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Worry about sleeping.

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Posted 8/31/2014 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
I worry about everything, but especially my sleep. I go to bed at around 10:30, and if I'm not asleep by 10:45, I panic. There are nights where I dread bedtime, because I worry I'll have to take a melatonin pill. I need help.

Post Edited (Longhornsfan42) : 8/31/2014 3:08:00 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/31/2014 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
And what is wrong with taking a small dose of melatonin? Lack of sleep causes more anxiety the next day.
Posted 9/1/2014 1:21 AM (GMT 0)
I'm worried the melatonin will stop working one night.
Posted 9/1/2014 4:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi LHF and welcome!

It sounds as if you have had a long time struggle with insomnia, and now it has become somewhat of an anxiety issue for you? ;(

I am sorry to hear of your worries. I too have trouble sleeping from time to time, and the night time is an extra challenge when feeling anxious...

...you know that you have to sleep, and yet, the more you think about it...the harder it is to relax.

What other methods have you put into practice for a restful night?

Do you practice coping skills when you are feeling anxious?

I have a few ideas that I can share...but it would expediate things if you can give me an idea of what has (and hasn't) worked for you.:)

Post back, and I...and probably other members will be able to make some suggestions!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/1/2014 4:56 AM (GMT 0)
I used to fear not being able to fall asleep all the time. It was so rough, but eventually you just get through it. Some nights might take a lot longer than others. Once I was up till 5 a.m. and was so panicked, but panicking did no good at all. Your body will fall asleep when it's ready.
Posted 9/1/2014 8:03 AM (GMT 0)
I have chronic anxiety (ergo the time of this post)

I guard my sleep because it's incredibly precious for me and I don't like anything to get in the way.

There's no reason to think the melatonin will stop working (it's a natural hormone in your body to begin with), and if it does, they make other formulations and strengths.

There are also sleep aids if need be.

You can try going to bed a little later, when you're actually tired.

Using self-help skills to lull you to sleep.....sound therapy, visualization,...sometimes I take sleep meds, because.....they work for me. But I can't beat myself up over it.

My general "trick" to falling asleep is counting 1-100 over and over..........and over again. Sometimes I make a whole lot of those counts, but eventually I think I either lull (or bore?) myself into sleep.

Once in a while, sure I'll have a sleepless night. Can't always be perfect.

But hey, we do our best, right! :)










M.
Posted 9/1/2014 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
I've been sick since Saturday. I still have a fever, and I only got 3-4 hours of sleep last night.

I can't go to a doctor, because they're all closed since it's Labor Day.

I'm worried about the melatonin, because I've heard people say that it will stop working after a while. Though, I've been taking it for 4-5 years, and it still works.

Last week I had trouble sleeping 4 nights. I'm not sure, but it might be my Daytrana patches, because on Wednesday and Thursday, when I only wore half a patch, I slept well. But I'm sleepy during the day with only half a patch.

I have gone from staying up all night once a month, to staying up until 1-2 in the morning every other month, to going to sleep at 12-1 once every two weeks, to going to sleep at 11-12 once a week.

Last night and Saturday night, I woke up at 5:30. I was also wide awake Saturday night, but that could have been because I had a fever.

I also have ADHD, and take ADHD medication.

I'm just so miserable right now.

Post Edited (Longhornsfan42) : 9/1/2014 10:41:23 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/2/2014 8:46 AM (GMT 0)
If melatonin stops working, there are other forms and strengths.

Many meds have the potential to stop working or peter out after a while. IF that even happens, cross that bridge when you get to it. There are alternatives. I can't see stopping something now that's working "just in case it MAY stop working at some point in the future?? Counterproductive.

As I'm sure your doc told you, do not take your ADHD meds after roughly 4pm give or take as that can affect your sleep.

There are many other ways to help you with your sleep.











M.
Posted 9/2/2014 1:16 PM (GMT 0)
I only slept one hour at a time last night.

I woke up at 2:30, and wasn't able to go back to sleep.

