Sleep is an important factor in retaining your job. You are sharper, easier to be around, prevent meltdowns and do not fall asleep at your desk. Many Spectrumites have horrible issues with sleep. I found a blog aptly titled the Insomnia Blog and it worth checking out. It is from an NT perspective but there may be tips that help out.
http://www.theinsomniablog.com/the_insomnia_blog/
Showing posts with label sleep disorder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sleep disorder. Show all posts
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Fighting Sleep Disorders for Interviews
Every interview tip sheet I read starts with "Get a good night's sleep". It makes me want to scream. Sleep disorders are pervasive among those of us on the ASD Spectrum and hit all four major areas: inability to fall asleep, inability to stay asleep, waking early and restlessness/poor sleep quality. It is almost like we go into an interview with one strike against us.
Among the various things I have tried for sleep are Valerian Root, Melatonin, Lunesta, Ambien, Tylenol PM, Nytol and various cold/flu medications. Most will work for a couple of nights and the Lunesta & Ambien were consistently efficacious-- their downside was the side effects and the grogginess the next morning.
Finally I went to a sleep specialist who prescribed Mirapex for Restless Leg Syndrome following an overnight sleep study in which my legs moved so much it was as if I had walked miles during the night. Now that, along with a regular sleep routine and occasional use of Tylenol PM have me functioning well enough.
For those of you who want to fight the sleep issue start with the usual suspects-- make a routine sleep pattern, no caffeine or other stimulants after noon, do not stay in bed while you cannot get to sleep-- and then branch out from there. Some people have had success with bright light/natural light therapies in the morning and others use a recorded book at night so they can listen to the story in the dark. There are many options.
Among the various things I have tried for sleep are Valerian Root, Melatonin, Lunesta, Ambien, Tylenol PM, Nytol and various cold/flu medications. Most will work for a couple of nights and the Lunesta & Ambien were consistently efficacious-- their downside was the side effects and the grogginess the next morning.
Finally I went to a sleep specialist who prescribed Mirapex for Restless Leg Syndrome following an overnight sleep study in which my legs moved so much it was as if I had walked miles during the night. Now that, along with a regular sleep routine and occasional use of Tylenol PM have me functioning well enough.
For those of you who want to fight the sleep issue start with the usual suspects-- make a routine sleep pattern, no caffeine or other stimulants after noon, do not stay in bed while you cannot get to sleep-- and then branch out from there. Some people have had success with bright light/natural light therapies in the morning and others use a recorded book at night so they can listen to the story in the dark. There are many options.
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