Posted 11/9/2015 8:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi
I've had big sleep issues in the past, waking after only a few hours constantly, and anxiety stopping me from going to sleep. A couple of things helped me. Firstly I started doing Autogenic Training several times a day, I started out with Progressive Muscle Relaxation therapy and used tapes to do this several times a day. This helped to reduce my overall anxiety levels during the day and also helps regulate the autonomic nervous system and reduce stress hormones, allowing better sleep at night.
The second thing I did was have a worry time each day in the morning. Throughout the day, and at night if something was worrying me, I would write it down on a piece of paper and then leave it. Once a day, usually in the morning, I would get my list and then go through it and allow myself to worry about whatever was bothering me, and try to resolve any issues. Having a time when I could worry made it a bit easier to put worries aside when I didnt want to deal with them, because I didnt feel like I was ignoring them.
I would also add that waking up frequently after only a few hours even when tired is a symptom of depression, if you haven't looked for treatment for that I would advise you do so, because many people dont realise they have depression and just focus on the physical symptoms such as sleeping poorly. Addressing these issues is good but you also need to address the underlying depression either through therapy, self help or medicine.
Hope you feel better soon.