to wear fuzzy pink slippers to bed though. I am not a knitter (since I am not at all crafty), but feel free to send me the pattern, and if its ok with you, I will post it on here.

Jim – what happens if you stop taking your bedtime cocktail (1 kolonopin and 2 benadryl)? Will the insomnia return? I would be interested to hear more about this.

Ellie – I have kind of stopped the milk thing for now, do you think soy milk will give the same effect? While the lavender and chammomile teas have helped reduce some of the uptightedness, its not helping me sleep…but will keep on trying. I did however check out some aromatherapy today (thanks to you and Jeannie), and will see if this helps. I will keep you posted.

Elizabeth – Magnesium!!!! I totally forgot about how beneficial this can be. Unfortunately I am not in a position where I can rest during the day…but I can incorporate a few of the changes you have suggested….

I promise, that if the insomnia continues I will go see my doctor and have this checked out. I am not interested in going on a downward spiral. I have worked way too hard to be able to lead a somewhat normal life. Thanks again everyone for such great suggestions.