Scared to fall asleep coz u won’t wake up or don’t feel real

raq
Community Member

I get scared to fall asleep everynight because I think I’m not going to wake up or I’m going to be in a bad dream or something bad will happen, I also don’t feel real and get worked up and get to scared to sleep. Right now I feel butterflies in my stomach because I don’t feel real and scared I’m going to sleep and never going to wake up 

3 Replies 3

Mark Z.
Community Champion
Community Champion

Hi raq,

 

I'm sorry for your challenge. I'm not a professional, but it looks like you are experiencing anxiety about falling sleep. I can share what I've done to improve my own sleep quality.

 

Establish a bedtime routine is important. Create a relaxing routine before bed to signal to your body that it's time to sleep. This could involve activities such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing deep breathing exercises. Pick things that you feel relax. Make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleep. Keep the room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.

 

Also, limit your screen time before bed. The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with sleep. Try to avoid screens (phones, computers, tv) at least an hour before bed.

 

I used to go to bed at different times every day, only when I felt sleepy, and found it terrible. I started to realise that establishing a regular sleep schedule can help regulate my body's internal clock and improve sleep quality.

 

Regular physical activity during the day (not close to bedtime!) can help reduce anxiety and help better sleep.

 

If nothing works, and you feel you have persistent anxiety, it's important to consult with a mental health professional/therapist through your GP who can provide personalised advice, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT, which can be effective in managing anxiety and sleep-related issues. A therapist can help you identify and challenge any negative or irrational thoughts that contribute to your fear of falling asleep.

 

Hope everything will be better.
Mark

Ggrand
Community Champion
Community Champion

Hello Dear raq,

 

I’m so sorry this is happening to you….This also happens to me in the times I’ve been triggered….I can relate in a way to what your going through…

 

I agree with our lovely Mark Z, that if it continues to please reach out for professional help..


When I was hospitalised due to my mental health, I learnt about sleep stories..I put one on every night and listen intently to the peaceful stories that are being read to me…by listening to them, it’s taking my anxious thoughts and distracting them into something much more peaceful and calming…At times my mind will wander off the story and back to my anxious thoughts, I just pull myself up and start to listen to them again…I do fall asleep most nights before the story is finished…with my thoughts in the peacefulness of the story…

 

Maybe this is something that you might consider trying…I get mine on You Tube there are hundreds on their to choose from..I do hope you will  give it a try and get back to us and let us know how you went…..We also have a “Sleep” thread that has so many different ideas to try….

 

My kindest thoughts dear raq, with my care..

Grandy..

 

 

Aussie.Girl
Community Member

I'm sorry you have been experiencing anxiety about falling asleep. I have had similar feelings before.

 

Like Ggrand I also find listening to a calming story or music whilst I try to fall asleep helpful. There are lots of different kinds on YouTube or Spotify, or you could even try listening to an audiobook if you prefer.

 

I also find it helpful to have my dog/s sleep in the bed with me as I trust them to wake me if they feel something is wrong, but I am unsure if this would be possible for you. 

 

I hope you find something to help you relax and get some sleep.