At least an hour to drift off every night, and getting longer.

[cloverling]

I'm 18 and ever since I can remember I have never been able to get to sleep quickly, most of the time it takes a good hour or so for me to finally get to sleep but recently it is getting longer, the other night I tried to get to sleep for 3 hours before finally giving up and sitting down with a hot chocolate in front of the TV.

Aside from the time being immensely boring and me having to endure both my parent's snoring, it also leaves me tired and with a lack of energy during the day, to make up for the lost time when I have a late shift at work I often end up sleeping until 2pm or a similar time. I should also point out that my sleep is regularly broken, and when it is it takes me a while to get back to sleep again.

Anyone experienced similar and know of any advice?

[Suri123]

Hi cloverling, relax! It seems you are under stress due to improper sleep that might be caused by stress and strain to body, a hard havoc day at work, constant worrying due to personal problems and noisy disturbed room. Avoid excessive coffee/tea, smoking, alcohol and a bulky spicy meal at nights. Do morning-evening walk, regular stretches, have nutritious diet with lot of water or other liquids. Hot shower, gentle body massage and listening to soft music before going to bed can be soothing to mind and body may be of some help. Mild dose of Alprax also can be tried. If you do not feel better, consult a neurologist and a sleep specialist and get a sleep study done. Also consult an ENT specialist for to evaluate your parents snoring problem. Keep updating of any visit. Take care.

[KatEyes]

One thing you said caught my attention - about both of your parents snoring. I have no idea if they have sleep apnea or not, but if they are loud enough to keep you awake, it's bad, and that's not good for your well being to have your sleep disrupted. Would they be receptive to getting checked out and possibly treated for their snoring?

The thing you need to be aware of is that some sleep disorders tend to run in families, and sleep apnea is one of them. Just think about it... if a parent's snoring with apnea is due to throat structure, it makes sense that their kids' throats could be structurally similar.

Just wanted you to be tuned in to this so if it now or at any time could apply to you, you can be treated at a young age and avoid the ill health effects of untreated apnea.