I don't know the best way to word this...
but I always have to have some form of audio or visual stimulation. When I wake up, I go straight on my laptop, working, listening to music, watching films n shows. The first thing to go on in the kitchen is the radio, and the telly is rarely off. If i have to go out, I actually can't manage without my iPod, and I go to sleep watching a dvd of either Simpsons, Futurama, or Family Guy.

My mind is a mess, its like tangled fairy lights, of all the worst punchlines, and most abstract thoughts, and if I stop listening to music, or watching telly, then the volume goes up, and its too much.
(bobman500 enjoys a grope as much as the next fella, Thu 18 Dec 2008, 20:52, 5 replies)

Wooah
I have that too. x]
( Killerkitti Like my coffee black, just like my metal, Thu 18 Dec 2008, 20:55, closed)

It's especially bad at night
If its silent, then I start talking to myself and thinking about stuff, if its dark, then there is nothing to focus on.
The shit that comes out of my mouth is bad enough, but thats the edited highlights. The raw stuff in my head would keep me awake for days.
(bobman500 enjoys a grope as much as the next fella, Thu 18 Dec 2008, 21:38, closed)

My Word!
And I thought it was just me! Thoughts at lightspeed, and brain that needs 'feeding' by constant stimulus. I even resist going to bed and have been known to stay up all night 'tinkering' with some code, or a game, or watching crap on TV, just to keep feeding the thinks!
(EffinDoubt is breaking glass on, Fri 19 Dec 2008, 13:26, closed)

I think I probably have something similar
Once in my kip and it's silent there is almost a sense of disappointment. Usually a podcast keeps me entertained until I'm ready to sleep if I'm in bed. Trouble is it they can make me laugh out loud thus keeping me awake for longer. Hmm oh the drama of it all.
(muzzvsworld, Sat 20 Dec 2008, 4:26, closed)

This is not a judgement...
...and I Am Not A Health-Care Professional:

But it sounds to me like you may have some form of mental condition. Not in itself dangerous or harmful; but as you already appear to have identified, sensible to remain aware of.

Have you discussed this with a Doctor or Counsellor? I'm *not* suggesting you get all medicated, but it might be helpful to talk this through with a professional; if only for your reassurance.

edit: on a more practical note, I've found that some quiet background ambient/electronica/"chillout" music can help me get to sleep. As an example; perhaps Brian Eno - Music For Airports. It's not the easiest to find when filesharing; so if you're in the UK I might be able to send you a CD.

edit: Also, as you say, absolute dark can be undesirable. Another idea I use is to have a string of coloured fairy lights strung around the room, all year-round. If necessary, I switch on the string of lights, then turn off the main light; so I have a room dark enough to drift off in, yet not so bright as to keep me wake. The colours provide gentle visual stimulation.
(The Incredible Sulk Finally remembered his password on, Wed 24 Dec 2008, 1:37, closed)