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I'm currently under a lot of pressure; looking for a new job and apartment etc, and the stress is erupting as anxiety and insomnia. Last night I went to bed at 10:30 pm, and at 6 am I was still wide awake! (It is currently 14:56 here, where I am writing from). I thought I'd give myself a break and called in sick. It's the first time ever I've had to call in sick for any other reason than 'physical' illness. I have strongly mixed feelings about it. Tomorrow I have a big job interview and I'm hoping I'll be able to sleep AND get rid of some of the anxiety before then.
Anyone other insomniacs here? How do you deal with it?
Hi Turis, Glad you have returned and reconnected. Sounds as if you have major changes going on in your life, so that your anxiety is understandable. I have had a minor bout with insomnia and have developed some patterns that work for me. I never nap during the day, stay up as late as 1 AM, take a warm bath before retiring, turn off the TV a half hour before I try to sleep, read al anon meditation and then go to bed It works well for me The later I stay up the better. I find I am then able to sleep through for 6 hours and for me that is a great deal .
Good luck on your job interview . Let us know how it goes.
Turris, I have bouts of insomnia, I have not found a way to "make myself sleep" and I do know for sure that when I become worried and try to force sleep, it is least likely to happen.
What I do on nights like those is resign myself to not sleeping, put on meditation music or sounds and be still and meditate; I find that is a more restful way to spend a night than tossing and turning and "wishing" myself to sleep. Quite often I do actually fall asleep during the process anyway but even if not, I am less anxious and upset after a night of meditation.
Best wishes with the interview!!
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If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see? (Lewis Caroll)
It has always helped me to read Al-Anon literature on topics like fear, faith or any step that usually applies to me when anxiety comes calling and knocks at the door of my consciousness and won't leave me alone. I also use the time I'm up as time to read inspirational texts or to write down all things that are bothering me - looking for what I can change, can't change, are responsible for and not responsible for - after asking for my HP's guidance and wisdom. That helps me sleep. If I can't sleep, then I just relax and do what seems reasonable to do when it is night and most of the world in my locale is sleeping. It also helps me to eat crackers, cheese or peanut butter and drink milk. For some reason, those items also help calm me and I can sleep after eating them.
-- Edited by grateful2be on Monday 10th of November 2014 09:14:06 AM
Oh also a few drops of lavender oil and a sprig of rosemary under the pillow, clean sheets and a shower or bath before bed are always a big help for me. I know we aren't meant to "give advice" in al-anon but when it comes to insomnia, all bets are off!
Recorded sounds like "rain on a tin roof" help me a lot also.
I have also read that anything that emits "blue light" such as computer screens (!!!) and those little stand-by lights on electrical appliances disrupt sleep so I often turn off all things electrical in the room including my phone and find that helps too.
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If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see? (Lewis Caroll)
I like the sleepytime extra tea by celestial seasonings it comes in a turquoise and white box. It has some natural herbs in it that make me sleepy...chamomile and valerian root. I also do not sleep during the day but I meditate for ten to fifteen minutes a day. I have a fan for white noise..if I get in bed and can't sleep I pray and usually can get to sleep. Good luck on the job interview ;)
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I needed these behaviors in my past they helped me survive I'm finding new and better ways to not just survive but thrive
Turris: I too suffer from anxiety & insomnia. Insomnia stinks! I have tried different methods to get to sleep. I don't think it is the best idea, but I have tried several sleep aids in my life. I have not slept too many nights w/o something. I recently had a really bad bout w/ insomnia due to a lot of stress in my life. It was of my own doing as I wasn't taking care of myself. I spent hours depressed & paranoid due to lack of sleep. But, I can around finally I think but I am not sure but prayer helped.
Me too.. but usually I do not sleep from stressand worry.
Meditate.
Tell yourself everything is ok.
Eye mask.. so helps $$1 store
Espson salt bath.
Free the mind
Think happy thoughts.
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I have hope that my next minute will be better and to learn from my last minute.
*raising my hand* I must read before I try to go to sleep...I also drink sleepy time tea, but the plain vanilla one (no herbs in it BUT in the past I have used Passion flower vine liquid in my tea.) my brain kicks in at night so reading helps to distract myself from all of my worries :) hope you get some good rest! Good luck on your interview!
Last night I went to bed at 10:30 pm, and at 6 am I was still wide awake! (It is currently 14:56 here, where I am writing from). I thought I'd give myself a break and called in sick. It's the first time ever I've had to call in sick for any other reason than 'physical' illness. I have strongly mixed feelings about it. Tomorrow I have a big job interview and I'm hoping I'll be able to sleep AND get rid of some of the anxiety before then.