Nothing is more miserable than no sleep. You can't make good decisions, you're moody, you're tired. And why, if you are so tired, can't you sleep? I can't answer that but I can offer tips on what has worked for me and I'd like you to leave comments on what has or has not worked for you.

Why aren't you sleeping?

Emotional issue? Post surgical after effect? Medication? Sleep Apnea? Sinus problems? Snoring husband? Pet allergy? There are many reasons people can't find sleep. And knowing the underlying cause of your lack of slumber will help you locate the right answer for you. What I'm saying is that I'm offering suggestions that work for me considering my issues: sinuses and two previous craniotomies that shook up my brain stem and decoded my sleep patterns from normal to charmingly haphazard.

Stuff that has worked for me

  • One tablespoon of Light Olive Oil or Extra Light Olive Oil taken about 4pm in the afternoon, one hour after a snack, one hour before dinner. Yuk, you say? Well, it's not a candy bar but when added to a cold swallow of water I can wash it down quick and there is no taste. I admit I can't take it straight from the spoon. Canola has this effect as well. And if I'm having a particularly difficult period of insomnia, I take an additional tablespoon about 9pm. I sleep VERY hard and am very refreshed in addition to having some great fingernails. (Canola works well, too and if you suffer from depression would be the better alternative.)
  • Two 3mg melatonin before bedtime (I don't think my brain manufactures this after the craniotomies)
  • Sleepy Time tea works but it has the effect of also making me wake up to go to the bathroom so I've nixed this one
  • On really tough episodes like the hormonal hell prior to a period, I take a Tylenol PM. I have found that I'm not groggy and hungover if I take this.
  • I make sure my sinuses stay clear by using the grossman nasal irrigator, a nasal steroid and sudafed decongestant.
  • I make sure not to drink too much water before bedtime (it might seem obvious, I know)

When you are evaluating your sleep problems, do keep in mind your health problems because they often are the cause of lack of sleep. For instance, you might not have considered that your lack of sleep is tied to the new cat which roams randomly about your room during the day leaving dander deposits which activate your allergies and dismiss any chance of your finding peaceful sleep. Or your pillow could be causing your sleeplessness. So get a hypoallergenic pillow. Target sells them for $7.

Share your sleep secrets below to make this a more comprehensive guide to finding sleep so that we don't all roam the earth like Zombies on an espresso high. I know this sort of group effort approach is making you guys think I'm going Hallmark on you, but this non sleep issue can put a serious cramp in your style. And no one wants cramped style, do they?