Posted by ramsea on October 1, 2005, at 0:54:47
In reply to Re: Can't sleep in my bed or bedroom - need advice » jerrympls, posted by Sarah T. on September 29, 2005, at 0:52:11
I find that as winter draws on the light box in the morning routine becomes a comfort. My dog likes to nestle up next to it as if by a hearth, even though it doesn't seem to me to be emitting much heat.
I know some reports say an hour, but with a good light as little as 15 mins. daily can help. You don't have to stare into it for an hour, just get the thing in close enough view while reading, listening to music/talk radio/audiobook, TV, or talking to others/journal writing/paying bills, etc.
I also loathe exercise but like my walks and stationary bike, and find some yoga stretches pleasant. But even with great sleep hygeine, sleep can be elusive. So I paradoxically work hard not to work hard on this--just ease my mind and relax. It's an endurance test someetimes but I'm less distraught about sleepless nights and feel grateful if I get 3 hrs without waking, with another 2-3 hrs with waking every half hour or so.
The darkness, and relaxation of the body, itself is supposed to be good for our brains, so long as we aren't stewing in worries. When I start to panic, I get up and do something like surf the net, read, TV, but try not to get over-stimulated. I might also take an extra sleeping aid.
poster:ramsea
thread:559269
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050929/msgs/561494.html