Over thinking and catatrophising

[Shreds]

Just been reading about how BI can cause the above and also cause insomnia. Have anybody experienced such matters during their journey back as a survivor?

[skydivesurvivor]

not Sonia as such but would be in bed by 9.30 & up at 4?!! Takes a long time to adjust to so many changes initially

[ipes2]

I still battle with lack of sleep. This is a problem as my brain needs to sleep so I don't have a day of confusion. I think that some of the drugs post TBI have a sedation effect. I went for gradual reduction and lots of youtube vids to help me learn to sleep again

[Leaf100]

Hi ShredsGetting stuck on thoughts is pretty common.

I tend to not be able to think about what I want when I want, the brain just kind of shuts down but then when it wants to process something I need to get done I will do it when the brain wants to - there is no forcing. So if that is 3 am well OK.

My sleep schedule is all.over the map and I don't bother trying all their sleep hygiene stuff because it made it worse.

I left my brain be boss and if nap at 4 pm is needed then I nap at 4 pm. I tend to have 2 sleep shifts, one in early evening. And another at late morning. I read somewhere humans used to sleep like that as a matter of course.

Healing occurs during sleep , so take it when you can get it.

By the world's standards I am an insomniac.

I have found I cam.get into a better schedule when I have less stress and a simple life. However my life is neither stress free or simple, so I deal with where I am.

I would also say cut out caffeine - coffee, black tea, greentea, chocolate - ya I know..

and alcohol.

Try things, like I tried Bach's night time spray and it helps. Some people find a dose of the nutrient GABA helps - it is an amino acid not one of the rc drugs with gaba in the name...

A dark room is also helpful. Maybe a weighted blanket.

For some delta waves on a meditation track.

Acupuncture- make sure they know you have a bi. Look for community acupuncture where people.are in chairs in a room - way cheaper and yes people.wear shorts or tees or roll up clothes so the needles can go where they need to and yes it works though it can be overstumulating for some... I can do it sometimes but not others.

And yes some of these also work for overthinking/brain keep rolling on.

If you find things that help, please share.

It seems a moving target.

Leaf

[PurpleOverlord]

Hi Shreds

Just this week I've realised that my brain is constantly 'overprocessing' everything. I don't notice it going on, but yes, worrying about food in the house, taking kids to activities, putting away laundry.... I guess they're the same thoughts Purple v1 could cope with no problem, but it's absolutely exhausting for Purple v2.

Two coping mechanisms for me are 1) watching tv - all entertainment, no thinking, and 2) walks out in nature - all beauty that makes me smile. A while back I learned to take note of things that make me smile, and then to look at or do those things more often.

This time of year is tricky. We're stuck in the dark for so much of the day, and the holidays have thrown our routine out of balance. I reckon a lot of people might struggle for a few weeks. Keep looking at things that make you smile as we walk back towards the light.

[Letsrock]

Hi Shtefs yes have insomnia as sleeping on coach but when goto bed cannot sleep, tossing and turning, head pain or either I sleep during day and awake all night due to head overthrowing or leg jumping.

[Rosebud66]

Yes, due to nonstop migraine for two years I lost ability to sleep. I still can’t, and with awful headaches it’s just terrible! So I got sleeping pills from the doctor but those have lost their potency, urg!

[MessyStressy]

Everyday for 13 years.