I don't know, I'm just not that tired in the evenings.

Am I an insomniac?

Post Edited (Longhornsfan42) : 9/2/2014 8:02:31 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/2/2014 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
LHF.,

I am so sorry you are still sick.:(

I think that this is contributing a great deal to your sleep trouble!

I have had certain illnesses, where even though you feel rotten and tired...sleep just doesn't come easy. (and makes for the longest night ever!!)

I do think that things will get easier for you once you feel better...

...which I hope is soon!

Hang in there.:)

S.C.
Posted 9/2/2014 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
I've decided to make a sleep diary, so the next time I go to my doctor, I can show it to him and maybe solve my sleeping troubles.
Posted 9/2/2014 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
Excellent idea!!

...oh, and have you tried/heard of Binaural Beats/sound wave therapy?  If you are interested in info...let me know.  My daughter and I  have both used this method for sleep/relaxation.

S.C.

Posted 9/2/2014 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
Never heard of it. What is it?
Posted 9/2/2014 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
It is basically a theta wave, that works to induce sleep patterns in the brain.

Here is the youtube link. You can also download it as an app. Listen while you are trying to fall asleep.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l13TSFrNgM

It worked well for my daughter. I tried it and still had a little trouble falling asleep during a particularly bad bout of insomnia...but I did at least feel completely relaxed about still being awake!:)

S.C.

Posted 9/2/2014 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
Should I see a sleep specialist?
Posted 9/3/2014 2:29 AM (GMT 0)
couple of things

not sure if you work and have worries of not being rested enough to go-if so I feel your pain
What I do is instead of panicking I tell myself- OK you're not going to sleep but just lie here and rest your body- give your body the rest it needs. I just lie there still- I think i fall asleep but I dream I'm awake all night

If you don't work- I have a suggestion. When I was out on disability leave and having insomnia-due to high doses of prednisone I just took it for what it was. I got out of bed and read a good book I got out of the library. Or watched an old late late late movie. I turned it into something fun instead of dreading it. I dozed off during the day. Who cares when you sleep?

I wish you peace.
Posted 9/3/2014 1:17 PM (GMT 0)
I've taken a melatonin every night since Friday. Am I going to become dependent on it?
Posted 9/3/2014 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
LHF.,

I think if you need the Melatonin, then you should simply use it, and not worry about a dependency, or whether it will stop working or not.

Like Merrida mentioned above...it is something that our bodies make naturally anyway...and taking it as a suppliment is simply a boost to what we need to have a successful night's sleep.

Are you also helping your own natural circadian rhythm by turning off devices (t.v., computer, phone, ect...) at least an hour before bedtime?

I think that managing your anxiety would go a long way in helping you to sleep. You seem to have a lot of worries/concerns that may be affecting you and your stress levels.

What are you currently doing for anxiety relief? How can we help to support you?  If you can respond to the suggestions above...whether or not you have tried them...rather than moving onto to asking another question first...this will help us.

I also have some questions for you...

Are you a minor?  If so are your parents aware of your anxiety, and are you in the process of getting help?

If not, would you like direction on how to get started for treatment?

I will be happy to make some suggestions for you...but it would help to know what you have, or are already tried.  Please let me know specifically so we can help you best.:)



S.C.

Posted 9/3/2014 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
They know about my anxiety.

Do you think my sleeping troubles, at least this week, are because of me being sick?

I've taken them every night for the past 5 nights. Will I be unable to sleep without them?
Posted 9/3/2014 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
LHF.,

Good to know, so you are a minor living at home?

What are you doing to manage your anxiety? Have you sought the help of a doctor? Have you consulted with a therapist?

That would be my recommendation. We also have these self-help ideas to help lower your overall stress/worries.

Give them a try everyday, and see how you feel in a week. I think they will make a big difference all around...and help with your sleep.



Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

 

S.C.

p.s....and yes, as I mentioned in my previous post...I do think that your illness is contributing to the sleep issues, and is temporary.  I hope that you are feeling better soon!

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