Body clock is all wrong

[flibbertigibbert]

For the past 6 years I've either been a student or worked part time. As such, I had lots of very late nights and would sleep in during the day. I don't start to get tired until around 3am.

Now I have a proper grown up job where I have to go to bed at 11pm and get up at 7am, but I'm finding it so difficult to change my body clock. My mind becomes very active at night and I can't switch off. I've tried hot baths, dimming the lights and reading a dull book before bed but it doesn't work. I'm fed up of feeling sluggish all day and not being as productive as I should be at work. I'm fed up of losing half of my weekend because I've stayed in bed so long - I just can't drag myself out of bed earlier.

Would sleeping pills help? I mean the ones you can get off the shelves or over the counter at Boots rather than any strong ones. Or can anyone else suggest anything?

[readinginsteadnow]

Its going to be very hard to change your body routine around. But as a start I'd say do some really hard exercise a couple of hours before bed. Literally tire yourself out so that you sleep; once the first night is overcome, it'll get easier. It doesnt have to be boring or hard work; why not go for a three hour walk on sunday for example?
I think eventually, the toll of a 'normal' job will also show, and you might see some gradual changes in yourself.

Sorry if not much help.

[flibbertigibbert]

Thanks for the advice. I definitely think exercise would help. I have a gym membership which I haven't used much recently. I'm too exhausted to go at 6 after work but I think I need to drag myself there. Currently my evenings are spent crashing on the sofa for a couple of hours when I get in, then finding my energy around 10pm, just as I should be winding down.

[readinginsteadnow]

So just try and eek it out a little longer! Plus you know you'll feel less sluggish if you exercise, so that'll help. x x

[blinks]

gawd i'm like this- total night owl. it's a feckin struggle.

[LairOfTheDetermined]

Only way i found to break the cycle was to get up rediculously early so that my body clock went into shock. Won't actually advise this. it is possible and it did naturally sort itself out after the shock. However, i would probably suggest the over the counter meds to help you get the routine established. After a few weeks you should find that you are less awake late without it.

Also i would avoid just sitting and crashing out on the sofa when you get in as this allows you recoup some energy for the second wind.