Anxious sleeping

[ronnie1234]

I normally sleep fine. But I find if I have s big day, event or night out planned, the night before I can't get to sleep, keep waking, wake early.

It seems the more I want a good sleep the more I have a rubbish sleep.

Any tips or advice?

 

[shazney22]

am stalking this! I am in a similar situation lol except ave nightmare neighbours and live in a rubbish place so some nights its hard not to worry and just relax and sleep

 

[ronnie1234]

Do you do / take anything to help you sleep?

 

[shazney22]

no dont think anything would really help me sleep do you? I know I should really find something though

 

[Captain]

I can totally relate! The night before my gender scan I slept for maybe 30 minutes, we found out three weeks a go now and I still feel like I haven't had a good nights sleep since! I really try to wear myself out during the day, like do lots of walking or something so I'm just shattered by bed time.

 

[seoj]

Very common for anxiety to kick up at night- in bed... the one time during the day we can just relax and think of the days events (or events to come). I know for me, watching TV helps. I know it's not "recommended" by the experts- but it keeps my mind off other things- or else I can play them in my mind and have trouble sleeping. I do stay off my phone though- not sure why the difference (for me personally)- but being on my phone keeps me awake, but listening/watching TV doesn't. I eventually pass out! When I lived alone I would put the TV timer on and fall asleep that way... I know right?! Reading is also great- but with a LO in the house, and a hubby, it's not always realistic for me to have that alone time long enough to actually be able to read for very long!

Sorry it's not the best advise- if you like to read, I'd recommend that. But there are over the counter (natural) sleep aids you can buy and try... my hubby loves Melatonin, but for me I don't. I can't use some of the others- so I found an herbal blend that works... it also helps calm my mind. I don't use it often- but when I'm in a bad sleep cycle- it helps for a few nights to get me back on track

 

[meg_bellamy]

My sleep is definitely affected when I am anxious. I used to have really bad insomnia and took medication to help but saw a sleep psychologist and now don't take anything. Still every few months I will have a sleepless night caused by anxiety. having an active/ racing mind before bedtime makes it worse (worsened by going on the computer right up until bedtime).

I would agree with the above poster that watching TV does help me go to sleep (not in my bedroom though). It makes me relax. Like watching a funny sitcom. Then when I feel sleepy I go back into the bedroom. If you are tossing and turning get up out of bed and watch TV or do something boring like ironing til you are sleepy again, then go back to bed. It breaks the tossing turning cycle and your mind will stop associating bed with feeling anxious.

Finally just try and give in to it. Stop trying to go to sleep. Just think to yourself well you may not sleep but you are resting anyway. Tomorrow night you will get a good sleep. For me it lasts 1-2 nights then I am back to my usual 8-9hrs a night. So reminding myself that it will pass makes me relax and then I do end up getting back to sleep.

Good luck , I know how you feel