Sleep patterns

66Mustang

Sorry for all the threads recently, just have a lot of things on my mind to share this one is about sleep.

I was told the normal amount of sleep someone should need is 7-8 hours. I go to bed at around 9pm and sleep deeply, through to about 8am. That is 11 hours. If I have any less than this I get really tired the next day and need to sleep during the day for a good couple of hours. Actually, I often have a nap during the day anyway of about 1 hour.

I was just thinking, that seems like a lot of sleep. I don’t have any condition which should affect my sleep - except all I can think of is that I have mental conditions which maybe cause me to become mentally fatigued.

So as well as asking about myself - if anyone knows if this is normal - I thought this would also make a decent discussion about what your sleep pattern is like, and whether you feel your disability has any affect on your sleep pattern? Also a place to share tips for those having trouble with sleep.

Thanks for reading!

exdvr

My goodness @66Mustang that's a lot of sleep especially if uninterrupted.  I'm usually in bed at 10pm and up at 8 in the morning but I'm usually up to the loo at least twice with bladder problems. I take an anti-depressant in the morning and a sleeping pill at night but the waterworks stop me sleeping straight through.  Can't remember the last time I had more than 4 hours straight sleep.

66Mustang

Thanks for the post and sorry to hear about your lack of sleep. How long does it take you to get back to sleep when you wake up?

I don’t know what defines uninterrupted sleep but I do wake up a few times in the night but then quite quickly go back to sleep, so it doesn’t cause a problem. 

I do get up to use the toilet like yourself but then I am able to go straight back to sleep. I also have a weak bladder as I went through a stage with severe contamination OCD of being unable to use the toilet and would only use it once a day.

My post was not meant to come across as a brag to people who don’t get a lot of sleep, more that I’m worried that I am sleeping too much.

thespiceman

Hello @66Mustang   Please do not worry about sleep the amount you have.

As an advocate of trying to cope with insomnia there is no guaranteed length of sleep.

Misnomer seven or eight hours a myth.  Depends on factors conditions age and health.

Simply if you feeling refreshed great and be not tired or any after effects of sleep then continue on.

Some times if you worry about sleep then you will not.

Sleep lengths times differ on age older you are less sleep you might need.

Also if you are concerned speak to Sleep Council or speak to your GP.

https://www.sleepcouncil.org.uk.

Please have a look website useful .

Please take care.

@thespiceman

Firefly123

How I would love a sleep pattern unfortunately it's usually around, 4am before I finally get to sleep. 

thespiceman

Hello @Firefly123   Understand this a lot have been on a routine now gone to pieces.

You may be need to look at the circumstances reasons why.

I have this medication, stress, anxiety and other personal issues. Connected with all the above including old man trouble visits to the powder room. Two three times a night some times.

Not easy although do insist in my own mind use my techniques and strategies  to help me.

Knowledge and a lot of relevant support from the organisations involved with.

Mental health charities offer sleep consultations and advice in support sessions with all their clientele.

Please if I can offer a hand of friendship in adding speak to the link added in the last post .

Lots of useful advice, guidance .

https://www.sleepcouncil.org.

One thing I would add diet, nutrition is very important.

Eat too close to bedtime can effect you.

Foods included Whole grains and those containing tryptophan.

Chemical aids sleep, included wholegrains Pasta, Rice, Bread.

Lean meat, Nuts, Diary Foods, Tuna.

Bananas sliced into Porridge warm milk.  Milky drinks warmed with Honey.

Other issues can be pain, as mentioned anxiety stress.

Avoid Caffeine.  In Cola, Coffee, Tea, Chocolate.

Avoid Alcohol, Smoking.

I hope these help you, please any underlying problems you think you need to visit GP.

You could look at NHS website another excellent source.

One final point please if I am up and about although we are told to avoid bright lights, electrical devices.

Am here so look forward if you need a friendly voice to cope.  Early hours and beyond.

Was a regular routine gent with sleep but getting disturbed by these issues recent events, plus trauma getting by coping with loneliness which can be another factor.

Please take care.

@thespiceman

66Mustang

Thanks @thespiceman, I really appreciate the post.

Firefly123

Yes my kitchen was on fire about a month ago and I didn't hear the smoke alarm.. But as live with chronic pain it's not easy to sleep also. ☺