I have to agree with Laura, if you can’t sleep or wake up in bed, move to another room to get some sleep, that usually helps me as well.

Sorry you missed the party last night, but I’m sure there will other occassions in the future.

OK I think I understand a bit about your reasons for not sleeping a bit better. I suffer from something similar. I have already given you some hints on twitter about establishing a sleep routine. But when its night terrors that are causing the sleeplessness – writing is the best thing to help.

Routines are important. As well as no caffeine, and no sugar after a designated hour (for me its 2pm- I at least try).

No naps are also important. In fact, the only time I try to escape the no nap rule, is after acupuncture (when I cant fight it) and when I am sick.

I make sure I keep a journal by my bed – so if I do manage to sleep and wake from a night terror – I am able to write about it, and my feelings. If I feel uneasy before I go to bed, I write in the journal as well – or I blog about it.

If you find you cant sleep at all. Get out of bed. Do not stay in bed, and TRY to sleep. It doesn’t work. Someone suggested that I go outside every hour and take pictures of my street – and look at the changes, either in traffic or light. I find that helps. It also gets me to stop worrying about whatever I have been worrying about.

Maybe you can try something similar. Quieting the mind also helps. And listening to ambient music. My favorite being Music For Airports, by Brian Eno – I fall asleep sometime during the first part now.

I hope some of these suggestions work for you. I understand there is a really great sleep clinic at UBC – if I cant help, maybe they can.