Hi guys I’m wondering does anyone have sleep issues due to their condition? For example I feel like when I don’t sleep well everything feels tighter and I can’t seem to unclench which if there is any advice on that I would truly very grateful. And there are more voices in my head (not literally) saying how I’m terrible at everything and I’m a sad little bitch boy who can’t do anything with his life. So how do you get to sleep with anxiety etc because I feel like I could be on the comfiest mattress in the world and I still wouldn’t be able to get fully comfortable. And even when I do get good sleep I feel like I’m some level it’s on a shaky foundation like why say it could slip and I just will have a terrible night
Anxiety & Sleep: Hi guys I’m wondering... - Anxiety and Depre...
Anxiety & Sleep
Hi Meyer.
I had trouble sleeping for quite some time due to my racing mind. I currently use a CPAP machine and a product called 'Serenity' from EUNaturals. It has Valerian, Chamomile, Melatonin, Passion Flower and a few other things that help me. There are many similar products on the market. I try to read before bed (something I enjoy, not work-related) and don't eat anything after 8 PM.
And I do still have bad nights, but they are not nearly what they used to be.
I have the mind racing and can't relax to sleep frequently. I try doing puzzles or word games, sometime sudoku or other things to relax before bed. I find it can help shut off the thoughts and relax me a little. Also nothing to eat or drink after 7. I've tried several supplements but got no real effect. Some nights I take a Benadryl and keep telling myself it's making me sleepy. I'm trying to learn more about mindfulness and meditation
Thank you for your reply I certainly will try the sudoku😊 I don’t really wanna take any supplements I would much rather it be natural (but that’s just me whatever works works) So has the no eating/drinking helped?
it helps with not having to get up during the night or right before I fall asleep to pee. That is some of the worst for me. I'd be just about asleep then be wide awake again with my mind racing. But you're probably younger than me and that may not be a problem lol. I do find that if I fall asleep then wake up I can't get back to sleep. I keep looking at the clock thinking if I fall asleep right now I can get 4 hours before I have to get up. That causes such anxiety I get no sleep and struggle through the day.
I’m sorry to hear about that I hope it improves for you soon. My father has a similar issue. My issue is getting to sleep at the right times it’s usually 2/3 until 11 in the morning so I think if I can pull that back I would be great! Thanks for your advice though if there’s ever anything I can do just drop me a message
I started taking Tryptophan (the stuff in turkey) before bed to help with sleep. I think it helped, haha? Always hard to tell what's making the difference, with everything else going on with me, heh.
Thank you for your reply I am glad you’ve found something that works for you unfortunately I have a phobia of taking pills😫
Oops sorry, I missed that in your other replies! I also do a progressive muscle relaxation exercise every night before bed. Again, who's to say whether this is making *the* difference, but I do feel very relaxed afterward.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=86HUc...
Note, it's 15 minutes, and I've really found that's the necessary length for me. I tried to cheat and do shorter ones, but they are not as effective i.e. I don't get relaxed enough for it to be worth doing.
Edit: saw your other response about meditation. I actually found this a good gateway to meditation, because it requires focus, but you are actively doing something.
For me, I find it way easier to get to sleep when I listen to something for a while so I'm not thinking and just concentrate on what I'm listening to. Often I listen to a positive audiobook or a nice podcast. I make sure it's something happy, light-hearted or funny so that I start to relax and focus on good things. I find that way I let go of whatever I was worrying about long enough to get to sleep. In winter I often have a nice warm cup of chamomile tea which helps me relax. I think it's just a case of trying as many different things as you can until you find something that works for you.
I can sympathize. I have had issue with sleeping for years where I get in my head and worry about not sleeping and then I of course don't sleep. It wasn't until recently that I have been able to sleep well. I started meditating every night for 30 minutes and take Remeron which at a low dose helps with sleep. It took me a couple months to feel the full benefits of meditation but now that I am in it, and feel the difference it has made, I will never go without it.
Thank you for your reply I’ve tried mediation but unfortunately I can’t focus long enough to feel the benefit thank you for reply though. I’ll keep trying with it. Good luck overcoming your challenges and you can message me anytime you need support
Thank you, and I found visualizing the best method for me. And listening to nature sounds on my phone. I also stare at a candle flame when I can't focus. As for visualizing, I started visualizing how I wanted my night and morning to go and I eventually created a new reality for myself. Good luck!
So do you get more than 4 hrs of sleep now?
Hi Mellowme I often do tend to get around 7-9 hours of sleep it’s just totally at the wrong time and very low quality which leads me to not sleep well at certain points like there is t a full month of good consistent sleep that I get if that helps to clarify
I've had sleep issues over the years. No question in my mind that mental state is equally important as physical factors. I stretch and meditate before bed. Guided meditation recordings are very helpful if you have trouble focusing. Lately I've been reading something inspirational for a few minutes before lights out. I'm always careful to make sure the red shift/night lighting is active on my tablet (blue screen light keeps you up). When I have trouble falling asleep, I try to make myself get up and do something rather than lying there tossing and turning. Take care.