NationStates Jolt Archive


Sleep

Antilon
04-01-2009, 19:23
I usually maintain a sleep cycle of about 6 hours, from 11:00 PM to 5:30 AM on school days. But since I've been staying up til 1-2'o clock in the morning during the winter vacation, I've totally destroyed that habit. So does anyone know any tricks that make you sleepy?

I had one that used to work, which I got from Saving Private Ryan, where instead of trying to go to sleep you actually try to stay awake longer (which makes you feel sleepy faster). But it doesn't work anymore.
Skallvia
04-01-2009, 19:25
Nah, If I did id be a much more energetic person...

I usually only get 4 to 5 hours of sleep a night when I have to go somewhere the next morning...
Bouitazia
04-01-2009, 19:28
Read till your eyes hurt, and I can promise you that you wont be able to keep them open for long.
That is what I do.
Lunatic Goofballs
04-01-2009, 19:29
Being chased, tackled, let up and then chased again repeatedly by a band of crazed maniacs usually tuckers me out. Though I usually do so in the earlier parts of the day to build up an appetite and give the pain relievers time to do their job before going to bed. *nod*
Call to power
04-01-2009, 19:35
stay up all night and you will have the ability to reset your clock to whatever time you please :)

(course what you need is willpower and something to do but I assume you have a penis so get on with it)

school days.

why would you need to sleep then seeing as how your not doing any work during the day? :p
Sarkhaan
04-01-2009, 19:36
exercise during the day, but not within 2 hours of going to bed. Don't watch TV in your room. Cut off all caffine by 6 PM. Get Valerian pills from your local drug store (will be with dietary suppliments)
Katganistan
04-01-2009, 19:36
I'd do what people do to get over jet lag:

Go to bed at whatever (local) time you would normally.
Keep the room dark and quiet so you can fall asleep.
Set your alarm for early morning -- get out and get exposed to bright early morning light, because this will help reset your circadian clock.
Put yourself back on your normal schedule.
Veblenia
04-01-2009, 19:57
Half a bottle of whisky usually does the trick for me.
The Infinite Dunes
04-01-2009, 21:45
Why on Earth would you want to get up at 5:30am term time or not? The earliest I ever bothered to wake up was 7am, and that included a 1 hour bus trip into school. Latest I regularly woke up was 8am when I lived 30min walk from school. You're mad. Why so early? :(
Antilon
04-01-2009, 21:49
Why on Earth would you want to get up at 5:30am term time or not? The earliest I ever bothered to wake up was 7am, and that included a 1 hour bus trip into school. Latest I regularly woke up was 8am when I lived 30min walk from school. You're mad. Why so early? :(

My commute to school is about an hour to a hour/half. I'm in NY, Queens, and my school is all the way on Long Island. I would transfer, but my guidance counselor told me that it would just complicate things for my SATs, or something about college (honestly can't remember). I'm kinda wishing I had risked the red tape if I meant I could catch another hour of sleep.
Riopo
04-01-2009, 21:58
Half a bottle of whisky usually does the trick for me.

Only half a bottle? ;)
Veblenia
04-01-2009, 22:25
Only half a bottle? ;)

The other half goes over my cornflakes in the morning. :tongue:




EDIT: Don't try this at home, kids.
Dorksonian
04-01-2009, 22:31
Reading some of the answers on these forums usually helps me get sleepy.
Antilon
04-01-2009, 22:32
Just to clarify, but I'm in high school. Which I take rather seriously (well, enough to maintain an average around the high 90s).
New Wallonochia
04-01-2009, 22:34
Read till your eyes hurt, and I can promise you that you wont be able to keep them open for long.
That is what I do.

That doesn't work for me. I can read for 8-12 hours and still not be tired.

stay up all night and you will have the ability to reset your clock to whatever time you please :)

In the process of doing that right now.

exercise during the day, but not within 2 hours of going to bed.

I can't recommend this one enough. If I have a good hour long run in the morning I sleep like a normal person. If I don't, I'll be up for 20-24 hours before I get tired enough to actually fall asleep.
The Mindset
04-01-2009, 22:36
Valerian is a good option.
New Wallonochia
04-01-2009, 23:14
Valerian is a good option.

So is Ambien if you can get it. I was on it for a few months when I was in Iraq. It helped immensely.
Antilon
04-01-2009, 23:25
I would prefer not to use drugs, because I fear that I may become dependent on them. Unless this was a drastic situation, I'm not the kind of student that would mind tardiness.
New Wallonochia
04-01-2009, 23:30
I would prefer not to use drugs, because I fear that I may become dependent on them. Unless this was a drastic situation, I'm not the kind of student that would mind tardiness.

