Why do I have anxiety when falling asleep

[lordstanley71]

Hello .

New here . I joined because I am having trouble falling asleep . Especially feeling trapped when I close my eyes. At first (10 seconds in , i am good ) I'm ok . Then i start feeling trapped

Lately . I use my cell to watch a movie to fall asleep to . It works . But if I wake up (can be from 1 hour to 4 hours in) , that's it , I'm done . Awake with the same anxiety to fall back asleep .

I practice throughout the day keeping my eyes close (using the breathing technique counting to 10 breathing in and out ) . No changes . But I will continue practicing .

[Agora1]

Hi lordstanley71, Welcome to our support site. Falling asleep and staying asleep

has to do with releasing the stressors of the day before going to bed. Our subconscious

mind holds on to every detail of the day, never turns off and doesn't know the difference

between good and bad thoughts and actions. When we fall asleep, that part of our mind

continues to play every episode we went throughout the day. It's like reliving it all over

again. So it's not unusual to wake up only to find ourselves in a state of anxiety.

Some of the methods I have found to help is to turn off all internet/cellphone devices. It

confuses the brain into thinking it's daylight. No caffeine before bedtime. When going to

bed, I make sure my room is a cool temperature, slightly darkened and quiet. This is going

to be my space for the next 8 hours or so. I put on my earbuds and listen to meditation/deep relaxation tape while I deep breathe myself into a completely relaxed state.. Falling asleep within moments. Should I wake up during the night (and I do) I don't allow my mind to start wandering but keep my eyes closed, sink into the mattress and continue in a blissful sleep. If I can't then I once again turn to my headphones.

After a night's sleep, immediately upon awakening for the day, you may experience butterfly feelings, fear of the new day, new challenges waiting for you. Before getting

out of bed, once more listen to meditation and do deep breathing for about 20 minutes.

Do not stay in bed longer than that. Midafternoon, do another 10 minutes of meditation

and deep breathing rather than taking a nap. (it will help regenerate you without disrupting your night's sleep. By using meditation and deep breathing 3x a day, you

will interrupt the cycle of the subconscious mind. Eventually it will accept the positive

feedback that you are giving it.

I hope this helps some. Meanwhile, I am happy that you are here with us. xx