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14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 122

Hello Dream,

I'm sorry to here that you are having a hard time sleeping, When I'm anxious I sometimes have a hard time

sleeping also, mostly if I Feel like I've let things slide or put things off, I guess subconsciously I get to feeling

guilty. Some things I have tried in the past that worked for me when I can't sleep are , One: I let myself

mega worry for about ten mins about everything and anything I can think of so that after the time is up

it takes the power out of the worry if you know what mean. Two: I make a list of the things I need to do

so that in the morning I will have a starting place to get things done. It lets me feel like I have some

control over the situation. Three: I tell Myself that I can't do anything In the middle of the night so I

might as well sleep.( I guess thats giving myself the ok to unwind). And I try not to drink a lot before

bed, other wise I'm up and down to the bathroom all night. I know it aggravating to not be able to sleep

but be easy on yourself and work with the program you will soon see things getting better, I hope this

helps.

sweatbee

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11213

Dream,

Have you discussed this with your doctor? He may recommend you go to a sleep clinic to figure out what exactly is going on.

During the day do you feel tired? Do you exercise during the day? How have you been eating?

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 7

I suffer from panic attacks & anxiety all the time. I sleep on a fold out sofa bed in the living room. Natually, it's in front of the TV. I have eliminated my caffiene a month ago. I don't drink alcohol or smoke. I try to relax while laying on my back on the fold out. I listen to relaxing music. Soft classical or Liquid Mind's music on my iPod. I pray before bed. I try to reduce my anxiety that I am feeling so I can sleep better.

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 24

I too have experienced this-- and below are some thoughts and tips that I learned and helped me.

Firstly - it's not the quantity but the quality of sleep that matters.

Secondly - make a sleep journal

Do not lie down in your bed watching TV

Stop working or exercising close to bed time

DO NOT TAKE NAPS ( this was the hardest)

Go to bed at the same time everyday.

Drink decaffeinated chamomile tea 30 minutes before your bedtime

Stop using clocks, use it only for alarm - "If the alarm is set, there's no need to know in the middle of the night what time it is. That and, more importantly, clock watching can only lead to worry and frustration and if nothing else worry and frustration are 'wind to the flame' of insomnia."

Sleep in a cool, dark room and avoiding caffeine, alcohol and tobacco before bedtime.

Write down all your worries for 10 minutes or more if needed (until it becomes boring--it's ok if you repeat your thoughts in writing again and again) at least an hour before bedtime-- this will help ease your worries by bedtime.

It's hard the first few days especially not taking naps when you feel so sleep deprived already BUT it's effective!

It does get better.=)

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 12049

dream,

Welcome and thank you for posting with us. Have you checked with your doctor or pharmacist regarding medication dosages and side effects? This may be helpful in aiding you. Using the program's exposure therapy can help place some of the anxiety at bay until you can progress through it. Step by step it is attainable and by posting you have made the first step.

Have you tried relaxation techniques before bed? How is your bed time routine? Use the journal to document your daily and evening events and routines, revisit and see the areas that need adjusting. We also suggest taking the panic test to help you better assess the situation for you and your doctor.

Making lists of what to do each day can also help you feel accomplished and cut down on the process of worrying about the next days events.

Post with us often and let us know how we can help.

Josie, Health Educator

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 7

I'm writing this to learn if others experience the problem of having insomnia with anxiety. I know I should be sleepy when I only slept 5 hours the night before. I lay in bed with anxiety trying to sleep but I cannot. I worry that I may not be able to fall asleep ever again. Or I won't be able to sleep normally again. Is this a major problem that I have to rely on meds to make me sleep? Or is all this caused by anxiety?

I lay in bed and worry. I'm up and down using the bathroom often. My thoughts are rapidly cycling with fears & worry. Thoughts of what to do tomorrow. What I've done in the past. Thoughts of things I should have done and what needs to be done.

After hours of trying, I fall asleep but then wake up again. Eventually, I do fall asleep for good only to have that unrested feeling when I wake up. This process takes about 12 hours of trying to get to sleep and staying asleep.

I think my brain's wiring has changed. It's hardwired for not shutting down and disengagement. I'm not sure what else do to.

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Anxiety & Panic Attacks.