Anxiety affecting my sleep

[SilentSinger55]

I have been having a LOT of trouble sleeping lately. I take melatonin to help me sleep and normally it really helps but lately it doesn't help at all. I struggle to sleep for hours (it probably doesn't help that it's summer and my air conditioner is broken...) and the frustration of it all leads to horrible panic attacks that can last up to an hour. Once I do fall asleep, I am up and down and tend to not be able to get out of bed until later in the morning. Does any one else struggle with something like this? If so, what seems to help?

[Straight]

Yes. I have to take meds to help me sleep. But there are things you can do to help your sleep patterns. Look up sleep hygiene. Lay off all caffeine. Little to no screen time before bed. No food or drink 3-4 hours before. And yes a cool room is best for sleeping. Meditate if your mind is racing.

[Agora1]

Hi SilentSinger, my daughter has this sleep issue. From her experience, I can tell

you that it doesn't take long for medications to stop working for sleep (including

melatonin) Having a hot muggy room is not conducive to a good quality sleep.

Sleeping in short spurts doesn't allow your mind and body to regenerate because

you don't go into a restorative REM sleep. Because you stay in bed until later in

the morning, your sleep cycle is off.

There are many ways to improve your sleep as well as prevent those panic attacks.

Eliminating chocolate or any caffeinated drinks. An hour before bed, turn off any

electronic devices and do not go to bed with your cell, playing a game or scrolling

hoping to fall asleep. (it won't happen) Lower the lighting in your room, if your A/C

isn't working, at least have a fan to cool down the room. Do not take a nap in the

afternoon and do not sleep late in the morning.

Try using a quiet meditation before sleep every night. It may take some time for your

mind to get use to a regular routine but once it does, you should be able to avoid taking

any sleep aids. Of course, if this continues, please consult your doctor to see if a sleep

study may be important. Sometimes there are physical conditions that can cause sleep

deprivation but since you are only 16, I believe it's just a matter of getting your sleep

cycle back in sync. I wish you well Silentsinger... xx