I'm the same way. I spent three weeks of sleeping every other day before I finally went to the medics and told them what was going on, and being an insomniac zombie isn't all that good a thing when you're supposed to be in charge of a guntruck in Iraq.
The Mindset
04-01-2009, 23:47
I would prefer not to use drugs, because I fear that I may become dependent on them. Unless this was a drastic situation, I'm not the kind of student that would mind tardiness.

Valerian is entirely natural, it's distilled from Valerian roots. It simply makes you feel sleepy, you fall asleep, then don't use it again. It fixes your sleeping patterns.
Antilon
04-01-2009, 23:58
Valerian is entirely natural, it's distilled from Valerian roots. It simply makes you feel sleepy, you fall asleep, then don't use it again. It fixes your sleeping patterns.

I see... and is it available with out prescription?
Forsakia
05-01-2009, 00:16
I usually maintain a sleep cycle of about 6 hours, from 11:00 PM to 5:30 AM on school days. But since I've been staying up til 1-2'o clock in the morning during the winter vacation, I've totally destroyed that habit. So does anyone know any tricks that make you sleepy?

I had one that used to work, which I got from Saving Private Ryan, where instead of trying to go to sleep you actually try to stay awake longer (which makes you feel sleepy faster). But it doesn't work anymore.

Exercise followed by a large meal.
The Mindset
05-01-2009, 00:27
I see... and is it available with out prescription?

It is here. It'll be in a health food type store if it is wherever you are.
Ifreann
05-01-2009, 00:31
I usually maintain a sleep cycle of about 6 hours, from 11:00 PM to 5:30 AM on school days. But since I've been staying up til 1-2'o clock in the morning during the winter vacation, I've totally destroyed that habit. So does anyone know any tricks that make you sleepy?

I had one that used to work, which I got from Saving Private Ryan, where instead of trying to go to sleep you actually try to stay awake longer (which makes you feel sleepy faster). But it doesn't work anymore.

Masturbate furiously.
Rameria
05-01-2009, 00:59
This happens to me sometimes. Try drinking chamomile tea before bedtime, then go to bed at the time you normally would (not the later time you got used to on vacation). It'll take a while for you to fall asleep, but you'll get there. Then set your alarm as you would for a school day, and get out of bed and start your day when the alarm goes off. Stay awake all day and try not to drink any caffeine; by bedtime you should be pretty tired. Works like a charm for me.
German Nightmare
05-01-2009, 01:11
Go for a walk outside. Combines some oxygen intake with a mild exercise.
Then, go to bed and maybe read a little. Usually does the trick for me.

Don't watch TV/DVD, or play video games - the flicker of the screen won't help you get sleepy.

And no alcohol. While you might fall asleep a little faster, you won't rest as well.
Lunatic Goofballs
05-01-2009, 01:20
Masturbate furiously.

I disagree. Masturbate hilariously. :)
Setulan
05-01-2009, 02:01
See, I'm about to go through the same thing as you, but I have a totally different method. Tonight, I'm going to stay up till one or later and wake up on time for school. Monday will be a living hell, but you can bet I'll sleep well tomorrow night :D.
Sarkhaan
05-01-2009, 02:03
I disagree. Masturbate hilariously. :)

I shutter to think of what that may involve. Something with sock puppets, I'd imagine...
Antilon
05-01-2009, 02:11
I disagree. Masturbate hilariously. :)

I shutter to think of what that may involve. Something with sock puppets, I'd imagine...

Where did I put that Tickle-Me-Elmo...?
Sarkhaan
05-01-2009, 02:42
See, I'm about to go through the same thing as you, but I have a totally different method. Tonight, I'm going to stay up till one or later and wake up on time for school. Monday will be a living hell, but you can bet I'll sleep well tomorrow night :D.
You'd do better to pull an all-nighter than to do a few hours of sleep tonight. It forces your system into full shock...waking up early leaves the cycles in tact.
Where did I put that Tickle-Me-Elmo...?
muahahahaha.
Anti-Social Darwinism
06-01-2009, 00:57
Melatonin is useful in resetting your sleep cycle.
New Limacon
06-01-2009, 01:14
The directions for self-hypnosis here (http://www.wikihow.com/Perform-Self-Hypnosis) have never worked for me. However, the breathing and mental exercises are quite good for relaxing, and if I follow them while lying in bed I usually fall asleep soon after.
Mad hatters in jeans
06-01-2009, 02:19
no idea, i've tried a number of things. what works best for me is, when i have something i have to go to or do with other people the next day, then i have motivation to stay awake with them or risk missing out of lectures or whatever it is.
the main problem i find is getting enough sunlight, especially at this time of year.
Dimesa
06-01-2009, 04:55
Somebody reading you a book works. I don't know if an audio book would substitute but I'd like to give it a try.
Rathanan
06-01-2009, 06:26
I usually maintain a sleep cycle of about 6 hours, from 11:00 PM to 5:30 AM on school days. But since I've been staying up til 1-2'o clock in the morning during the winter vacation, I've totally destroyed that habit. So does anyone know any tricks that make you sleepy?

