Stress / sleep

[gemini45]

I'm struggling to sleep due to stress
There are multiple reasons for stress, threatened redundancy (husband) elderly parents' needs, work as teacher dealing with the stress of many others. I'm at breaking point, already on sertraline and propanalol but I can't stop my mind racing and keeping me awake. I have tried audiobooks music meditation etc
It's driving me mad

I found cutting out caffeine and alcohol was a game changer for me. Giving up the caffeine was rough at the start but I felt like it regulated my system and I didn't have that jittery feeling during the day and I fell asleep deeper and easier. I also found the concept of monkey brain helped- that at night it's your primitive 'monkey' brain trying to problem solve rather than your clear headed self. So when I start worrying about things I tell myself that a monkey can't solve this so it will need to wait to tomorrow. It sounds silly but it helps me reign the anxiety in. Also just practising good sleep hygiene, good routine of bedtimes/ pre bed self care and no screens for an hour before bed when I'm struggling. I also listen to rain noise which helps me get over. Going walking during the day helps me as well. Would you be open to going for counselling? I will say i found it made things worse for me initially because I was focusing on things but it helped me long term. I also had to try a couple of counselors before I found one I was comfortable with so don't be afraid to try a few out until you find the right fit. If you work as a teacher do you need to take some time off sick that would run you into the summer holidays?

I can't stop my mind racing and keeping me awake

Have a look at this video;

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Thanks both. I've had counselling before and am actually trained as a counsellor too! It just sprang up on my. I've also realised I took my hrt patch off and didn't replace it! Only had it a few weeks and wondering if it is actually working! I wasn't convinced about menopause but thought I'd try anything and finding my bones a bit sore.
So patch back on and I feel much better today despite the stresses still being there. Will consider the tips in the video for tonight if I'm not sleeping and definitely think some counselling will help.
Thank you!

If I skip my HRT patches my sleep is the first thing to go out of the window, quickly followed by my stress levels.

Didn't even think about it but makes sense! I guess the patches are doing something after all!