!namorata
My Dad wants to put me on sleeping medication, but I constantly refuse. I don't want to become dependent on medication, especially if I may not necessarily need it.
Sleeping medication is extremely habit forming. You should explain to your father that this worries you. Talk to him and agree, maybe, to see a doctor and make sure that everything is physically ok.
Remember, most sleeping problems are external. Medication will cure the symptom, but not the disease. There are quite a few things you can do that don't involve drugs to help you sleep better.
- Identify sources of stress in your life and work on making them less stressful. One big thing for young people is time. They often complain that there isn't enough time for everything and suffer a great deal because of it. A lot of this has to do with time management. Instead of watching TV, get ahead on a report that isn't due for another two weeks. Things like this will drastically reduce stress.
- Remove clutter. Ever hear the expression "cluttered room, cluttered mind"? Make sure your room is clean and ordered. Also, don't paint your walls "active" colors, like red or yellow. You should also avoid light draining colors like black or dark blues/purples.
-Relax before going to bed. Too many people will do something social or active, and then expect to be able to fall asleep. Just setting aside half an hour or so to read a book before turning out the light can really help.
-Set up a schedule. Pick a bedtime and stick to it. Remember, your body's natural cycle can only adjust about an hour a day, so don't expect immediate results.
-Resolve conflicts before going to bed. If you had a fight with a friend that day, call her up and apologize before going to bed. You don't want bedtime to be stressful in any way.
-Other relaxing techniques can help. For example, a cup of warm milk (see if this work. Some people feel uncomfortable drinking warm milk and then lying down) or a massage before going to bed can really help. I doubt you have a spouse yet, but when you do, setting up a ritual of mutual massage before going to bed can really help.
Taking medication should always be your LAST option. This is especially true with sleeping pills. Good luck!