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Original poster

Sleep anxiety… anyone experience it?

15 replies

dingotoo · 17/08/2023 18:04

Last night I worried so much about not getting enough sleep and being tired for work, that I was up until 3:30am. I worry if I don’t sleep I won’t be safe to commute to work as I’ll be too tired to drive. This anxiety about getting enough sleep maybe happens one night a month so kind of infrequently.

I think it was about that time judging by the light levels - I don’t check my phone as if I can see the time is getting later I feel even more worked up.

I’d literally laid awake in bed for four hours just worrying about it and unable to switch off. I used to worry about getting enough sleep as a child and teenager, but it’s never really bothered me as an adult (and there’s been times when I’ve had next to no sleep and been fine!)

Lo and behold after a coffee today I’ve been fine, after probably only 2.5 hours sleep.

Does anyone have any helpful tips to get over this? Thank you

OP posts:
Original poster
dingotoo · 17/08/2023 19:14

Bump!

OP posts:
calmcoco · 17/08/2023 19:21

If ever I can't sleep I just get up, watch some TV, try again later. I think it is really common to be unable to sleep occasionally.

I find staying in bed doesn't help!

Original poster
dingotoo · 17/08/2023 19:25

calmcoco · 17/08/2023 19:21

If ever I can't sleep I just get up, watch some TV, try again later. I think it is really common to be unable to sleep occasionally.

I find staying in bed doesn't help!

Getting up makes sense but I just know if I saw the time it would worry me more! Maybe reading would be a good idea or something

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RandomMess · 17/08/2023 19:27

I have to watch TV or listen to a podcast.

Sleep anxiety is a very big issue if you happen to suffer from it!

I8toys · 17/08/2023 19:27

My whole life. I've started listening to sleep meditations and they help me to clear my mind and focus on something else.

Original poster
dingotoo · 17/08/2023 20:59

I8toys · 17/08/2023 19:27

My whole life. I've started listening to sleep meditations and they help me to clear my mind and focus on something else.

Thank you. It’s hard isn’t it

OP posts:
Original poster
dingotoo · 17/08/2023 21:00

Mine centres hugely around, if I don’t get enough sleep what if I can’t drive to work because I won’t be safe to drive if I’m tired. Which is a bit bizarre I guess. I can’t rationalise with myself either as it’s 12 miles away and I’d have to get 3 buses, it would literally take hours.. so driving is the only way

OP posts:
givemecoffeee · 17/08/2023 21:12

I8toys · 17/08/2023 19:27

My whole life. I've started listening to sleep meditations and they help me to clear my mind and focus on something else.

I second this. I have had this problem for what feels like forever too - I have headspace on my phone and listen to meditations/sleep stories. Hoping this will help you too.

ExPreschoolTrustee · 17/08/2023 21:17

I used to really struggle with this - worrying and worrying and keeping myself awake all night because of it

But then - I started to try and change my mindset - if I am awake all night - I know that I can still function the next day, albeit with a lot of tea/coffee

Then I will sleep the next night

So when I have an anxious night, I get up and either read or potter for 20-30 mins. Then try again or just admit defeat and watch tv
Often I'll go back to sleep but if I don't, then I can often get quite alot of life admin done

MegaClutterSlut · 17/08/2023 22:05

Me 🙋 I feel the anxiety build throughout the day and it gets worse the closer to bed time it is! I cover all clocks as that makes me worse as I work out how many hours sleep id have 🤦‍♂️

Tbh not a lot helps me as I get so worked up and tight chested. I do try listening to sleep stories and wear a sleep mask so I can't see it getting light outside

amicissimma · 17/08/2023 23:04

My mum used to always say not to worry about actually being asleep, the main thing is to lie quietly and let your body rest. With hindsight, she was probably hoping to help us avoid exactly what you describe.

She was also a nurse and very aware that patients who she had watched sleeping soundly for most of the night would wake up and say they had hardly slept at all. So you might be sleeping more than you think. Sometimes I think I've dreamt that I was awake and tossing and turning.

kaymc3 · 17/08/2023 23:09

Yup!! I have to put Friends on and lie with my eyes closed listening to it. I also never ever check the time because like you it makes me worse

Eyesopenwideawake · 17/08/2023 23:09

amicissimma · 17/08/2023 23:04

My mum used to always say not to worry about actually being asleep, the main thing is to lie quietly and let your body rest. With hindsight, she was probably hoping to help us avoid exactly what you describe.

She was also a nurse and very aware that patients who she had watched sleeping soundly for most of the night would wake up and say they had hardly slept at all. So you might be sleeping more than you think. Sometimes I think I've dreamt that I was awake and tossing and turning.

Saved me typing! When do we get the chance during the day to lie down and do absolutely nothing for 6-8 hours? Just enjoy being comfortable, quiet and having nothing useful to do. If you sleep, regard it as a bonus.

TrayBaker1955 · 17/08/2023 23:11

Wow I’ve just realised this is what I have. I thought it was just awful sleeping.

i do these things:
melatonin
go to bed later so I’m shattered
exercise in the day
listen to podcasts or tv with a sleep timer. Tv needs to be something I’ve watched before.

I don’t get up and out of bed because that makes it worse for me. A podcast with a sleep timer works most of the time.

Iloveanicegarden · 17/08/2023 23:20

Meditation is hard until you've learned to discipline your brain so it doesn't wander off down a rabbit hole. One trick I've used is to imagine going up in a hot air balloon and passing through layers of soft fluffy clouds, As you pass each cloud put one of your problems on it and continue sailing upwards, leaving problems behind as you go. Listen to the sounds of birds, smell the air and drift along enjoying the view. Look down at the clouds and problems and they seem so small. It works most of the time. Good luck

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