Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Insomnia

I struggle with insomnia periodically. I've noticed that when I sleep on the west side of the house, where it's dark in the morning, I develop insomnia. When I sleep on the east side of the house (intense early morning light), I do not get insomnia. For me, natural light in the morning and restricting artificial light after sunset keeps my sleep regulated. Unfortunately, both those are difficult to achieve when living with other people.

My worst sleeper is only going on 7, so we're nowhere near the teen years, but I will say that the only thing that gets her better sleep is heavy exercise. Like, riding her bike 6-8 miles (on her own steam, so no trailer or anything) a day. Or swimming for 2-3 hours. Or some such physically exhausting activity. I can't imagine how far she'll be able to ride her bike in a few years, if this keeps up... lol.

I wish I had advice - I have been a terrible sleeper all my life, I take medication to sleep now and it isn't great. My daughter has never slept well. She still wakes up early, no matter what time she goes to bed. She has told me once 'I wish I could turn my brain off' which broke my heart, because I am the same way. Having a lot more years under my belt, I try and give her tips.. but we are just hyper-alert people and no matter what, exercise during the day (she gets A LOT), bedtime rituals, etc.. we just aren't sleepers. It's hard..

This exactly. This is me, and also my DS. Intense exercise calms the mind like only a few things can; it's meditative.