I had one that used to work, which I got from Saving Private Ryan, where instead of trying to go to sleep you actually try to stay awake longer (which makes you feel sleepy faster). But it doesn't work anymore.

Couple shots of Jameson or Jack Daniel's will get you catching Z's in no time.
New Wallonochia
06-01-2009, 06:28
Couple shots of Jameson or Jack Daniel's will get you catching Z's in no time.

That doesn't work so well for me. After a year of not drinking (other than 2 weeks of leave) I've had 12 beers and still can't sleep. Maybe I should go to the doctor and get some Ambien...
Delator
06-01-2009, 08:09
Melatonin is useful in resetting your sleep cycle.

This...absolutely this.

As a third-shift worker who has to adjust my sleep schedule on a daily basis, there is NO better alternative. It's all-natural, non-habit forming, and works like a charm.

I don't use it often, but on those days when I need a solid "nights" sleep, and can't seem to nod off, it's a life-saver.

That doesn't work so well for me. After a year of not drinking (other than 2 weeks of leave) I've had 12 beers and still can't sleep. Maybe I should go to the doctor and get some Ambien...

I'd be wary of Ambien...I had a friend who developed nightmares and waking hallucinations from it.
Peisandros
06-01-2009, 08:56
exercise during the day, but not within 2 hours of going to bed. Don't watch TV in your room. Cut off all caffine by 6 PM. Get Valerian pills from your local drug store (will be with dietary suppliments)

I really think this covers it to be honest. Exercise is such a big one.. If you don't put out all the energy you put in -- just gonna stay up.

But anyway, I'm terrible at sleeping to be honest.
One-O-One
06-01-2009, 10:31
Read till your eyes hurt, and I can promise you that you wont be able to keep them open for long.
That is what I do.

That's what I used to do until I stopped being such a loner. :p

Now I just watch BBC World 'till 3 am.:(
One-O-One
06-01-2009, 10:33
Valerian is a good option.

I prefer the lesser known Passionflower. The tea tastes pleasantly like grass, and it whisks me off to sleep so fast. I love it so, I must order some more :)
One-O-One
06-01-2009, 10:35
I would prefer not to use drugs, because I fear that I may become dependent on them. Unless this was a drastic situation, I'm not the kind of student that would mind tardiness.

Pft, all the cool kids are addicted!
One-O-One
06-01-2009, 10:36
See, I'm about to go through the same thing as you, but I have a totally different method. Tonight, I'm going to stay up till one or later and wake up on time for school. Monday will be a living hell, but you can bet I'll sleep well tomorrow night :D.

I do that occasionally, but I usually just fall asleep watching Simpson reruns at 5 pm, and wake up at 3 am, I get completely out of whack.
One-O-One
06-01-2009, 10:37
Somebody reading you a book works. I don't know if an audio book would substitute but I'd like to give it a try.

I had to listen to a pleasant voice reading Rad Bradbury stories for two hours before I could get to sleep, but the time passed damn fast.
One-O-One
06-01-2009, 10:38
I disagree. Masturbate hilariously. :)

I usually laugh at porn after doing my business, I don't realise how funny it is until it's over.
Conserative Morality
06-01-2009, 13:36
I despise sleep and try to hold it off as long as possible. I try to stay awake by any means possible, MP3 player, turning all the lights on, etc.

It seems to run in my family. Everyone tries to stay awake as long as possible and sleep as little as possible. Come to think of it, it's probably not healthy...
Dumb Ideologies
06-01-2009, 14:35
On the topic of sleep, I've noticed that when I don't set my alarm, I always sleep for ten hours. Now, if this is my natural sleeping pattern, should I try and achieve this ten hours or not? I've heard that over eight hours sleep is unhealthy. But if its what my body is wanting, maybe its a good idea
Bouitazia
06-01-2009, 14:55
On the topic of sleep, I've noticed that when I don't set my alarm, I always sleep for ten hours. Now, if this is my natural sleeping pattern, should I try and achieve this ten hours or not? I've heard that over eight hours sleep is unhealthy. But if its what my body is wanting, maybe its a good idea

I have always heard that 6-8 hours is a minimum of sleep,
and that over 12 hours is too much?
Peepelonia
06-01-2009, 15:06
I usually maintain a sleep cycle of about 6 hours, from 11:00 PM to 5:30 AM on school days. But since I've been staying up til 1-2'o clock in the morning during the winter vacation, I've totally destroyed that habit. So does anyone know any tricks that make you sleepy?

