[neronoon]

For years, and years, and years, I've been having terrible insomnia. For probably as long as I could remember actually.
But recently it's been getting a lot worse. The last 5 nights I haven't been able to get to sleep until 5-6 in the morning, and then getting up at 8 to get ready for school (at 9) is ridiculous.
I've never been a morning person.
I read the symptoms for DSPS and it really seems that's what I have, though I'm not sure because I haven't seen a physician.
Lately I've been very depressed, and extremely stresses. My mind thinks of strange things at night, like problems that are impossible, and it's just the weirdest daze. The TV, reading, nothing will ever help.

Bah.

My question: What should I do now?

Today I missed school, and slept in until 12. I can't miss anymore school (especially b/c finals are tomorrow.)
Please respond to this ASAP.

[movies]

Nothing extraordinary, but try showing your parents information about DSPS and see a doctor as soon as possible. If you don't trust yourself to get up the only way to be sure is to have someone there to wake you up.

[hopeless_night_owl]

I can completely relate! I am currently in grad school, but have recently discovered that this is what I've been suffering with since I was a child. Typically, what I did in school was take short naps once I got home because I was so tired. Then I would utilize the night time for studying and other things so I would manage to get school stuff done. It was nothing short of extremely difficult though to get up early for school with only a few short hours of sleep. When it comes to this point, the best thing you can do is try to follow good sleep hygiene, which usually is not a very effective method, but at least you know you're not delaying your sleep any longer than it already is. Also, try having dim lights around you at night. Most importantly, if you haven't seen a doctor and aren't following any sort of regimented treatment plan, then try to be realistic. Try to aim for going to bed a few hours earlier than normal, maybe 3 am? This can be a realistic expectation because people on a common sleep schedule also do these things. If you find you are having persistent thoughts and things like that which keep you awake, you may have another insomnia related concern, but one solution is to write a list of everything, and i mean everything, that is on your mind. It can sometimes provide enough relief to fall asleep. Along with that, you can also write a to do list to ease stress before bedtime. Other tips for good sleep hygiene: no caffeine later than 2pm if you can manage, dont eat at least 3 hours before you expect to "try" to fall asleep :), dont workout at night, again try to be around dim lights a couple hours before bedtime, and try to follow a similar schedule on the weekends even though i realize this is so extremely hard. As others have said though, go see a doctor, especially since you are still young. This may help facilitate solutions and problem solving between you and your school and parents.