Hello Kristen,
I was in the same boat as you about a year ago and I still have sleeping issues. I took a sleep study course on line and read and researched the subject a lot. Here's what I did that helped:
1. STOP Caffeine intake - no coffee, cokes, chocolate, energy drinks or anything else that has caffeine in it. I know this can be tough, but not as tough as going without sleep!
2. Avoid Sugar - Especially after noon. Sugar is just like adrenalin to your body and keeps you 'fired up'.
3. Make sure you get enough exercise every day.
You need about 90 minutes of vigorous exercise every day. Work up to it slowly if you have to but get started. You can just take long walks if you are not in good shape.
4. Don't watch scary movies or TV shows, especially in the evenings. This goes for really exciting adventure stuff too. Your subconscious mind doesn't know the difference between reality and a movie! Don’t keep ‘scaring’ it all the time.
5. Make your bedroom a calm and comfortable place that is only for sleeping. No TV watching or even reading in bed. Your bed is for sleeping. Keep all other activities (except sex) out of the bedroom.
6. Several hours before bed time, start winding down, relaxing, do yoga or other relaxion exercises. Have some quiet time each day and give yourself time to calm down from the daily stresses of life.
7. Try to stick to a regular sleeping schedule. Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time each day. This will train your mind when to relax.
8. If you are awake at night and can't sleep, don't just continue laying there and worrying about it, get up, go out of the bedroom and read or do something calming. Sometimes I get up or do GiCong exercises for stress.
9. Mind control, as you learned from lession 3 of this course, your thoughts affect your feelings. Find something that you like that always makes you feel calm and focus on that.
Some people use bedtime prayers (highly recommended) for others it's a hobby, goal or some memory of a calm, relaxing time and place.
I like trains myself, and thinking about them always seems to calm me down and help me get sleepy. Strange I know, but find something that works for you.
Also, you may need to re-evaluate your life and see what's bothering you. It could be a bad relationship, work trouble or any number of things. It may be time to consider making some changes to help move you beyond a troubling situation.
You can email me if you want more info on sleeping:
svrancher@yahoo.com
God Bless you and peace be with you.
Don
It takes forever to fall asleep and then I wake up about every hr.and a half feeling like I haven`t slept at all.Like i`ve been surface sleeping,dreaming and not into a deep sleep. By 6 am im usually ready to snap!