Is there any way to reset MY internal clock?

[kristenk]

I've been going to sleep later and later and it's driving me batty. Granted, DH and I are getting in bed later b/c it's summer, but even when I try to go to sleep at an earlier time, I'll just toss and turn until it's obscenely late. I'm getting up a little later in the morning, but I'm guessing that's b/c I'm going to sleep later. I got up early this morning and have been tired all day, but I swear that my energy level goes UP in the evening and I feel more awake now than I have all day.

So, is there anything I can do to help reset my clock? When DD was in school, I'd go to sleep close to 11:45, which is later than I'd like, but a whole lot better than the 1:15am I'm becoming all too used to.

[kijip]

What is your sleep setting like?

I would make sure it is:

-Peaceful (as much as possible with kiddos around)
-Dark
-TV, smartphone and computer free
-Bedding and pillows that you like (for me this means the bed is made, something I only recently realized.)

Don't eat right before bed, cut caffeine out after the morning and don't work out in the evening but make sure you get some regular exercise. My husband started going to sleep earlier when he dropped his afternoon and evening coffees.

Consider taking melatonin.

I have struggled with insomnia, like stay awake till 5AM or thereabouts. Cleaning up my diet and creating "good sleep hygiene" has really helped. I have a little ritual about bedtime now that I try to stick to when I can. Make some herbal tea, get into my pjs, take my vitamins, wash my face, brush my teeth, get into bed, drink tea, maybe read something for a few minutes (on paper), turn off lamp, then sleep. Obviously marriage and family life means that I can get 1/2 way through this and have to get up and do something else etc but having a consistent pattern helped me train myself to fall asleep better.

[Smillow]

I used melatonin to reset my internal clock after 2+ years of getting up with DS @ all hours.

[wellyes]

When I get like that - up early, tired all day, energized at night - the only thing that helps is exercise. Going to the gym increases my energy during the day and makes me tired at night.

[aa2mama]

I second all of the suggestions above. Another thing that really helps me is using a lighbox in the morning for 15-30 mins. I work at a desk, so I just flip it on when I get to the office, but it could also be used during morning coffee or breakfast.

This is the one that I have:
http://www.amazon.com/Sphere-Gadget-...9601265&sr=8-1

I am a natural night owl, and if left to my own devices, my sleep schedule will creep later and later. Using this first thing in the morning helps keep me in sync.

[stinkyfeet]

I used melatonin to reset my internal clock after 2+ years of getting up with DS @ all hours.

my pharm professor, who writes pharm manuals and texts, said that it was safe in moderation.