just a wee thought...

[ontherocks_please]

My maternal grandfather has always had problems sleeping, and my mother has inherited this to some degree, not helped by the fact that she works shifts. I first noticed I had trouble sleeping at age 11, roughly 6 years ago. I know it runs in the family, but mine is so much more severe than my mum and grandpa's. It has gotten to the stage now where I go several days without any sleep and then a couple of days where I sleep, but it is broken and filled with nightmares. My mental health is not great, but not as bad as it has previously been (where the only sleep I could ever get was drug-induced).
I have just finished high school, where the problem was bad but manageable. I am due to start a job on Thursday and it includes administering medications (to dogs and cats, but that's not the point), and I can't afford to be overtired and running on adrenaline.

Any suggestions or general feedback would be much appreciated.
Thanks

[KatEyes]

Has anyone in your family had a formal diagnosis for their sleep issues? An accurate diagnosis and effective treatment is so important. Improper sleep is not only unhealthy, it is unsafe as you are functioning similarly as to those who are impaired. An ongoing working relationship with a good sleep neurologist might work best for you.

[margypops]

I agree with Kateyes there are a lot of studies on slepp deprivation out there. Do you take any meds for anything as they can affect sleep, how about napping during the Day, alot of teens stay awake doing the computer games at night then nap during the day.Do you eat or drink much late at night?You could be allergic to something do you have any other symptoms?Check your own lifestyle out you may find there is something there you can change.Good Luck

[pennst8r]

When I was in high school and college, I slept very little and functioned just fine. I too come from a long line of non-sleepers. When I was in my 20's and early 30's it worked very much to my advantage. In college I studied literally all night, then went to class, took a nap and still made it to parties on the weekend. I got TONS of work done. Later when I started working, it allowed me to have a social life and still do well at work. For a time I worked night shift since I was up anyway - had hard time sleeping during the day, so sometimes went to work without sleeping in between. At the time, it worked for me. Periodically I would crash and nearly sleep a weekend away. I don't recommend it by any means, but I do know where you are coming from.

As I have gotten older (not THAT old yet, 42) my sleep clock has settled itself down. Once you get used to getting up early for work, you tend to become sleepy earlier. I still stay up on the weekends just to prove I'm not that old yet, lol! Sure wish I still had that endless energy!

Some people's clocks will settle on their own; others may need to really put some effort into it. Lifestyle change may be necessary. I would make small changes over a period of time. If you make too drastic changes all at once it may make you unhappy. I agree with the folks above - look at your lifestyle and see what needs adjusted. I do now have sleep apnea - also from a long line (but first to seek treatment for it).

Good luck!

Penn