As I note the hour of many of your posts, Mahonri, I think I can agree that insomnia may be a problem for you.   I also, BTW, get up during the nite and need a nap during the day.  

Just got home from church... wish me luck... off to bed.

our speaker today used the power of suggestion by telling people not to fall asleep- he is a scientist and joked he would get stats on who fell asleep, etc. However, as I have a psych background, I thought his references to sleeping were giving a lot to the power of suggestion.

Anyway, I finally figured out one reason why I was frustrated much of the day (ie w/ some behavior in my primary class and w/myself for being frustrated, etc). My nextdoor neighbor (I live in a townhouse) has 4 noisy dogs that were up barking loudly at 4AM. She is supposed to get a 50$ fine for each occurrance. I was nice and didn't call this in though I hoped someone else did. It is just frustrating as I've had a hard time lately w/other things so it was frustrating that when I finally dozed off, I was awakened by those irritating dogs.

Mahonri, the solution depends on what is causing your insomnia.

If you have a medical condition that is keeping you awake, you'll need to get treatment for that. I had terrible insomnia with depression. Treating the depression has eased my insomnia a great deal.

Aside from the depression, often I can't get to sleep because my mind won't shut off, or I'll wake up super early and start thinking about some problem or other stimulating idea/project and can't go back to sleep. I'll echo glumirk's advice to get out of bed, put on a robe and slippers to stay warm if needed, and read something calming. Don't read anything that you are highly interested in, and don't study problems. Scriptures put me to sleep faster than about anything else, but YMMV. Maybe read some classical literature, like Dickens or Maupassant...

Drinking warm spiced milk (milk, sugar, allspice or nutmeg) or warm cocoa can induce sleepiness for some people. Also, infusions of chamomile and valerian can help with relaxation. Lemongrass and lavender essential oils work well too.

One last idea: I have found that I fall asleep much faster and sleep better when I don't read in bed. I have also started doing some mild stretching on the floor right before getting in bed. I breathe deeply and relax into the stretches for legs, arms, and back, concentrating on the slow inhaling and exhaling of breath. This calms my mind and within a few minutes I am yawning and relaxed and ready for sleep. I broke my reading in bed habit in two nights this way.

Have more sex.

As far as your allergies, Mahonri, there are a few things you can try. A poster on that other forum mentioned that he stopped eating sugar entirely and his allergies went away. Your mileage may vary. Another thing that could help ameliorate your symptoms is taking bee pollen, available in most health food stores. My brother takes it and it really helps him with his allergies. Also, you can go to a farmers market and buy local honey. Honey made by local bees helps acclimate you to local plant pollen and helps your allergies tremendously. In fact, you could kill two birds with one stone that way. Replace sugar in your diet with honey. As a dentist you know how horrible sugar is for your teeth anyway. Honey can replace sugar in baking and other sweetening applications, and is actually very good for you.
As for me, I didn't sleep half the night because both my baby and my wife are very sick.

Or tried hardly exercising?

Seriously though. I had the same thing yesterday. I get bad alergies this time of year and it can affect my sleep. Luckilly the Clariton does work for me. I don't like taking meds though unless I absolutely have to. I woke up at 3am on Sunday morning an absolute alergy mess. Ended up missing church as a result. There have been times when I have had to take the meds just to stop sneezing or to turn the faucet off in my nose. I feel for you because I know how miserable it can be. Hopefully you can find something that works.

There is if yer allergic to exercise like moi!

But if you're up, have you thought about getting on a treadmill until you're physically unable to move?

--Ray

Yeah, I've gone for 5 and 6 mile walks and I get tired, but not enough to sleep.

Mahonri, so you are still having insomnia on a regular basis? I know you likely have a high level of stressors with your calling and your practice. Those probably won't be changing until your situation changes. I'll try to remember you in my prayers.

You may need to go talk with your doctor. He/she may be able to advise you on ideas how to get it under control. There is no shame in that, even if you find that a short term mild prescription sleeping aide is the catalyst to getting it back under control.

I had on the "white" dress...   and my hubby, who was with me, is VERY handsome and distingished.

You know it's funny you said that cause I was thinking as we were leaving the CR wouldn't it be interesting if one of these days we are in the same session as Mahonri???  But since I also have no idea what you might look like, I wouldn't have known it.  On a "narrowing down the list of possible sessions" note... we were in the 1 pm, any chance we DID see you?  We were in the CR for quite a while trying to get some inspiration on a difficult issue involving one of our adopteds...  That little family is really having a hard time and we don't really KNOW how we can even help.

I noticed there was a Stake having a temple day yesterday... that wasn't your stake was it?  I have it in my head you are in "the valley"...

yep

another cure for insomnia... find a comfortable spot, lay down with your baby son in your arms and hold him til he falls asleep... remarkably so will you... :)

--Ray