Can't sleep because I'm depressed

[Stressed Guy]

I was just wondering if anyone else on here can't sleep because of their depression? Sometimes I stay up until 4 or 5 in the morning because I feel like a sad, lonely, depressed loser. Actually to be honest I've never been able to sleep until the early hours of the morning for over a decade now. I used to take circadin but my body got so used to it that it didn't work and I was still awake 6 or 7 hours after taking it.

I just wanted to say that my first post from a couple of weeks ago will tell you more about what I'm going through at the moment, if anyone wants to read it. It's on the suicidal thoughts thread, not this one (Just thoight I'd clarify that)

Also, has anybody got any tips on how to get to sleep earlier? I always feel depressed from midnight onwards when I'm lying in bed and I would rather be fast asleep than have these stupid thoughts swirling around my head.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Stressed Guy,

Thanks for your post and I'm sorry to hear you are struggling with sleep. It can feel so exhausting and frustrating when you can be so tired but can't quite fall asleep.

As someone who has struggled with serious insomnia - it's taken me a long time to get myself into a healthy sleep routine that works for me. It's not easy, because what works for me is going to be different then what works for you.

I really encourage you to have a look through this post here - there's lots of different advice and suggestions. The posts about CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) might be worth looking into more since it focuses a lot on swirling and unhelpful thoughts.

rt

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Stressed Guy,

Posting the link would probably be helpful! Sorry about that -

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/what-can-i-do-when-i-can-t-sleep-?actionMode=replyPost&postId=9ee8f2aa-f371-61bc-846e-ff0000e9d3fc

rt

[Mm8kids]

I can totally relate to you..and im sorry you are goung through that..its so tough wen u dont sleep..i wish i had some advice you but im in the same boat as u..im luky if i get a few hrs of sleep at night..its weird cause i want to sleep but im scared to cause i know i wil have bad dreams and if i stay awake my mind wont stop thinking.

[smallwolf]

Hi - I could get to sleep but would wake every couple of hours thinking about work things. It must be frustrating for you both....

The trick for me was emptying my mind before going to sleep. It could be a meditation, puzzle, both - whatever works for you. I would also have a app (recommended by my psych) on my phone that could plays different sounds to help me get to sleep as well. Some of this stuff comes under the heading of sleep hygiene. Other changes I had to make included no coffee after 4pm.