Losing sleep - anxiety
Replies
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When it comes to sleep issues, I do take melatonin to help me fall asleep but then I have to take another med to keep me asleep or I wake up every 2 hours or so.
As for anxiety, what finally helped me was a mix of medication and therapy. I fought so hard against being put on anything for it, but no matter what else I did, it just wasn't enough. So I have one general medication and then an emergency medication for when it gets super bad.0 -
Hyland's Nerve Tonic is very helpful for me. It's homeopathic but I still tend to limit it. Although I have to admit I find I have no "hangover" from it like I did from other sleep aids.0
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Try starting a yoga practice!! daily yoga at a studio/hot yoga/YIN YOGA will help you sleep like a baby!!
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One huge thing that has helped me is to remove all stimuli from the bedroom. My doctor suggested that I should only use my bed for bed purposes (sleep and intimate time) and nothing else. I no longer have a TV in my bedroom and no longer read in bed. That helped a lot. Another thing they suggested was about 30 mins to and hour before bed, turn yourself away from electronic devices (computer, tv, phone etc). Apparently the light from these objects can cause your brain to "wake up" which can make it hard to fall asleep.
I, too, sleep during the day since I have a strictly night schedule for work. I found black out curtains really help.
I have also found that if my bedroom is too warm I have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. I try to keep bedroom a few degrees cooler than the rest of my apt (heat not on as high/ a/c unit few degrees cooler).
Good luck!0 -
catscats222 wrote: »i take melatonin low dose 1 hour before sleep time
http://www.amazon.com/Schiff-Melatonin-Tablets-L-Theanine-Chamomile/dp/B005D2TB9G
(but I truly needed help) - eventually hope to stop
just about every store sells this
I have heard about melantonin and am quite intrigued with what is say it helps with. I may have to give it a go, Thanks!
please be aware melatonin is a hormone and it is better not to supplement with it. get morning sun in your eyes, get some sun in the afternoon, cut lights at night and computer time 2 hours before bed. this will help set your circadian ryhym and your body will produce its own melatonin.0 -
I have trouble with terrible bouts of insomnia and also have anxiety. I have been prescribed a sleep aid (ambien) that I take when needed. I've had the same bottle of 30 pills for a year. I use it only when I've had 3 night of horrible sleep in a row (my insomnia is the type where you fall asleep but just keep waking up, sometimes after only being asleep for less than a minute).
Some things I've done to prevent taking medication unless truly necessary:
-Ditched my alarm clock and instead use my phone as my alarm. Not being able to see the hours tick away as I fall asleep and wake up helps me to be less stressed about my sleep.
-Less caffeine. I tend to drink caffeine on a usual day only until around 11 am and then it's usually just water after that. On the weekends I'll have caffeine later.
-Light blocking curtains. This has helped my room to stay more comfortable until I'm ready to wake.
I hope you find something to help. If you want to try melatonin, be sure to talk to your physician first.0 -
If I'm exercising vigorously, I will usually sleep about 7 hours. If not, the anxiety will rear it's head and wake me up after a couple hours. I try to employ natural remedies for anxiety insomnia, which I have had off and on for many years.
- Breathing techniques - inhale through the nose for 3 seconds, hold for 3 seconds, exhale deeply through the mouth for 3 seconds. Repeat 3 or more times. This is very relaxing.
- Melatonin
- Valerian Root
- Prayer
- Meditation
- Pick a craft project I want to do and plan it in my head (weird, I know but it helps me)
There are a lot of people who do not sleep a full 8 hours a night. Many very successful (and brilliant) people only sleep 4-6 hours a night. There are actually many different sleep cycle patterns that are considered "normal". I used to sleep about 7 hours a night, but now I believe I am "byphasic" (two separate sleep cycles per day).0 -
Oh, I want to add something. OP, if you are on anxiety medications DO NOT TAKE valerian root. This absolutely must be discussed with a doctor first and can be highly dangerous to mix.0
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eugenia94102 wrote: »I was going to suggest the breathing technique... have you tried the apps for it? One of the best apps I've ever spent money on (I think they have free versions). I never heard the end of the tape, I'm always asleep before it ends.
I recently downloaded a sleep well app and an asmr app to listen to! I will have to put those to use tonight and hopefully they will calm me down a bit
thanks for the info
If you are familiar with Gentlewhispering, I use one of her vids every night to get to sleep. I can't turn off my mind either. I've been the anti-anxiety drug route, and it was a bad experience for me. I also listen to audiobooks - most nights, I start off with one, listen until I'm a little sleepy, then switch to the ASMR vid, and most of the time I'm out in a couple of minutes. I think it's become a little bit like Pavlov's dog for me - the longer I listen to the one video, knowing I usually fall asleep to it, it seems it only takes a few words and my brain knows "fall asleep now".
Hope this helps.
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LaceyBirds wrote: »eugenia94102 wrote: »I was going to suggest the breathing technique... have you tried the apps for it? One of the best apps I've ever spent money on (I think they have free versions). I never heard the end of the tape, I'm always asleep before it ends.
