Something that does help my routine is to put a bright floodlight on a timer pointed at my bed. I may sleep through the clock radio alarm clock, but the bright light simulates sunrise and also makes hiding under the bedcovers too warm. Except, when I wake up at 4AM and just unplug it. :)

I used to do that when sleeping in a windowless basement room. Certainly wakes you up QUICK when that light turns on!

I lost the battle this morning. I do wish I drove the bike into work so I could leave the car here and pick it up on a later date. I do hate the drive.

I wish I could do the light thing, but that wouldn't go over well w/ the Mrs.

I do use Valerian, but it just serves in making me more drowsy. I still can't manage to get to sleep immediately. I often just lie there for an hour or so trying to clear my mind. Then when complete exhaustion shows up I fall asleep. It happens in cycles. one or two days of this then it's gone for a week or two.

Couldn't get to sleep last night and for two hours all I wanted to do was get on the bike and ride but it wasn't time yet and I had not slept yet. ARGH! Eventually got to sleep and when the alarm went off 3-4 hours later I was pissed cuz I just wanted to keep sleeping. Got up and did my usual routine and had my best commute STATs of the season. Go figure. I'm tired now though and wish I was on vacation and could just have a nap in the morning sun with a special friend. No vacation; no nap and no special friend. At least I had a good ride though, huh?

No insomnia here, but I do need to get up around five thirty. Coyotes across the street and a sleepwalking kid wake me many nights. Even with a full night's sleep, my alarm clock wispers into my ear "hit the snooze button, take the car" every morning. And for the first mile of the commute, I think the alarm clock had the right idea. But after that, I am very happy I rode.

Driving only saves me about 20 minutes, but that 20 minutes is soooo tempting at five thirty am!

Insomnia is a sneaky disease that gets progressively worse as one ages. Would suggest consulting your GP and have a sleep study done. Your insurance should cover most of the costs. Getting enough REM sleep is the most important aspect of daytime funtionality. One can experience sleep deprivation in many forms such as narcolepsy, short attention span, low frustration threshhold, etc. The main thing is that it requires treatment asap. I suffered for years w/insomnia and sleep apnea and had no idea I had problems...just thought I was one of those people who was 'tired' all the time.

My case was described as severe when I had my sleep study done. My brain was firing 182 times per hour manifesting in leg twitches. That means I was being slightly awakened 182 times per hour which was preventing me from experiencing any REM sleep. My treatment was 2 mg of Clonazapam nightly. It's been working very well. Also, I have an apnea machine w/a nose mask that allows me to obtain enough oxygen to assure proper REM sleep. I average 7-9 hrs sleep per night now. Eliminating caffine, nicotine, etc. also contributes significantly to eliminating sleep problems.

Clonazapam, Ambien CR, Lunesta, etc are all non-narcotic will help. The main thing is to recognize that it's a DISEASE not an inconvenience to be taken lightly. Occasional restlessness is normal, but if it's chronic it requires treatment. Insomnia is no joke. It affects every part of your overall health.