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Original poster

Please help me sleep. 20 minutes last night/this morning and feel awful 😖

94 replies

GnTx3 · 18/09/2023 07:32

Hi,

Simply, I'm absolutely desperate. I don't have young kids, I don't work shifts. I just can't switch off.

I've tried magnesium, pillow sprays, nothing is working.

Please help.

OP posts:
Original poster
GnTx3 · 18/09/2023 14:15

Regarding treating the anxiety, I have tried. I've had so much therapy over the years and I really do throw myself into it. I've been pretty reluctant to take meds, but I'll never 100% rule it out.

My heart is pounding so hard 😣

OP posts:
DrMarshaFieldstone · 18/09/2023 15:14

GnTx3 · 18/09/2023 14:15

Regarding treating the anxiety, I have tried. I've had so much therapy over the years and I really do throw myself into it. I've been pretty reluctant to take meds, but I'll never 100% rule it out.

My heart is pounding so hard 😣

You have seriously disruptive levels of anxiety and you are completely unmedicated? Gently, OP, you need to rethink this. You wouldn’t walk around on a broken leg.

Windthebloodybobbinup · 18/09/2023 15:28

Maraudingmarauders · 18/09/2023 10:09

I found cutting out caffeine completely made a big difference. I used to have one cup of normal tea a day, but I had to completely flush it out of my system to have an impact. Also alcohol would destroy any chance of sleep, even if only half a glass.

If ear worms are an issue try distracting your brain. I play word games, one that usually works is:
•think of a word, any word. Like "Monkey"
•for each letter of the word, you havento think of as many words as possible beginning with that letter, and younhave to visualise the item you are thinking of. So 'M' from monkey becomes - money, magic, magician, marijuana, malicious etc etc.
• if you duplicate a word or can't think of any more move onto the next letter (so "O")
Etc etc
I usually find I've dropped off by midway through the word.

The word games work for me too. My usual when I wake up at 230 with a buzzing brain is to choose a topic and go through the alphabet finding examples- ie bands beginning with each letter of the alphabet, people that I have met, food that I like, countries/cities I have been too. It can be hard at first as my brain insists on writing work emails but if I keep bringing it back to this I get back to sleep quickly. Hope it helps, insomnia is miserable.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Sleep
ShadyPaws · 18/09/2023 15:34

I haven't read the full thread yet but try the podcast called nothing much happens

BretonBlue · 18/09/2023 15:56

OP, with love, are telling us that you have severe clinical anxiety that is clearly untreated? I’m sorry but you do not need recommendations for podcasts and herbal teas. You need to see your GP.

AlanJohnsonsBeemer · 18/09/2023 16:13

You can get Phenargen from the chemist but you have to say it is for allergies or they won’t hand it over, and it really isn’t recommended for long term use.

AlanJohnsonsBeemer · 18/09/2023 16:16

I have just read your updates OP, I am sure if you can get your anxiety treated then your sleep will improve!

LostThestral · 18/09/2023 16:21

Pukka bed time tea can knock me out a treat & keeps me asleep quite well for the night.

Mynewnameis · 18/09/2023 16:24

Sominex is Phenargen. You can buy it. I found nytol much better for me though.
Gp might give you some zopiclone. I hope you made an appointment op?

OnAFrolicOfMyOwn · 18/09/2023 16:26

Another vote for phenergan, but be warned - it makes me drowsy for 48 hours if I have a whole one, so I usually cut them in half.

Inthemane · 19/09/2023 00:48

Sorry to hear you’re going through this. How is your GP treating the extremely heavy periods? Are you anaemic? That can cause some of the issues that you describe (racing mind, pounding heart etc can be anaemia symptoms and it could be affecting your sleep/anxiety).

lauraisa · 19/09/2023 00:58

Try putting in headphones and listening to a podcast. Set the timer for 30 mins and guaranteed you will be asleep before it ends. I listen to Dateline mysteries (I'm a psycho, I know lol) or GigglySquad. It's been a lifesaver!!