I recently downloaded a sleep well app and an asmr app to listen to! I will have to put those to use tonight and hopefully they will calm me down a bit thanks for the info
If you are familiar with Gentlewhispering, I use one of her vids every night to get to sleep. I can't turn off my mind either. I've been the anti-anxiety drug route, and it was a bad experience for me. I also listen to audiobooks - most nights, I start off with one, listen until I'm a little sleepy, then switch to the ASMR vid, and most of the time I'm out in a couple of minutes. I think it's become a little bit like Pavlov's dog for me - the longer I listen to the one video, knowing I usually fall asleep to it, it seems it only takes a few words and my brain knows "fall asleep now".
Hope this helps.
I've listened to gentle whispering she is amazing, but for some reason my mind still won't full relax when listening to asmr..0 -
RaeBeeBaby wrote: »If I'm exercising vigorously, I will usually sleep about 7 hours. If not, the anxiety will rear it's head and wake me up after a couple hours. I try to employ natural remedies for anxiety insomnia, which I have had off and on for many years.
- Breathing techniques - inhale through the nose for 3 seconds, hold for 3 seconds, exhale deeply through the mouth for 3 seconds. Repeat 3 or more times. This is very relaxing.
- Melatonin
- Valerian Root
- Prayer
- Meditation
- Pick a craft project I want to do and plan it in my head (weird, I know but it helps me)
There are a lot of people who do not sleep a full 8 hours a night. Many very successful (and brilliant) people only sleep 4-6 hours a night. There are actually many different sleep cycle patterns that are considered "normal". I used to sleep about 7 hours a night, but now I believe I am "byphasic" (two separate sleep cycles per day).
Thanks for the great tips I will definitely be trying out meditation 0 -
gaelicstorm26 wrote: »I have trouble with terrible bouts of insomnia and also have anxiety. I have been prescribed a sleep aid (ambien) that I take when needed. I've had the same bottle of 30 pills for a year. I use it only when I've had 3 night of horrible sleep in a row (my insomnia is the type where you fall asleep but just keep waking up, sometimes after only being asleep for less than a minute).
Some things I've done to prevent taking medication unless truly necessary:
-Ditched my alarm clock and instead use my phone as my alarm. Not being able to see the hours tick away as I fall asleep and wake up helps me to be less stressed about my sleep.
-Less caffeine. I tend to drink caffeine on a usual day only until around 11 am and then it's usually just water after that. On the weekends I'll have caffeine later.
-Light blocking curtains. This has helped my room to stay more comfortable until I'm ready to wake.
I hope you find something to help. If you want to try melatonin, be sure to talk to your physician first.
I might have to invest in some light blocking curtains as mine are quite flimsy and I've recently given up coffee and energy drinks I will see what the doctor says about melatonin before I buy any 0 -
gaelicstorm26 wrote: »Oh, I want to add something. OP, if you are on anxiety medications DO NOT TAKE valerian root. This absolutely must be discussed with a doctor first and can be highly dangerous to mix.
Thanks for letting me know!0 -
poohpoohpeapod wrote: »catscats222 wrote: »i take melatonin low dose 1 hour before sleep time
http://www.amazon.com/Schiff-Melatonin-Tablets-L-Theanine-Chamomile/dp/B005D2TB9G
(but I truly needed help) - eventually hope to stop
just about every store sells this
I have heard about melantonin and am quite intrigued with what is say it helps with. I may have to give it a go, Thanks!
please be aware melatonin is a hormone and it is better not to supplement with it. get morning sun in your eyes, get some sun in the afternoon, cut lights at night and computer time 2 hours before bed. this will help set your circadian ryhym and your body will produce its own melatonin.
Good idea.. I do tend to have trouble not using electronics before going to sleep but I may have to stop myself using them 0 -
I also have anxiety problems and can't sleep. Feel free to add me.0
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BethMilledge wrote: »I also have anxiety problems and can't sleep. Feel free to add me.
Anxiety is such a huge thing these days, wishing you the best and added you 0 -
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Google 'sleep hygiene' for behavior techniques.
Also check with doctor for some possible medication help.0 -
Google 'sleep hygiene' for behavior techniques.
Also check with doctor for some possible medication help.
Yes I was prescribed a low dose anti-anxiety medication today, which I'm hoping helps ease my anxiety and might help with my sleep.. But I will have to look up sleep hygiene tonight0 -
KT,
Another recent thread dealing with anxiety. I thought it might interest you.
community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10266629/success-stories-from-people-who-suffer-with-anxiety#latest0 -
gaelicstorm26 wrote: »Oh, I want to add something. OP, if you are on anxiety medications DO NOT TAKE valerian root. This absolutely must be discussed with a doctor first and can be highly dangerous to mix.
I think there are several others that shouldn't be used as well. Some natural items such as Saint John's Wart and others.
