6 replies to this topic

[summer stars]

I've heard some good feedback on the use of binaural beats and/or isochronic tones for improving relaxation and sleep quality. Has anyone here used them successfully? I can sleep for 12+ hours and not feel rested at all. I think the quality of my sleep sucks in general; I'll sleep all night, nap in the day, and still feel tired. How do you go about using binaural beats? Do you listen to them in headphones WHILE you sleep, or do you listen to them for awhile BEFORE you sleep?

Any feedback is appreciated

[ergopharaoh]

Sometimes I fall asleep after a bout of meditating with binaural beats. I cannot comment on the efficacy of aural induction of alpha-wave (stage 1-2 sleep) or delta-wave (stage 3-4) activity, but I am sure if you meditate before sleeping (or do anything relaxing, for that matter), it will help you fall asleep (it has for me). There are a lot of things you can do to improve your sleep, but if you're asking if binaural beats can solve your problem, I would personally think it is highly unlikely (although I cannot say I have evidence to back it up). I dont think there are any such products for use during sleep, but I may be mistaken.

Meditation has been shown to synchronize electrical activity in the brain, which is characteristic of slow-wave sleep. I imagine that might be helpful for transitioning into a sleeping state. But it sounds like you are having problems with sleep that warrant more than an audio-tape. There are a lot of things you can do to adjust the quality of your sleep; the obvious things are lifestyle changes, such as exercise, eating times, supplements like melatonin (which I am sure you are already aware of), etc.

I am personally big on ergonomics (hence the username). I have experimented with a few different sleeping surfaces - mattresses, hammocks, hard wooden floors, etc. and would say that what you are sleeping on makes a huge difference. I need to spend more time looking at anthropological data on sleep, but apparently anthropologists need to spend more time evaluating sleeping patterns. Nonetheless, I would advise against pillows, and thick cushy mattresses. you need support, not comfort in your sleep (although I am not suggesting you cannot have the former with the latter, just a matter or priorities). I use a neti pot before bed and I find that it really helps clear out my sinuses, making for easier breathing and a more restful sleep. Protection from blue-light emitting screens and whatnot close to bed time is advisable. I could go on and on, but it is getting awfully close to my bed time and I should log off my computer now. Hopefully others can help out more.

[churchill]

Could be that you are just not getting quality sleep and might have sleep apnea, this would explain why you can sleep so much and not feel rested. Did you always sleep so poorly or has this been a recent thing?

Edited by churchill, 26 January 2012 - 03:59 PM.

[idquest]

summer stars, on 22 January 2012 - 09:00 PM, said:

I've heard some good feedback on the use of binaural beats and/or isochronic tones for improving relaxation and sleep quality. Has anyone here used them successfully? I can sleep for 12+ hours and not feel rested at all. I think the quality of my sleep sucks in general; I'll sleep all night, nap in the day, and still feel tired. How do you go about using binaural beats? Do you listen to them in headphones WHILE you sleep, or do you listen to them for awhile BEFORE you sleep?

Any feedback is appreciated

Do you sleep with open windows letting fresh air in? For me, lack of oxygen results in drowsiness, so I try to keep windows open all the time. And when I have to close windows I feel bad, tired, and sleepy.

[summer stars]

Might be sleep apnea, but I doubt it and don't have the money to do a sleep study or anything. I'm normal weight so it probably wouldn't be obstructive apnea. The only other oddity I can think of with my sleep is that I wake up with horribly dry, red eyes every morning...I really ought to get an allergy covering for my pillow. Other than that my sleep is VERY normal except for the fact that it doesn't replenish me. I fall asleep easily and sleep through the night.

I do think I may have a problem with my sleep stages. I seem to go into REM sleep at the drop of a hat. I can have an intense dream even when I'm only napping 30 minutes.

I actually like these binaural beats, but they haven't "retrained my brain waves" or anything like that...I very much doubt they can. However, I actually seem to be able to meditate when I'm listening to them, which is pretty much impossible for me otherwise. I can never just sit still, close my eyes and meditate, my brain goes off in a thousand different directions. The binaural beats seem to allow me to focus on one thing and nothing...it's enjoyable!

[churchill]

summer stars, on 28 January 2012 - 07:58 PM, said:

Might be sleep apnea, but I doubt it and don't have the money to do a sleep study or anything. I'm normal weight so it probably wouldn't be obstructive apnea. The only other oddity I can think of with my sleep is that I wake up with horribly dry, red eyes every morning...I really ought to get an allergy covering for my pillow. Other than that my sleep is VERY normal except for the fact that it doesn't replenish me. I fall asleep easily and sleep through the night.

I do think I may have a problem with my sleep stages. I seem to go into REM sleep at the drop of a hat. I can have an intense dream even when I'm only napping 30 minutes.

I actually like these binaural beats, but they haven't "retrained my brain waves" or anything like that...I very much doubt they can. However, I actually seem to be able to meditate when I'm listening to them, which is pretty much impossible for me otherwise. I can never just sit still, close my eyes and meditate, my brain goes off in a thousand different directions. The binaural beats seem to allow me to focus on one thing and nothing...it's enjoyable!

You don't need to go to a sleep study to figure it out. There are two options really, either have a friend stay up and record how you sleep. Or set up a webcam and record yourself sleeping. It should be fairly obvious if you do suffer from it.

[TheKidInside]

I usually do a little yogic pre-bed "stretching" moreso to relax my body and some light meditation with some binaural beats I found online and it works pretty good. but it's also several things like avoiding coffee and other stimulants for several hours prior to bedtime.



this is the one I use

Edited by TheKidInside, 31 January 2012 - 03:48 PM.