Can't sleep

[Jenzzie18]

Evening/morning all

Can't sleep this evening. Think the steroids along with my usual worrying and over thinking things is playing havoc with my ability to switch off. Anyone else having the same issue?

Xx

[Hidden]

Tip I was given to help with this when it occurs: start at 1000 and start counting backwards in threes: so 1000, 997, 994 etc. I have tried this recently and was surprised to discover that it did actually help

[WheezyAnne]

Hope you managed to drop off for a snooze at least. Yes, I have that problem now. I listen to audio books, or do some colouring for my cards. They both help relax me. If I am worrying about something, I write it down and then I can say to myself I can worry about it later, sleep now. I don't have a telly or a tablet in my bedroom, as I watch too much already.

Thinking of you, and sending a hug.

[Jenzzie18 in reply to WheezyAnne]

Thank you. Yeah I have bought a couple of good books and colouring etc thought I would give it a go. The joys of steroids I find it's not every night at least. Some nights I find it's the complete opposite. X

[Asthma-girl]

I have been having problems sleeping recently.

[Jenzzie18 in reply to Asthma-girl]

Sorry to hear that. Such a pain and I find really doesn't help my chest when I can't as I end up more tired. X

[ChrissieMons]

I wonder if you might look at longer lasting methods of dealing with worrying and overthinking: why are you such a worrier? It is a very common problem and it seems to me that the very nature of worry is that you cannot do anything about whatever the problem is! Writing down your worries really does help you to see them more clearly and the list is often not as long as you thought it would be. Mindfulness - concentrating on living in the moment - is very popular and there are lots of internet sites about it. I think the calming down has to begin at least 2 or 3 hours before you go to bed, to settle your mind. Warm bath and reading an unexciting book helps (that is, not one you are desperate to find out how it ends!) It is true that screens can keep you awake, so a printed book, not an e-reader.

Having said all that, I still find myself wandering downstairs at 3 am, just to change my thoughts. Cup of de-caff, read a bit then back to sleep. Sleepy music on the headphones works quite well.

Good luck!

[Jenzzie18 in reply to ChrissieMons]

Thank you. Yeah I find music helps too. I have a telephone assessment with a psychologist on Friday so hoping that might start the ball rolling with talking about things. I tend to worry I'm not doing enough for others and what people are thinking of how I'm coping etc! Hopefully Friday will begin to help and sleep will come even though the steroids seem to like prohibiting it. X

[Huntingdon66]

I've just had a course of steroids and hardly slept for 4 nights

It's mentally and physically exhausting and because I've decided to take out a grievance at work, stressful

[Jenzzie18 in reply to Huntingdon66]

A lack of sleep is so tiring. Hope you can manage to catch up and work sorts itself out. Such a worry. X

[Bucketlist]

Please don' t laugh! I saw a programme on the TV a few years ago, with a chap who said to get to sleep easily just close your eyes and repeat (in your head, not out loud) THE, the ,the,the, just this one word, over and over, it's hard not to let your thoughts stray, but after a bit of practice you can focus and hey presto, after a few 'the's' it's morning! As a total stress freak it's the only thing that works for me. Unless I'm coughing then I just get up and play Hay Day on the iPad, that soon sends me to sleep! Hope this helps!

Jos xx

[Jenzzie18 in reply to Bucketlist]

Thank you. I am willing to give anything a try!! If it works for you then it's worth a shot x

[Bucketlist in reply to Jenzzie18]

Good luck! Forgot to say that I picture the guy who spoke about it, actually saying it, as it was such a long time ago his face has now morphed into the chap who was in The Detectives with Jasper Carrot. Robert somebody......

Jos

[Jenzzie18 in reply to Bucketlist]

😂😂 excellent I shall picture that one too. Thanks. X

[Bucketlist]

I tried George Clooney, but that just kept me awake......