Strategies for deep sleep when you have insomnia

There is a condition known as delayed sleep phase disorder

I have trouble falling asleep at bedtime. I work a 9-5 type job, so I have to wake up in the morning at around 6:30 am. In order to get the recommended eight hours, I would have to go to sleep around 10:30 pm the previous night. No matter what time I get into my bed, whether it’s 9 pm or 1 am, I can not fall asleep until about 1:30 am.

I have tried all the tricks recommended to people like me. I’ve installed light-blocking curtains so the light from our porch or any passing cars does not get in to my room. I have eaten dinner at an earlier time. I have given up caffeine altogether. I don’t watch television or use my laptop computer after about 9 pm. My mattress is new and very comfortable.

My bedroom looks like a sleep wonderland. My walls are a dark chocolate-y brown, with accents in rich reds and purples. When I actually get into bed before midnight, I usually read a book or magazine. Sometimes I read the Entertainment Book coupons or my 401(k) newsletter, just in case boring reading material might help. If I am lying in bed for over an hour and can’t sleep, I might get up and go to the bathroom.

I may decide to watch television or a DVD of one of my favorite movies. Sometimes I just have too much energy, so I put my clean laundry away or tidy up my room or lay out my clothes for the next day. Once I fall asleep, I have no trouble remaining asleep. I love sleep. In fact, once I actually fall asleep, I could stay asleep for over twelve hours.

I love to take naps, and I do that every chance I get. I thought this was just my lot in life and that I was just one of those people who doesn’t have the same body schedule as “normal” people. I even thought I was meant to live in another part of the world where the clock is three hours later.

I’ve recently seen my doctor about my sleeping problem. I was spurred into action because I fell asleep at the wheel while driving and hit a curb. Luckily, no one was injured and I managed to avoid hitting anything. But it was a scary experience and a real eye-opener for me.

We have not found anything that has helped me yet. I’ve tried several sleep medications, but none have been effective. This is an ongoing process, but I hope to find a solution soon. A friend of mine found some information on Wikipedia that seems to be related. There is a condition known as delayed sleep phase disorder, and it seems to be similar to what I am experiencing.

Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to change it permanently. The best thing to do is to work with it. I can get a job that doesn’t require me to have such early hours or I can work for myself. I’m still trying to figure out what solution works best for me.