How do you handle insomnia when it’s fueled by anxiety?

[NewToMe77]

My sleep was what I consider decent. A few hours of solid sleep, a 2-3am wake up, then maybe another two hours of sleep before my day would start. I was “okay” with it.

But then my beloved dog passed away Sunday and now I’m lucky to get two hours of sleep as the sensations felt from my anxiety present themselves with even more impact as I lie in bed hoping if I lie still enough for long enough I’ll drift back to sleep. Thirty minutes of sleep here and there, and then my day begins.

I’m scared this will become a habit as I’m learning how the lack of suitable rest is amplifying the anxiety that I was making my peace with before this trigger hit me hard.

[Jodziebear]

Hi. I am so sorry to hear about your dog, a big part of the family and they truly take a part of you when they leave. I have dogs myself and have experienced loss so my heart goes out to you.

I also suffer from poor sleep, anxiety and bad dreams. This is still something I am figuring out myself and i am currently on new medication (pregabalin) to help me stay asleep as I sometimes wake up and then remain awake. It has helped but i am still trying to figure out how to combat the worrying and anxiety while waiting to fall asleep so totally understand to a degree what you are going through.

ASMR videos on youtube have helped me massively, definitely recommended if you have not watched any before. I have also been completing small tasks before bed to help ‘declutter’ my head and stop me feeling so worried. Just little things, like cleaning something, i have also been reading again after stopping for a while.

Always free to chat if you ever need anything or just to vent! You are not alone, please keep us updated or if you find something that works i’d love to know. Take care xx