Anxiety and Sleep - going round in circles

[contrarymary]

I often have bouts of anxiety so bad that sometimes we go and sit in the hospital car park

I get stressed and tired but can't get to sleep so I lie in bed or pace the floor and this makes me for tired so I get more anxious and so it goes on

Its 3.30am here but can't sleep been awake since midnight been for a drive so now sitting in carport typing this. I need to sleep

I am 65 so perhaps just get overtired.

Have been prescribed sleeping pills but scared to take

Any ideas on how to get back on track

[Meg_611]

Hi,

I have been dealing with insomnia that last week or so!
I literally got zero minutes of sleep last night before I had to get up at 3:30am for an early flight! My sleep pattern and body clock are all out of whack from being on Xmas holidays!

maybe take half a sleeping tablet to get a good sleep. They are good, you need to allow yourself at least 8 hours to be in bed though as you may wake up feeling really heavy and flat.

have you considered some mediation or relaxing videos too watch before bed? Or in bed? There are lots on YouTube

lots of deep breathing helps. I also tell myself laying in bed being awake is still restful and that kinda takes the pressure off needing to fall asleep

[contrarymary]

Update yet another night of no sleep lying awake staring at roof. My partner thinks in all in the mind and I worry too much

my GP is away for 6 months so saw another one did all the usual blood tests etc all ok, need to try and relax more. Been listening to music to try and sleep regardless of what time I go to bed I always wake up at midnight and can't get back to sleep. If I stay up till midnight I can't sleep

now it is 345am and been awake since 1230am.

going to see another GP in morning will ask if he can refer me for some help

[Mouse42]

Hi!

I'm sorry to hear that you are still struggling with sleeping.
I have been dealing with insomnia for a long time have do have a strategy I learned not long ago that finally works.

The steps are.
- get comfortable and make sure you've don't everything you need to.
- turn off the lights if you can and limit the stimuli around you
- close your eyes and count backward from ten, breathing in and out deeply between each number.
- then count backwards from nine.
- then backward from eight.
- continue until you reach zero (I have gotten past 4 yet!)
- your mind with wander but when you realize it did, just take it back to where you last remember it being.
- remember not to rush and to breath deeply.

Sometimes I find it hard to make myself lie down and do it but every time I've fallen asleep pretty quickly. I hope it helps you.

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

A few threads that might help-

use google

beyondblue topic a good nights deep sleep

beyondblue topic anxiety, how I eliminated it

TonyWK