Will I ever sleep again?

[PoppyDotx]

Hi,

My dad passed away in March, he was my world we spoke everyday.

Since he's died I've had a hard time sleeping, with is ironic really as I have a 6 month old but he sleeps 9-8 - I just can't sleep, every time I close my eyes I see my poor dad in that hospital bed and then when I finally get some sleep I have horrible dreams like last night I dreamt he had dementia but was turning into this demonic monstrosity physically and I couldn't help him and it's just so horrific and I don't know what to do.

I just want to sleep again.

You will, but it will take time. I spent many nights downstairs watching mindless stuff on netflix. Camomile tea helped a bit. I was very poorly for the first 4 years after my son died, so I did sleep during the day sometimes. You won't be able to do that as you have a baby. I found back ground music or radio helped me to nod off. Silence is the worst.
I still have nightmares, but less frequently now.
I am so sorry for your loss.

My mum passed away in July and my sleep has also been pretty horrendous - I can bet through the day ok because I am kept busy. I dread bedtime and can only sleep when I literally cannot keep my eyes open any longer. Even then I jerk awake and waken early.

We went on holiday a couple of weeks ago and I didn’t sleep at all the night before we went. Think people think I am exaggerating but I didn’t close my eyes for second the whole night. This has happened a few times. The following day I don’t even feel tired - I mean I must be, but I think I function ok pure adrenaline at times.

At night I go over everything in my head, I picture my mum when she had passed. I just can’t help it.

I’m so sorry for your loss - you too @endofthelinefinally.

I was going to order some sleepy tea to see if that helped. I’ve never taken sleeping tablets and I’m not keen to start now so thought this might be helpful instead.

Sorry for the typos!!

I’m so sorry to hear this. Are you able to access any bereavement counselling at all? It can be so helpful just to have someone listen to your thoughts about it all. Other than that it’s just time I’m afraid. I’m always comforted when I think of lost friends by remembering that at least they’re now in peace, free of any pain from their illnesses.

It will get better but it takes time. You might try listening to podcasts or audiobooks. I find if I concentrate on one it turns my mind away from the grief.

I also had dreams and I still do, but much less often.

Some physical exercise in the day might help.

Sorry for your loss.

My worry about sleeping tablets is the associated nightmares and the hangover. I do find aromatherapy massage helpful.

I’m sorry for your loss.
Maybe you should see your G.P, you are going to be exhausted soon if you don’t get some rest.

I am so sorry OP, it does sound as if bereavement counselling would be a good idea.

Are you on your own, or with a partner?

I have occasionally used Zopiclone to help sleep, but it's hard if you're alone with a little one. I found it excellent to break the no sleep cycle when I was very stressed and anxious and couldn't sleep.

Have you talked to your GP about this?

Was just reading another thread about someone not sleeping and struggling. I have lost my dad too. The pain is horrendous. Have also realized that friends I had are not good friends at all. My relationship is shitty and my mind goes all over the place. Feeling really alone and lonely

Oh bless you. I have been like that so I sympathise. I don't sleep all that well now, woke up a little while ago hence being on here but I will go back to sleep shortly.

Your bereavement is very recent, it takes time to get over the death of somebody close but you will eventually, then sleep will return.

I am so sorry for your loss, it is heartbreaking, I am the same, lost my lovely dad in June, every night I relive his last few breaths, I can't seem to get it out of my mind. Then, when I do fall asleep, I jolt awake with a fright. I have no energy or motivation to do anything.

I lost myhusband last month and I just cannot sleep. I do sometimes take zopiclone (someone I know gives them to me) my nurse practitioner won't prescribe them but I'm desperate.

I do listen to audiobooks at nightt which helps to relax me but it has to be a certain type of narrator..or I can't fall asleep and it's usually enid blyton books lol. Very comforting.

I've got cbd oil to try tonight, hopefully will work although I'm not getting excited

EMDR? My aunt had something similar after my uncle died and said it worked well.

I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve experienced bereavements in the last couple of years. I find the Calm app really good. I listen to a sleep story every night and sleep really well. Also sanctuary sleep mist seems to help.

I really feel for you, OP. It's such a deep and heartbreaking loss. My brother died in April and it has absolutely crushed me. My sleep has improved but I really struggled to sleep at all for at least a couple of months.
I do something called yoga nidra guided meditation (Caroline Wirthle is the person I listen to on spotify).You literally lie in your bed or flat on your sofa with a blanket over you and fall asleep go into a deeper state of consciousness. It's just a full body relaxation and I do it daily (it's about 30 minutes- you can do it when you go to bed as well... it has really, really helped me to sleep better at night).