ShopoholicIn · 19/09/2023 01:57

I could have written this post op. Slept an hour last night and same today so tired all day that I have to have 4-5 cups of tea n coffee to stay awake.. but come night I am tired but so many thoughts And work stress that I can't sleep.

QuestionableMouse · 19/09/2023 02:44

Myth busters did an episode that found that even if you can't sleep, resting with your eyes closed has benefits... Often it's the pressure to go to sleep that keeps us awake!

Cakeandcoffee93 · 19/09/2023 03:06

I think the problem here is tackling your anxiety- a good book called panicking about panic is on Amazon that super helped me.
setraline is amazing- I’ve been on it 16 years on and off

greyhairnomore · 19/09/2023 04:03

@GnTx3 I'm exactly the same, I've had three sessions of CBT so far , I really can't understand it.
I saw this Doctors will be able to prescribe a nightly pill for insomnia https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12525007/Doctors-prescribe-nightly-pill-insomnia-NHS.html?ito=nativesharee_article-nativemenubutton

Squirrelsnut · 19/09/2023 06:19

Kirkland's Sleep Aid works every time. You order it from the USA.
Melatonin.
HRT if appropriate? It quashed my severe insomnia.

Nonplusultra · 19/09/2023 06:31

We got my autistic and adhd teen dc prescribed melatonin and it’s been incredible.

He had terrible anxiety, suicidal ideation, borderline school refusal and CBT etc wasn’t making any inroads.

Until I figured out that it was taking him hours to drop off to sleep - because of ear worms, intrusive thoughts, escalating anxiety.

Once we eliminated those hours of stewing in negativity by taking melatonin, everything else got a bit better.

Melatonin is naturally produced in the body as a sleep hormone. Taking it in pill form won’t keep you asleep like a sleeping pill would, put it helps you nod off.

There are ways to improve the sleep cycle naturally but in our case we needed a little boost. Exposing yourself to sunlight, outdoors, early in the morning and In the evening is important. Avoid bright lights and blue lights. Exercise, even just a short walk, and sleep and wake at consistent times.

Pinkflamingopants · 19/09/2023 06:34

If you’re really desperate and have only slept for 10 mins then you must take something tonight - night nurse, nytol - whatever. Once you’ve had one decent nights sleep then you’ll be able to tackle the issue for the longer term.

Minttee · 19/09/2023 07:14

My mum has awful problems sleeping. The one suggestion of thr hundreds I gave her that she found helped was Clary Sage.
She has a few drops in a bath or use as an essential oil and it really helps her sleep.
I tried it in a bath before and I barely made it to bed before I fell asleep.
She doesn't use it all the time but if the no sleep had gone in for a few nights it might help to break the cycle

Missingpate · 19/09/2023 08:27

Found this all so interesting! I could have written the OPs post at many times in my life, and I am also unmedicated. Ear worms, spiralling thoughts, all very familiar. I find it directly related to stress, esp at work, though sometimes it just seems to be random. Eating better, reducing caffeine and upping my exercise a lot has really helped me, and trying to be proactive about my stress levels,
really being strict with myself about clocking off / not thinking about work or working into the evening helps so much. Last time I had a bad night I got up, made a snack and had a hot drink, read for a bit and went back to bed and I did drop off eventually. I agree with a midday power-nap helping when possible, keep it short. I hope you get some rest, OP. Good luck

Original poster
GnTx3 · 19/09/2023 10:38

Thanks again so much for all your replies and advice. It's really helped me feel less panicky and desperate and more proactive and hopeful.

OP posts:
Deathraystare · 19/09/2023 10:45

Ugh I know the feeling. I am up several times in the night due to incontinence so I daren't take sleeing tablets as, otherwise I would drown in my bed!

Yesterday I was up every two hours. Talk about a Tsunami!!! I had been prescribed with a 'wee' pill and two other pills for something else, unfortunately the side effects are ...you've guessed it!

Original poster
GnTx3 · 19/09/2023 11:34

Oh, bless you @Deathraystare ! Really hope things improve for you.

OP posts:
andrainwillmaketheflowersgrow · 19/09/2023 11:39

Herbal sleeping tablets.