Trouble sleeping

[birdlover18]

Hello, I’ve never posted on here before but thought I’d get some thoughts. Lately, I’ve been very anxious when it’s time to go to bed. When I’m dozing off/half asleep, I will occasionally jolt awake gasping as if i was holding my breath with my heart racing— this does not happen in my sleep otherwise. Also, If I’m suddenly woken up in the middle of my sleep (by my bf or pet) i am become EXTREMELY anxious, waking up thinking of every life stressor I didn’t think of when awake, and my heart begins racing. I also have frequent nightmares and my bf tells me i wake up yelling for my mom (she’s deceased) or crying. Additionally, I wake up frequently throughout the night (physically feeling okay) and I also wake up extremely early daily on my own (from 5-7am). I have a history of OCD which causes severe anxiety, but I’m not sure if this bedtime anxiety paired with physical symptoms is common? How can I stop being so anxious before bed/while i sleep? How am i anxious while sleeping??

[kittenkisses91]

Hi! It sounds like you might have night terrors. My sister has them and she wakes up every night screaming. To help myself sleep I use a weighted blanket. I think it’s 25 pounds and it just puts pressure on your body (I like the weight on my chest especially to help calm my racing heart). I find it really soothing, it helps me fall asleep faster and stay asleep. I hope you feel better soon!

[birdlover18 in reply to kittenkisses91]

I’ve heard abour weighted blankets, I really should get one they sound like they work miracles. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one whose heart races at night, I was starting to worry I had heart issues but realized my heart never acts up if I’m occupied and not anxious. Thanks for your insight!!

[MariaLove123]

You might want to look into an anxiety medication to take before bed. I take melatonin 9mg every night. It definitely makes me very tired and I’ll sleep the night. I used to have very bad night terrors where I’d either jolt awake screaming or crying or sometimes I’d literally throw myself off the bed. I realized I had recently dealt with something very traumatic so my body was filled with it. It might be a good idea to see a therapist that specializes in trauma. You obviously recently had something very traumatic happen. So it makes sense what’s happening to you. Also, I was put on nightmare medication and it worked the first night. I’ll write you tomorrow with the name. Just relax and know this is temporary. Tonight, either get the melatonin or make some tea. No sugar or eating a big meal before bed either. That can cause nightmares too. Good luck hunny 🙏🏼💜

[birdlover18 in reply to MariaLove123]

I used to take vistaril before bed but sometimes it would cause my heart rate to go up a little bit like into the 110s so I don’t take it anymore since it makes me feel uneasy. I’ll check out the melatonin in the mean time, also did not know they make medicine specifically for nightmares that sounds like something I need!! Thank you 😊

[MariaLove123 in reply to birdlover18]

I hated vistaril. I’ve been on a lot of anxiety medication and I hated vistaril the most. So maybe another anxiety medication. But this could be stemming from your recent loss. Therapy is very important now. I’ll definitely get you that name tomorrow. I wish you a good night sleep and sweet dreams 🙏🏼

[Hidden]

I take ambien, sometimes Xanax. Magnesium oil on the feet. Fall asleep listening to a sermon by Charles Stanley.

[birdlover18 in reply to Hidden]

Magnesium oil, I’ve never heard of that I’ll look into it!

[Hidden in reply to birdlover18]

Yes I love the oil on the feet, or you can use it in a bath. Very relaxing

[MomLeslieM]

Have you tried some relaxation music or trying to relax each part of your body before you fall asleep? That might help you relax before bed, or a warm bath. Try not to spend time online/on your phone within at least a half hour if not hour before you're going to go to bed too. Melatonin should help you fall asleep quickly too as others have suggested! I hope you're able to get some better sleep - it's so hard to function when we're tired!

[birdlover18 in reply to MomLeslieM]

Baths are very therapeutic for me, taking them before bed might help!

[Ajrea2]

Good morning! I've been experiencing the same exact thing. I fall asleep and jolt awake gasping for air and disoriented. And then I'm scared to go back to sleep. Night time is my most anxious time of the day. My psychiatrist upped one of my nighttime meds so I'm hoping to get some relief. Just know you are not alone!

[birdlover18 in reply to Ajrea2]

I have to ask about nightmare medicine, I never knew that was a thing! Hope you feel better soon 😊

[Ajrea2 in reply to birdlover18]

It's definitely a thing! I would absolutely ask your doc about it!