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Original poster

Night time anxiety

24 replies

susan82 · 21/08/2019 00:28

Hello, apologies if this is in the wrong place.... Just wanted to post in the area for the most traffic...
Anyone else experience night time anxiety? Currently having racing thoughts and feel panicky! Exhausted and need sleep but fee unable to do so at the moment.
I've had a very stressful past few months, I don't know if I've burnt myself out, I do feel like I'm run down. I'm a worrier and an over thinker which does not help!!

OP posts:

ThePhoenixRises · 21/08/2019 00:32

I do, if I don't manage to get to sleep by 11pm, so I already know I am in for a bad night.

MoaningMinnie1 · 21/08/2019 01:25

Yes, it does happen, always has for me. It passes though. I find watching telly helpful - it's as if I only discovered TV a couple of years ago! I have The Waltons on at the moment, gives me something to think about other than myself.

LonelyTiredandLow · 21/08/2019 01:51

Yup, the lack of sleep makes it worse too.
Reading sometimes works for me, but depending on the anxiety I can only read certain things which might not help the root cause!

Agree with pp, Netflix is a godsend but also can encourage bad sleep patterns. Ditto wine

If it goes on for over 2 weeks go and see your GP. You don't want the lack of sleep to make you worse and anti-anxiety meds are good for sleep. Saying that I took myself off mine because I was too sleepy...and other side effects. It's a toughie!

Find your triggers and tackle them if you can. It's usually about lack of control in some way shape or form.

Good luck.

Aquamarine1029 · 21/08/2019 01:54

How old are you?

Lovingmylife · 21/08/2019 07:03

Yes me..not all the time but when I do, I have to avoid anything remotely negative so no TV in case it's violent, no books etc. Otherwise it plays on my mind for no real reason. I get agitated and feeling of anxiety, being hot etc. I find playing cards helps to switch my brain away from those feelings. It's always worse if I'm overtired and just need to sleep.

eyeoresancerre · 21/08/2019 07:11

Have done for the last 2 years. Think it's my age - late 40's. I rush awake with a pounding heart and feel anxious about everything and anything. I read that their called "Adrenalin surges".

JMAngel1 · 21/08/2019 07:20

Yes definitely me but I've solved it by taking Ashwaghanda at night - it's amazing and also keeps me calm during the day around DDs - perimenopause here too.

LazyFace · 21/08/2019 08:10

I second Ashwaganda. I went through a stage of waking up in the middle of the night, thoughts racing, worrying etc.
But when I took Ashwaganda, I still woke up but managed to stay relaxed and go back to sleep easily. It can have a side effect of headaches though.

ceebeejeebies · 21/08/2019 08:33

I have this, I'm thinking of taking a magnesium supplement, it's supposed to help with anxiety and sleeplessness.

JMAngel1 · 21/08/2019 08:37

I take Magnesium too but would say ashwaghanda is more beneficial.

ceebeejeebies · 21/08/2019 08:53

@JMAngel1 I'll give both a go then

eyeoresancerre · 21/08/2019 13:46

Think I'll nip to the shops to try it. Does anyone have a preferred brand? I had a look on Amazon but would prefer a recommendation. Thank you

Original poster

susan82 · 21/08/2019 23:36

Thank you so much for the replies.. @Aquamarine1029 I'm 37

OP posts:

Original poster

susan82 · 21/08/2019 23:36

Magnesium is supposed to be great, I'll definitely get some to try!

OP posts:

Aquamarine1029 · 21/08/2019 23:42

Hi op. At 37, you may very well be in the beginning stages of peri-menopause. Peri is a stage that develops and lasts for years before menopause, and it is very often overlooked by ignorant gp's. Do you have any other symptoms that are causing problems?

i.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/113666670/perimenopause-lead-up-to-menopause-very-uncomfortable-and-poorly-understood

Aquamarine1029 · 21/08/2019 23:43

Btw, taking magnesium has helped me immensely, too.

KronksSpinachPuffs · 21/08/2019 23:50

Yes I get this too, not every night but frequently enough.

I have to distract myself until I'm quite tired, if i go to bed when I'm not particularly tired then my mind races and I panic about anything and everything.

If I do go to bed earlier than I need to then I'll read my book or go on mumsnet or read the news or something. I try to stay off social media tho as theres something about looking on Instagram late at night that makes me feel like my life is inadequate and it makes me feel worse.

I'm actually thinking of getting a TV for the bedroom so that I can have a bit of background noise as we dont currently have one up here.

I've heard weighted blankets can help too, I'm thinking of getting one.

namechangedforthis1980 · 21/08/2019 23:52

My anxiety is definitely worse in the evenings. I feel it's because I have less to do so more time to think?! I think I might give magnesium a try!

DishingOutDone · 22/08/2019 00:00

I have horrible anxiety at night time, its like I am going to have a stroke! Never heard of using these supplements so wonder which would be best to try first - that ashwaganda sounds exotic - apparently the name means "Smell of a Horse" ....

Dippypippy1980 · 22/08/2019 00:08

I have been there. Why are the nights so tough - and when you get into a bad sleep routine it gets worse.

I either couldn’t sleep or woke at 2am feeling anxious.

I found distraction helped. Going downstairs and watching Tv - not rubbish but something complex and gripping. And for some reason buttery toast. I usually got back to sleep after this.

Things never seem as bad the next morning,

ThelmaDinkley · 22/08/2019 00:11

Hi can I ask what ashwaganda is and where can it be bought please. I’m interested in it. I’ve got awful anxiety and insomnia at minute. Just want something to help.

nonicknameseemsavailable · 22/08/2019 00:44

I go through phases of it yes - definitely not unusual from talking to other friends too.

Try the magnesium sprays you can buy - they do seem to help.

Also if you can reduce or cut out sugar and caffeine you will probably see an improvement.

eyeoresancerre · 22/08/2019 07:43

Dippypippy - buttery toast and tea is exactly what I've been having at 3am to get me sleep again. So comforting along with the radio - works within the hour.

Elitay · 22/08/2019 08:34

Morning, hope all you fellow worriers got some sleep last night ! Anyone else get anxiety belching ?? Mine is so bad at the moment - i am sure i am going to worry myself into a stomach ulcer !!

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