Waking up at 02:00am every night- then stay ... - Sleep Matters

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Waking up at 02:00am every night- then stay awake

PositiveSurvival profile image

I'm under extreme stress and anxiety at the moment, due to personal issues.

I can get to sleep ok at about 10pm but then always wake at about 2am due to the anxiety and worry.

I'm then constantly turning over due to nervousness. Mistimed I'm in a cold sweat.

Anything I can do to get back to sleep?

Tried hypnotherapy / ambient music on headphones.

Would CBD oil help?

Don't really want to go onto prescribed meds.

Many thanks

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PositiveSurvival
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15 Replies

I need ambien to help me sleep, and when I was in the worst of my insomnia I needed an even stronger sleeping med and an antidepressant.a good cry also helps, it let’s out a lot of tension and stress, relaxed the body. I pray and cry a lot.

I have heard good things about CBD oil but have never tried it myself..

PositiveSurvival profile image
PositiveSurvival in reply to

Going to give it a go tonight.

in reply to PositiveSurvival

Oh please update how it works out!

PositiveSurvival profile image
PositiveSurvival in reply to

Will do. If I reply at 3am you know it doesn't work!

in reply to PositiveSurvival

I hope I don’t hear from you until at least 4am lol

I might recommend that you try some Bromelain... I use it in the middle of the night - It is natural (derived from pineapple core), and it takes a little while (for me like an hour), but then it gentles me down into sleep. Here's wishing you sleep and sweet dreams..

amymorison123 profile image
amymorison123

Before taking medicines, you can take some steps before sleeping.

1. Meditate after lying on the bed

2. Make all the lights dimmed

3. Keep your room cool

4. Avoid smart screens at least 1 hour before bed

5. Hide your clock before your eyes

6. Take a warm bath

7. Use essential oils

8. Put on socks

9. Don't drink caffeine at least 1 hour before bed

Try these and give me an update about its effectiveness.

amymorison123 profile image
amymorison123

You can also read out this article to know more about your problem. How uncomfortable sleep harms our health.

soundhealthdoctor.com/2018/...

muddlemand profile image
muddlemand

Anecdotal only - this is my personal experience. I know I have low iron, and can feel when it's particularly low. At those times I wake 2-3am and can't get back, full of fears and worries, that horrible jittery feeling. Now that I've worked it out, this is my signal that I need to boost my iron levels.

Also, it's known that everyone's blood sugar levels dip around that time of night. I am type 1 diabetic (since childhood) and very familiar with low blood sugars, how it feels and the "official" list of symptoms. Anxiety or panic is on the list, and very often when someone (with or without diabetes) wakes in the small hours filled with anxiety,, it can be to do wtih low sugars. The advice is a slow-acting carb snack at bedtime, eg a banana/apple or a slice of wholemeal toast.

From these two experiences, I am wondering if low *anything* can lead to the jittery feeling. Kind of makes sense that we'd have an adrenaline surge when the system is physically in need of topping up with anything (vitamins, minerals, carbs, whatever). I don't know if there's any research on it. Worth experimenting though.

Just noticed this was a month ago! Not sure why I just got the notification today. :)

Did CBD oil help you? I've looked into this, not tried it yet. You may need to build up gradually - I'm no expert obviously. It can make things worse if you start too quickly. Maybe you know this already. :) Most of what I've learnt is from a Facebook group called Simply CBD Users Support who are very helpful.

PositiveSurvival profile image
PositiveSurvival in reply to muddlemand

Thanks.

CBD oil didn't help. I know deep down that's it's severe depression & anxiety.

Hi. I get very anxious around bedtime because I don't know if I'm going to have a good night (I have RLS, a neurological disorder that generally acts up at night and can make the limbs go nuts). On of the things I use is Dr. Hauschka's Moor Lavender Calming Body Oil. I rub some behind my ears and on my neck and calm down very quickly. This is a must item on my nightstand.

amazon.com/Dr-Hauschka-Moor...

Also, have you tried Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or do you see a therapist? My therapist is great at helping me with my psychological issues.

PositiveSurvival profile image
PositiveSurvival

It's getting worse. Down to 2 hours now. This is too much to take. Went to GP today and got Tamazepam and Diazepam- hopefully break the cycle. I just want / need to sleep

in reply to PositiveSurvival

I had to break the cycle with Remeron. That and Ambien CR knocked me out finally. Then I was able to use just a little ambien. Also try magnesium, take an epsom salt bath before bed. Have you ever heard of Max Lucado? He has a book I listen to before bed called Anxious for Nothing. It is all about trusting that God is sovereign and He will work things out in our lives. Letting go of control and giving it up to Him.

Yes my whole life I have tried so many things and it just seems like my sleep cycle is stuck between 2 AM and 10 AM!

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