Hello everybody
It sounds like a lot of us are struggle with insomnia or night time panic or anxiety? I do. A lot. Sometimes just as the sun starts to set I start feeling anxious. Apprehension for what the night will bring.
So for about 2, 5 weeks I was experiencing severe insomnia and anxiety. I would fall asleep and then immediately wake up again feeling nauseous and anxious.. That would repeat for hours. Generally around 2am, when that adrenaline producing cortisol hormone spikes/resets for the next day I would be crawling in my skin till about 4/5am. Then sleep till 8am ish. I felt so tired and emotionally drained. Can anyone relate?
I was not practicing meditation or relaxation up until then. I was doing the breathing exercises and generally using distraction methods. That wasn't really helping to much in the middle of the night.
I found something that seems to be working. It's a free App I use. It's called Stop Panic and Anxiety Self Help. It has these articles you read to educate and rethink the anxiety, audios to listen to help with relaxation, mindfulness, meditation and basically rewiring your anxious brain through Cognitive Behavioral Theraphy. It also has a diary which is really uselfull to log your anxiety/emotions and then it takes you through steps to reach a more positive outcome. It also helps to track your anxiety so you can be more aware or triggers etc.
I've been practicing everyday. Morning and evening. Listening to audios and visualizing what the narrator is describing. I feel a lot better. Less anxious. I'm sleeping more and falling asleep easier. I'm also using a herbal supplement for insomnia. It contains L-Theanine, Passion Flower, Magnesium, Chamomile, Phosphatitydilserine & Magnolol. I drink it at night with a meal. Also I have stopped consuming alcohol at night. Generally no booze later than 6pm. Oh and I've cut down my sugar intake even more. (Obviously I don't drink coffee).
I don't know if this would work for everyone but I thought I should share incase it works for someone.
Try the App. Cut down on the sugar and alcohol. Take a herbal supplement for sleep and get some exercise. Something easy like walking or yoga.
I wish you all a safe, healthy, happy and peaceful NY.
<3