As far back as I can remember, I have had many nights of tossing and turning. I lay in bed unable to fall asleep. 

There are many reasons for insomnia.

• Mood or mental health reasons like stress, depression and anxiety.
• Situational reasons – difficult situations at work or in your personal life.
• Physical reasons – restless legs syndrome, pain, cancer, reflux disease, Alzheimer’s, and several other medical conditions.
• Some medications affect sleep, for example decongestants, some heart medication, meds for depressions and many others.
• Ingesting substances like caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and some recreational — illegal or otherwise — drugs (cocaine, speed, etc.)
• Jetlag or shift work can contribute to insomnia.
• Poor sleep hygiene:
  • Being too active before bed.
  • Eating too much late at night.
  • Watching TV or working late, or TV or work in your bedroom.
  • Uncomfortable room conditions, bedding, temperature, lighting.

For myself, the causes have been multi-factorial. I have always had restless leg syndrome (rls) since I can remember. If you suffer from this, you know how awful and frustrating this can be.

Restless Leg Syndrome is a vicious circle of misery. The more tired you get, the worse rls gets. The worse rls gets, the less sleep you will invariably find. UGH! And to make matters worse, there really isn’t a cure for this condition.

There are some things to try, such as iron supplementation, magnesium, and massage. Movement can also help. However, it doesn’t really ever completely go away.

Also, just like everyone, I have stress and worry in my life. And I tend to be a ruminator, especially in the middle of the night. Why does everything seem so much worse in the middle of the night?

Right now, my legs are as restless as they have ever been. And I’m worried and upset about some people in my life.  The state of my sleep reflects this. Sleep is so crucial to a happy fulfilling life. Living sleep deprived means living life at 50%, never capable of fully shaking the fatigue, brain fog, headaches, and lassitude.

I know and have tried all the possible sleep meds. I have also tried sleep interventions and sleep hygiene tips and tricks. There is still no rest for me. People try to be helpful. They suggest things for me to do and try. But believe me when I tell you, I have tried it all.

Sleep meds work, sometimes, but they come with their drawbacks and side effects. I tend to get headaches and a morning hangover feeling from most of them. Almost just as bad or worse than not sleeping.

I think it’s time to reread some of the sleep books I have. Once again, I’ll try some CBT-I, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia techniques.

CBT -I techniques can really help but its a hard road and takes dedication and patience. Summer and camping days have wound down. It’s time for me to rewire my brain and body for calming and successful sleep.

I’ll write more about the CBT-I techniques in a follow up article. I will let you know how my sleep is evolving. Hopefully for the better!