HELP! I need sleep advice.

[Corgi86]

I posted yesterday that I’ve recently had a breakdown which has left me with terrible anxiety. My ocd is also rising but I keep on trying to use the tools I learned in therapy. As of now the only thing that has put me to sleep has been Ativan. Do you all have any suggestions/ tips on how to sleep without having to use a benzo. I’m practicing good sleep rules but I’m still wide awake which makes everything worse the next day? Any advice? My psych can’t see me until next month and I don’t want to end up inpatient but if I do oh well. I’ve been on Ativan before and weaned off of it. It’s hard to do that,which is why I’m hesitant about it.

[Hidden]

Hi Corgi - I don't want you to feel ignored, but I don't know how to help you with sleep. I don't usually sleep that well myself, and I am not a professional who knows how to help you. I'm very sorry. If I knew how to help you I would. I did say a prayer for you. I hope you find the exact help you are needing.

[Corgi86 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your prayer friend. That means more to me than you know

[Hidden in reply to Corgi86]

You are so welcome.

[dbeck128]

Never had many problems with sleep. And if I did I always took a benadryl or nyquil? I'm not telling you to do that. But that's always worked for me. Sometimes my anxiety messes up my sleep schedule too, it sucks.

[NWOntario]

I’ve REALLY focussed on improving my sleep hygiene this past year and it’s paying off in spades. For me, the key has been a consistent bed time and awake time every day, weekends included; 8-1/2 to 9 hours in bed; no screens after 9; and no fluids after 8. There’s also an app called Slumber that I use when I’m travelling. See if those work!

[Balthazar]

Hello. You can see a pharmacist as to which meds are non- addictive and safe. Obviously using the lowest dosage is what I do and when needed.

Also a qualified herbalist may help at some point.

I take supplements like magnesium, valerian and rhodiola. These are helpful when I am fatigued from exercising for example. There are experts available that can help. ( hopefully including a family doctor).

Good luck!