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Post by beemo on Feb 18, 2008 12:21:44 GMT -5
Has this happened to you?
I fall asleep, have a dream, wake up, turn over. This repeats all night long. It's been going on for over a week and I am exhausted. I'm sure it's just a manifestation of anxiety. I don't feel anxious during the day, and I haven't been having any anxiety attacks. I was stressing about the trial (March 10th), but then tried to push that away.
Any suggestions on how to get out of this cycle? I don't really want to take medication, especially sleeping meds since I have kids that need me in the night sometimes. I took some years ago, and had whole conversations that I had no memory of the next day, and that scared the crap out of me, so I quit taking it.
I had tried starting an exercise routine the week before last, then got a bad cold all last week and didn't feel like doing anything!
I'm just so tired.......thanks for listening.
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Post by taterfay on Feb 18, 2008 14:11:35 GMT -5
Valerian root is something they call "nature's valium"...It works pretty well for relaxing you and helping you sleep through the night (make sure you can get a good 7-8 hours of sleep, though!) It is an herb and doesn't make you feel groggy and out of it like sleeping pills do. I highly recommend that you go to a drugstore or grocery store and buy a bottle of valerian capsules. It is also good for anxiety in general.
I've also heard that it can be a good idea to do a little bit of journaling before you go to sleep. Write out any and every thought going through your mind (including anxieties about the trial, how you are currently experiencing grief, etc.)...Write it all down and I think you will sleep much better.
Good luck! I have problems with insomnia (or interrupted sleep) off and on and I know how tired it leaves you!
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Post by drewsmom595 on Feb 18, 2008 19:36:02 GMT -5
I have this problem off and on, too., since my Dad was murdered. I wish I could tell you that I've overcome it, but I haven't yet.
What seems to help some is to exercise early in the day, rather than at night. And try to limit your caffeine if at all possible. I ended up totally decaffeinating myself, which was excrutiatingly painful for me (big time headaches), but it did help some.
Don't try drinking yourself to sleep because that doesn't work. Alcohol only interferes worse with your sleep cycles.
Good luck!
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Post by tamècasmom on Feb 19, 2008 4:32:54 GMT -5
Ran across this article don't know if it works but it is healthy so therefore should not hurt.
Bedtime Snacks that Help You Sleep Posted Thu, Feb 14, 2008, 12:37 pm PST 77% of users found this article helpful. Post a Comment View All 106 Comments One of the best natural sedatives is tryptophan, an amino acid component of many plant and animal proteins.
Tryptophan is one of the ingredients necessary for the body to make serotonin, the neurotransmitter best known for creating feelings of calm, and for making you sleepy.
However, the trick is to combine foods that have some tryptophan with ample carbohydrate. That’s because in order for insomnia-busting tryptophan to work, it has to make its way to the brain.
Unfortunately, all amino acids compete for transport to the brain. When you add carbs, they cause the release of insulin, which takes the competing amino acids and incorporates them into muscle…but leaves tryptophan alone, so it can make its way to the brain, be converted to serotonin, and cause sleepiness.
Serotonin-producing bedtime snacks should be no more than 200 calories and should be eaten at least 30 minutes prior to bed.
Here are a few great ideas:
Bedtime Snacks for Adults
--6-8 oz container of non-fat, flavored yogurt topped with 2 tablespoons low-fat granola cereal --Sliced apple with 1-2 teaspoons natural peanut butter --3 cups low-fat popcorn – sprinkled with optional 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
Bedtime Snacks for Teens
--One cup healthy cereal with skim milk --Low-fat granola bar --Scoop of vanilla or strawberry low-fat ice cream Bedtime Snacks for Children
--1/2 cup low-fat vanilla pudding --1/2 banana with 1-2 teaspoons peanut butter --One cup skim milk with a bunch of grapes (or other fruit)
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Post by beemo on Feb 19, 2008 11:16:50 GMT -5
Thank you for all the awesome ideas! I can't wait to put them to work!
I am also praying for restful sleep and that is helping, too.
One day at a time...........
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Post by wordup on Feb 20, 2008 21:54:49 GMT -5
So beemo have you tried any thing yet for your sleep, Let us know how you are doing.
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Post by beemo on Feb 22, 2008 13:07:57 GMT -5
What I have tried so far is not watchjing TV right before bed. About an hour before, I read my book for 30 mins and then journal for 30 mins.
The journaling really seems to help clear the thoughts out my head before sleep.
It's hard to tell if it's helping yet because my daughter has been coughing most the night (she's 3, and of course comes and gets in bed with us!). So I've been ending up on the couch. I've tried rubbing vapor cream on her chest and giving her a teaspoon of honey, but I may have to break down and give her some cough medicine. I'm sure she isn't getting much rest either!
Thanks so much for asking! I'm going to try the "sleepy snacks" next - I just need to get to the grocery store!
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Post by cthewig on Feb 25, 2008 5:33:21 GMT -5
beemo, I have a lot of the same problems as you. I also struggle with anxiety. I am currently studying psychology and discovered something really interesting about myself though. Introverted people tend to be extremely sensitive to medications, caffeine, sugar, etc. I tend to be sensitive and defensive because of the way I grew up but my sensitivity isn't just mental and emotional. It is also physical. I discovered that if I stop consuming caffeine, sugar, any kind of stimulant by around noon then I sleep better.
I also recommend the book Attacking Anxiety by Lucinda Basset. This book helped me to realize that my anxiety is caused by my attitude and behavior. The book suggests ways of changing attitude and gaining mental and emotional control over anxiety.
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Post by taterfay on Feb 26, 2008 12:52:43 GMT -5
I totally agree with cthewig as well...I haven't drank caffeine in any form for years and years and I watch my intake of sugar even (including chocolate)...
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