Getting tired around 5:30pm...

[Azadre]

I worked 5 days of 11p-7a and I tried switching back to my normal sleep schedule (midnight - 9 or 11 - 6) and I thought I was successful. I notice now that I become exhausted by 5:30 pm though. It has been almost two weeks now, and I am still getting tired too early and I cannot sleep in on my off days! Any suggestions not involving getting boozed?

[Ziggy]

Ive had the same experience in college. Im not sure how to deal with it. Takes a long time to recover. I remember there were times id be going to sleep around 6pm out of exhaustion when I still had 8hrs of sleep because of a previous hectic sleeping schedule.

[oomp]

Tips for a Good Night's Sleep (http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_development/previous_issues/articles/2006_07_28/forty_winks_science_and_sleep/(parent)/68)

(From Dr. Robert Fayle, medical director of The Sleep Center at Park Plaza Hospital and Medical Center in Houston, Texas, U.S.)

Sleep only as much as you need to feel refreshed the next day.
Get up at the same time, 7 days a week.
Exercise regularly.
Make sure your bedroom is comfortable and free of disturbing light and noise.
Make sure that your bedroom is at a comfortable temperature during the night.
Eat regular meals and do not go to bed hungry.
Avoid excessive fluids in the evening. Cut down on caffeine products.
Avoid alcohol, especially in the evening.
Smoking may disturb sleep.
Don't take your problems to bed.
Train yourself to use the bedroom only for sleeping and sexual activity.
Do not TRY to fall asleep.
Put the clock under the bed or turn it so that you cannot see it.
Avoid taking naps.

[lpbman]

Bright lights help to reset the human circadian rhythm. Light therapy is used to help those suffering from Jet-lag, I think it could help you.

[SwoLy-D]

:eek: I am on the same SLEEP schedule... 11-6. F*ck, I need to sleep right now. I am afraid I will fall asleep on the road home this afternoon. :( Maybe if we go to sleep BEFORE Will & Grace starts??

Playing hoops at work during lunch doesn't help at all.

I'd appreciate some help, as well.

[Mr. Brightside]

If I start getting tired toward the afternoon, I go and excercise at the gym. Usually that keeps me up for a few hours after that.

[LonghornFan]

Train yourself to use the bedroom only for sleeping and sexual activity.

My kitchen sink is gonna be pissed.

[SwoLy-D]

My kitchen sink is gonna be pissed.He didn't say to urinate in your kitchen sink. Pay attention, please. ;)

Hey, oomp, I knew about that technique before from a "FWD" that someone sent me... but I always wondered: if I train myself to use the bedroom for sleeping only, will I fall asleep as soon as I walk in there?

[ROXRAN]

yea what you need to do is..dfrdz..........zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Azadre]

Bright lights help to reset the human circadian rhythm. Light therapy is used to help those suffering from Jet-lag, I think it could help you.
I just close my eyes and I think my melatonin production stopped all together. I could try drugs...

[Isabel]

I would just take an hour nap or so if I was tired in the evening, then proceed like normal. Hopefully that would lead the biological clock to reset itself.

(on the other hand, I subscribe to the theory of "sleep at different random times so your body is used to being able to do it, or not do it, whenever", and I know that flies in the face of conventional medical wisdom)

[tigermission1]

Do you load up too much on carbs? They can have that effect, from experience. When I lost weight, I cut back on carbs and ate more protein. I couldn't be happier with the change, I never feel low on energy anymore, 7-8 hours of sleep is all I need to go strong all day long.

Tweak your diet a little bit and see how you feel in a few weeks. You are what you eat...it's true.

[oomp]

He didn't say to urinate in your kitchen sink. Pay attention, please. ;)

Hey, oomp, I knew about that technique before from a "FWD" that someone sent me... but I always wondered: if I train myself to use the bedroom for sleeping only, will I fall asleep as soon as I walk in there?

Maybe - I just saw the sleep thing on Boing Boing yesterday. Right now putting on an Astros game helps me fall asleep every time..

[SwoLy-D]

this is what I was talking about, oomp:

http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_tips.htm

Excerpt:
Tips for a better sleep environment
Make sure your bed is large enough and comfortable. If you are disturbed by a restless bedmate, switch to a queen- or king-size bed. Test different types of mattresses. Try therapeutic shaped foam pillows that cradle your neck or extra pillows that help you sleep on your side. Get comfortable cotton sheets.
Make your bedroom primarily a place for sleeping. It is not a good idea to use your bed for paying bills, doing work, etc. Help your body recognize that this is a place for rest or intimacy.
Keep your bedroom peaceful and comfortable. Make sure your room is well ventilated and the temperature consistent. And try to keep it quiet. You could use a fan or a "white noise" machine to help block outside noises.
Hide your clock. A big, illuminated digital clock may cause you to focus on the time and make you feel stressed and anxious. Place your clock so you can't see the time when you are in bed.

[mr_gootan]

Check your cholesterol.

[macalu]

Tips for a Good Night's Sleep (http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_development/previous_issues/articles/2006_07_28/forty_winks_science_and_sleep/(parent)/68)

(From Dr. Robert Fayle, medical director of The Sleep Center at Park Plaza Hospital and Medical Center in Houston, Texas, U.S.)

Sleep only as much as you need to feel refreshed the next day.
Get up at the same time, 7 days a week.
Exercise regularly.
Make sure your bedroom is comfortable and free of disturbing light and noise.
Make sure that your bedroom is at a comfortable temperature during the night.
Eat regular meals and do not go to bed hungry.
Avoid excessive fluids in the evening. Cut down on caffeine products.
Avoid alcohol, especially in the evening.
Smoking may disturb sleep.
Don't take your problems to bed.
Train yourself to use the bedroom only for sleeping and sexual activity.
Do not TRY to fall asleep.
Put the clock under the bed or turn it so that you cannot see it.
Avoid taking naps.

actually, a couple of drinks helps me sleep.


on a more serious note, have you tried "cleaning the pipes" if you know what i mean?

[I am a Donut]

All those tips from oomp are good. So is reading for me. Cannabis sativa may be your best friend is this department, if you could go for that.