sleep and ocd

[molypo123]

I have religious ocd, and have worked a lot on my ocd. But the one thing I can’t find a lot of resources is about sleep. Many books talk about sleep and I have read countless books, and I even take melatonin to help. I do meditation at night so I can fall asleep peacefully. But this don’t stop the torment.

what happens to me during stage 1-2 of sleep is quite tormenting. If I am about to sleep, I’ll have incredible amount of bad thoughts. Yes, I know to just ride the waves. But it’s hard if I’m in a very vulnerable stage of sleep. How do you fight ocd if you’re attacked in your dreams or even stage 1-2 of sleep?

There is some research but nothing that tangibly helps, or has helped me. Does anyone relate? If so, what do you do to combat this issue?

[SCC1]

Hi. Have you tried sleep apps? Or white noise? They can lull you into sleep, and some work quite quickly. Some white noise sounds can actually keep you asleep. I'm not sure which ones, but if you google "white noise", there are a lot of sounds to choose from on youtube or other apps.

[SCC1]

I wanted to add, that a weighted blanket might help, too. The blanket puts the right amount pressure onto your body and calms you and makes anxiety lessen. If you'd like, you can google "weighted blankets for sleep". There's a section that says something about "4 ways a weighted blanket can help". Something like that.

I hope this helps a little. I have heard only good things about these blankets.

[molypo123 in reply to SCC1]

thank you, yeah I have one of those. I got really hot at night with it. But I probably should keep trying. Thank you.

[WilliamG]

I never had disturbing thoughts while trying to get to sleep, but I suffered from terrible nightmares that would wake me up two or three times a night. They were awful and made me fearful to go to sleep. The dreams often dealt with religious themes (demons, hell, the devil, etc). My psych finally decided to put me on clonadine (a blood pressure pill) and I rarely have nightmares anymore. It’s been a blessing. Hope you find relief soon!

[molypo123 in reply to WilliamG]

thank you, yeah that has also happened to me too. Like bad nightmares, that’s good to know. Thank you

[Fusebox]

I have been on meds for sleep, for years now. My issue was trying to stay asleep! Many days going on 3-4 hours of sleep. They are not habit forming, and no side effects. My psychiatrist prescribed them. Possible idea?

[molypo123 in reply to Fusebox]

yeah, what has helped you. I’m up for ideas. I tried Lexapro low dosage . I stopped since I was feeling better. It’s just the sleep issues now. So hard.

[Fusebox in reply to Fusebox]

the meds I use are zoplicone and quetiapine. both on low dosage scale. I was at one time on a high dosage of zoplicone, and it produced sleep walking. dosage now is 3.75, and works great. I also like the idea of night noise machines..they work very well.

[virgotherapist]

I'm sorry this is happening to you! I'm interested in learning more about this as well. I have night terrors and my therapist and I think they're OCD related.

[Sallyskins]

I had a phase where I was afraid to go to sleep because my dreams were so vivid - I thought that if I didn't go to sleep until I was absolutely exhausted, then perhaps I would sleep more deeply and not remember the dreams.

Dreams can be distressing and I'm afraid that OCD does follow you into your dreams. But it appears that it's the brain doing work while you're asleep - as though each day leaves a lot of mental filing to be done, and dreams occur while your brain is sorting out your mental paperwork and putting it away properly.

I'm sure that you have heard the phrase 'sleep on it' - often the brain will come up with a solution in your unconscious mind, particularly after a sleep.

Try to fill your day with pleasurable activities. It gives some nice stuff for the brain to sort when you're asleep, as well as the nasty OCD stuff. Exercise can help - it doesn't have to be a workout at the gym - going for a nice walk can be as good or better. It improves sleep.

There is the Sleepio website - it has a lot of information and helpful tips. Try googling them.

[molypo123 in reply to Sallyskins]

yes! This exactly! I literally will stay up till 3-4am, there were times I just stayed awake. I know it definitely makes ocd worse. So I just take melatonin.

It has to be the most tormenting thing I deal with. I know I’m not alone. You’re right, like the brain is doing crazy things. I will keep working on this. Thank you for your reply.

[Hidden]

Going to sleep at night is not a problem for me as far as my OCD is concerned. So I cannot provide any advice. I am so exhausted that night time is a break from the OCD. I am sorry I cannot help you.