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Exhauation and anxiety

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Posted 10/27/2014 6:57 AM (GMT 0)
Lately I have been so tired from being anxious all day. I can barely keep my eyes open at 10 o'clock. Yet when I get into bed I have anxiety to the point where I do or almost have a panic attack.

What is this?? I am so relaxed I cannt keep my eyes open then it's like my body attacks me when I drift off. Has this happened to anyone?
Posted 10/27/2014 1:05 PM (GMT 0)
I think it may because you are afraid to let go and relax thinking that the anxiety will catch you off-guard? Jon
Posted 10/27/2014 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi AJG25,

Yes, this is a familiar feeling. When my anxiety was at its worst, I used to fall into bed...just to lay there panicking...or to fall asleep and wake up shortly after in a panic.

Are you using coping techniques during the day, and before bed? If not, you should consider making this a daily practice. It will help to relax you body and mind...and the meditation/breathing will refresh you and ease the exhaustion.

Here are some good ones...find more in our complete Resources, main page, 1st thread.
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

 


In support!

Scaredy Cat

Posted 10/27/2014 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi AJG25,

I went almost 8 weeks without getting more than 3-4 hours of sleep a night because of Anxiety. I would lay in bed with a racing mind, but I wouldn't have too many issues falling asleep because I was soo exhausted. However I would awake in the middle of the night with a racing heart and shallow breaths. I eventually got to the point I could not sleep in a bed. I slept on a Couch for weeks. I started Zoloft about two weeks ago and I'm slowly working myself back to sleeping in a bed, although I still wake up and go to the couch in the middle of the night.
Posted 10/27/2014 5:04 PM (GMT 0)
Greyfox,

I do the same thing sometimes sleeping on the couch. I am never a sound sleeper but this last week has been particularly bad. Even if I'm not fully awake my mind is more active, like I'm in some kind of half-sleep limbo or something. I try to do deep breathing, positive self-talk, not look at light sources.

Jon, I think you're right about anticipating being anxious. When the night time anxiety started it completely caught me off guard. I guess I don't know how to reassure myself it won't happen when sometimes it's just completely random.

I tried a deep sleep meditation twice and both times I had to stop because I almost had a panic attack halfway through. I just didn't like the feeling or something, not really sure. The other night I was perscribed 50mg of Benadryl and even woke up anxious through that! Ugh :\
Posted 10/27/2014 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
AJG25

Wow guys! What is it with anxiety and sleeping on the couch? I have slept on the couch for the last 5 months so I can relate with you all!

My anxiety has kept me awake for 5 days straight before! I thought I was going crazy... Talk about exhaustion! I went to the ER and the doctor prescribed me Ativan and I slept like a baby that night!

I have learned how to relax my body at night with this disorder and you can too!
1). Cut out the caffeine and alcohol as these can keep you up and spike your anxiety.
2.). Don't eat past 6 or 7pm in the evening.
3). Try to stay away from fatty and spicy foods
4). Start winding down about an hour before you retire. Watch a movie or read a book - whatever relaxes you.
5). Consider sleep music meditation... Go to YouTube a d type in "sleep music" and you will find some great tools that will relax your mind while you are falling asleep.
6). Medication - benzos, seroquel, ambien, or melatonin all have worked good for me in the past. Discuss this with your doctor and he will better advise you.

Hope this helps a little. Keep us posted on your progress!

God bless

Cornell
Posted 10/27/2014 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
If you are new to antidepressants than a side effect can be drowsiness + insomnia, it sucks but eventually gets better.
Posted 10/27/2014 11:31 PM (GMT 0)
That is true Deborah! Didn't even think about that but you are absolutely right..... Great point!

Cornell
Posted 10/28/2014 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
Cornell, thank you so much for your suggestions! I will try those tonight :) I was perscribed Ativan but since have changed to Xanax and I honestly miss the solid sedation Ativan gave me. I know that sounds bad but jeeze sometimes its overwhelming!

Deborah, you're probably spot on. I just started an SSRI last week and my insomnia increased drastically.

Thank you both for your words of support and comfort!
Posted 10/28/2014 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
Good suggestions from everyone! I just wanted to say welcome and that I have been there too. There were times that I couldn't believe that I wasn't sleeping yet! Try the things Cornell listed.

And, the couch. I don't know what it is, but I sleep on the couch too. I have for months. I've been sick and my husband suggested that I should sleep in bed. I got super anxious just thinking about it, but he's right.
Posted 10/28/2014 7:54 AM (GMT 0)
So... Here I am again trying to sleep through the night. And failing.

Went to bed at 11. Did deep breathing and don't even remember falling asleep. Now two hours later I wake up with gnawing anxiety. Like a gut burning sensation.

Once again I can barely keep my eyes open yet no relaxation.
Posted 10/28/2014 11:38 AM (GMT 0)
Try to remember this is a temporary situation. Once your start up effects from the ssri start to curb, so will your insomnia. In the meantime, try napping. I know it's hard to fit in a nap in most people's day, but if you can, try it. You should keep your naps to 45 minutes, as not to mess with your nighttime sleep. I think most of us have had a sleeping issue at one time or another, so you are in good company. My issue is not going to sleep, but waking several times during the night.
Stay strong. You will be sleeping like a baby soon!
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