Blue Cat

but overdone

Bahtatboy

That, and having to deal with the frigging banks here.

Elmer Fudd

I was thinking of signing up with Barclays, as my new work uses them. Have you thought about online banking?

Victor Meldrew

I don't have meltdowns as such (had about 3 in the 10 years o/seas so far compared to about 1 a month in UK prior to this).

My problem is stress releted insomnia. Hence this post at 1.50 am on a work day. 4th day running so far waking at 1.00 am. usually takes about 2 to 3 hours before going back to bed, and even then don't really sleep.
I get up at 6.00 am each day for work.

I get this about once every couple of months (usually a week of it at a time), particularly when it gets to 'silly season' ie the middle term which is crazy as hell.

It drives me nuts.

Any potential solutions gratefully received.

Elmer Fudd

Have you tried any of the following? Write a to do list to focus tasks for the next day - takes it out of the mind and onto paper. Stop working 1 1/2 -2 hours before going to bed. Avoid caffine & alchohol in the evening. Relax with a good book to take you to another place. Relax in the bath before turning in. Put on soothing music? Sleep in a very dark room - blackout curtains, cooler room rather than hot. Buy a top of the range mattress & good pillows.

Personally I have a radio next to the bed- usually BBC R4 or the world service.

The drone of the voice usually sends me off!

If not asleep within 20 mins, I get up until I am tired.

I use some of the ideas on the site below. But you are right about mid term blues, I get the same feeling this time of year as well - usually wake at 5 a.m then get up at 6.45.

http://teachersupport.info/news/well-being/index.php

Hope some of this will help.

hnd

Roll on our (hopefully) soon move to Muscat. Then we'll be dealing with an altogether different (if somewhat similar - go figure) type of ****wittery (to misquote one of my favourite blogs). Guess it's the challenge of living in this region (by choice - yes, I know, you all think we're nuts) which keeps what little remains of our little grey cells working!

By the way, does anybody know of a good independent PRO? Being retired and not having the luxury (if you can call it that) of a business/employment based PRO any recommendations would be gratefully received. We'd like to be able to leave the UAE with all the i's dotted and all the t's crossed, if you know what I mean, and to be able to return and visit friends without the risk of being arrested or whatever at the border.

Cypselos

That's right, everyone knows alcohol is a breakfast drink.

Millhouse

masturbation?

Millhouse

I could put you in touch with our company one. He is very good and I'm sure would be happy to do a bit on the side if you like...

Bahtatboy

Make sure your bed is how you like it. For me that means clean, fresh linen, plumped pillows and everything else neat and tidy. Have a bath or shower. Don't do anything mentally stimulating for at least an hour before you go to bed. Endorphin-releasing activity could be good. In bed, put on some very relaxing music or the sound of waves crashing and distant thunder (I have the latter on an endless loop). Get really comfortable, and starting with your toes just concentrate (mildly, if that makes sense) on relaxing every single muscle; work up through your feet, legs, torso, arms, neck and face muscles. If that doesn't work, Jack's No 7 might.

Bahtatboy

Thanks I do all my personal banking online with Barclays, which is pretty easy. Part of my work involves dealing with trade finance through the local banks--that's the head-banging bit.

Meow

I feel your pain. Insomnia is just awful. I get bad bouts every few weeks (which I know is stress-related) and there seems to be very little that helps me apart from sleeping tablets, which I avoid taking as they give me hangovers. Have you tried Panadol Nights though? They make most people a little sleepy so are sometimes enough to get me off to sleep for a while.

Good luck with it x

Victor Meldrew

Thanks for all of the ideas. Nice to know there are people who genuinely want to help.

I used to have a couple of those 'waves' and 'Rain' CD's which were brill for getting to sleep.

Must get some more......

Cheers

Victor Meldrew

Thanks for the offer but..... no thanks

kittycat1

Victor- put some lavender oil in your pillow, warm bath before bed and use some breathing techniques- laying on your back, place your hand on your stomach, take a deep breath from the stomach so that your hand rises up and down rather than breathing through your chest. Take 10 deep breaths and slowly release. Avoid coffee/alcohol for 5 hours before going to bed. Make sure youdo some exercise during the day.

As for my meltdowns I am so laidback I am nearly horizontal so have only had one proper meltdown here- which was directed at a colleague for their lack of professionalism. And I mean a proper seeing red, screaming banshee moment. Quite a few grrrr moments but generally not as bad as I was expecting. Laughter is the best reaction- laugh it off when you can and put it down to experience (although 2 1/2 hours spent in DEWA office where not spent laughing). As they say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!