Very good catch and advice Gaelicstorm.0 -
robertw486 wrote: »KT,
Another recent thread dealing with anxiety. I thought it might interest you.
community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10266629/success-stories-from-people-who-suffer-with-anxiety#latest
I just read it, thanks for sending me there! I love being able to read how other people have managed with their anxiety and what may/may not have worked for them.. I've been prescribed medication as of today so I'll be steering clear of the valerian root and melatonin0 -
vestarocks wrote: »Journaling before bed and cutting back on caffeine. These two are key for me. I have no trouble falling asleep but my anxiety wakes me up and keeps me up. I write in my journal before bed and if I'm up in the night I also write what's keeping me up (usually silly things - thanks anxiety). The caffeine one is brutal especially if you are sleep deprived and trying to function but I firmly believe it is a huge contributor to anxiety. Exercise helps also.
I may have to try this out!! I am the opposite though i tend to stay up to the silly hours of the morning and than sleep until midday.. I have stopped having coffee and energy drinks which has helped a little bit but my brain is always on thinking mode through all hours of the night
I read to shut off my brain. It can't be anything too exciting, aka a "page turner." Rereads are best because I already know what's going to happen. Jean Auel's books work really well for me - her long descriptive passages hold my attention while putting me to sleep. Passages with a lot of short dialog don't work as well - apparently my brain finds this jarring.
Getting exercise earlier in the day helps tremendously.
Warm baths are nice too.0 -
If I can't exercise, I can't sleep. End of story. Make that exercise as vigorous as you can safely manage. Good luck.
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kshama2001 wrote: »vestarocks wrote: »Journaling before bed and cutting back on caffeine. These two are key for me. I have no trouble falling asleep but my anxiety wakes me up and keeps me up. I write in my journal before bed and if I'm up in the night I also write what's keeping me up (usually silly things - thanks anxiety). The caffeine one is brutal especially if you are sleep deprived and trying to function but I firmly believe it is a huge contributor to anxiety. Exercise helps also.
I may have to try this out!! I am the opposite though i tend to stay up to the silly hours of the morning and than sleep until midday.. I have stopped having coffee and energy drinks which has helped a little bit but my brain is always on thinking mode through all hours of the night
I read to shut off my brain. It can't be anything too exciting, aka a "page turner." Rereads are best because I already know what's going to happen. Jean Auel's books work really well for me - her long descriptive passages hold my attention while putting me to sleep. Passages with a lot of short dialog don't work as well - apparently my brain finds this jarring.
Getting exercise earlier in the day helps tremendously.
Warm baths are nice too.
I agree with the reading part I used to do that when it was just sleeping being my main problem but now that my anxiety is quite severe my mind is in complete overdrive (Dr said that) but I really should try it again seeing as I'm an avid book buff0 -
goldthistime wrote: »
If I can't exercise, I can't sleep. End of story. Make that exercise as vigorous as you can safely manage. Good luck.
Yes my first day back is tomorrow so I'm going to get into some cardio to burn myself out and than do some light weights0 -
Does anyone have any tips for getting a good nights sleep.. I've tried drink herbal tea before bed, trying to go to bed early and eating a smaller dinner but nothing has been working. I think my anxiety might have a lot to do with it but living off 3-5 hrs sleep is becoming a burden!
Any tips would be amazing thanks
3-5 mg of Melatonin (Which I affectionately refer to as Mel) 20-30 minutes before bedtime. Also try turning off all the electronics 30-60 minutes before going to sleep, no computer, no TV, no pads or phone. Instead try reading a book before bedtime, the electronics actually increase your adrenaline which slows down your Mel production, while reading a book can increase your bodies natural ability to produce Mel.
These are all things that have helped me, good luck.
V/r,
DW.0 -
Does anyone have any tips for getting a good nights sleep.. I've tried drink herbal tea before bed, trying to go to bed early and eating a smaller dinner but nothing has been working. I think my anxiety might have a lot to do with it but living off 3-5 hrs sleep is becoming a burden!
Any tips would be amazing thanks
3-5 mg of Melatonin (Which I affectionately refer to as Mel) 20-30 minutes before bedtime. Also try turning off all the electronics 30-60 minutes before going to sleep, no computer, no TV, no pads or phone. Instead try reading a book before bedtime, the electronics actually increase your adrenaline which slows down your Mel production, while reading a book can increase your bodies natural ability to produce Mel.
These are all things that have helped me, good luck.
V/r,
DW.
Great tips thanks for giving your input I definitely still have trouble with not using electronics mostly due to using a kindle to read and having to check my phone for work shifts (my boss sends 12am texts) but I'm going to give it a go 0 -
exercise is great as it tires the body. anxiety is both for me. both anxious, restless body and a crazy brain.
i used lightening bug app, it's a white noise generator.
anxiety medication can help but it can take two weeks to fully work.
i've used sleepy time tea or other teas to help me sleep. i had one with Valerian. but i talked to my dr about it.
i used to take a muscle relaxer per dr orders but now i just take Melatonin with L-theanine. sometimes chamomoile tea0
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