I had one that used to work, which I got from Saving Private Ryan, where instead of trying to go to sleep you actually try to stay awake longer (which makes you feel sleepy faster). But it doesn't work anymore.

Sex!:D
Dumb Ideologies
06-01-2009, 15:13
I have always heard that 6-8 hours is a minimum of sleep,
and that over 12 hours is too much?

Last year there was something going around in the media about a study claiming that over eight was bad for your health. Probably nonsense, much 'research' is. Previously, what you've said is what I've always been told.
Hairless Kitten
06-01-2009, 16:08
I'm always wondering why we sleep at all. It's weird that we can put people on the moon but not discovered yet the purpose of sleep.

For people who can’t sleep: use valerian. It’s legal, healthy, cheap and it really works.
One-O-One
06-01-2009, 16:56
I'm always wondering why we sleep at all. It's weird that we can put people on the moon but not discovered yet the purpose of sleep.

For people who can’t sleep: use valerian. It’s legal, healthy, cheap and it really works.

Ah, I remember in my day, that was heroins rap-sheet.
Sylvonia
06-01-2009, 17:29
I'm always wondering why we sleep at all. It's weird that we can put people on the moon but not discovered yet the purpose of sleep.

Sleep helps your brain process all the information that you've gathered during the day and turn it into something useful. It also moves important memories from your short term memory to your long term and discards the rest. Besides that, the human body is not meant to just continue going, it needs a break every so often.

I've always heard 8 hours was the right amount of time, but as little as 6 is still healthy. If your body still says that you need more rest after that, you're either carrying a sleep debt, have too much stress, or have some kind of a medical condition. It's also possible to simply have a tiring day and need some extra sleep every once in a while though too. Of course, teenagers can sleep for hours upon hours because of the changes in their bodies, but it should even out by time you're 25 at the latest.
Hairless Kitten
06-01-2009, 17:38
Sleep helps your brain process all the information that you've gathered during the day and turn it into something useful. It also moves important memories from your short term memory to your long term and discards the rest. Besides that, the human body is not meant to just continue going, it needs a break every so often.

I've always heard 8 hours was the right amount of time, but as little as 6 is still healthy. If your body still says that you need more rest after that, you're either carrying a sleep debt, have too much stress, or have some kind of a medical condition. It's also possible to simply have a tiring day and need some extra sleep every once in a while though too. Of course, teenagers can sleep for hours upon hours because of the changes in their bodies, but it should even out by time you're 25 at the latest.


Information in your short memory decays after a few minutes.
When you're sleeping, your brain, and other organs, are still very active.

We really do not know why we sleep. There are all kind of theories.

We need sleep that's for sure. If you're not sleeping at all, you'll be death very soon. You can live longer with no food than with an absence of sleep.
Dumb Ideologies
06-01-2009, 17:41
I'm always wondering why we sleep at all. It's weird that we can put people on the moon but not discovered yet the purpose of sleep.

Strange. I've always wondered the opposite. What is the purpose of being awake for so much of the day when dreams are so much more enjoyable than real life?
Hairless Kitten
06-01-2009, 17:48
Strange. I've always wondered the opposite. What is the purpose of being awake for so much of the day when dreams are so much more enjoyable than real life?

They are not always pleasant. I often have a returning dream were I'm dropped from an airplane without a parachute. I'm falling the entire night, screaming and feeling very afraid. Around the morning I hit the ground. I'm awake instantly and feel enormous pain in all my bones for a few seconds. The sweat is dripping from my body and my bed is like a pool.

I like dreams and I adore lucid dreams. But sometimes they aren't cool at all.

Some Greek philosopher said that dreams are real and reality is a dream. The Matrix BC.
Dumb Ideologies
06-01-2009, 17:54
They are not always pleasant. I often have a returning dream were I'm dropped from an airplane without a parachute. I'm falling the entire night, screaming and feeling very afraid. Around the morning I hit the ground. I'm awake instantly and feel enormous pain in all my bones for a few seconds. The sweat is dripping from my body and my bed is like a pool.

I like dreams and I adore lucid dreams. But sometimes they aren't cool at all.

Some Greek philosopher said that dreams are real and reality is a dream. The Matrix BC.

Heh, Pretty crazy folks, them Greeks. Hmm...Thats a pretty dull nightmare. At least mine usually involve alien invasion and lasers so after the initial shock and fear fades when I wake up I can at least say 'hmm...in some ways that was quite cool, aside from the numerous bloody deaths'.