sleep struggle

[E2021]

Hey .

Has anyone got any ideas to help me sleep?
I continually wake at 1-2am and cannot go back off .
I'm struggling with anxiety really bad at the minute and I just don't know what to do .

What do you usually do when you wake up?

I know I shouldn't but I go on my phone. Which doesn't help . But I do that to take my mind off the crazy thoughts I have . Worrying over silly things constantly

Sorry, I thought I replied last night.

I get in my phone, too and that makes it worse. If I try to read a book instead I’ll fall asleep again. If I have one bad night another will often follow, too. I wake up around the same times.

I started praying whenever I woke up when Covid started. I was just so anxious and that really calmed me down. If you believe in prayer I recommend trying that. It was nothing structured, more casual.

Do you sleep alone or with a partner?

Shower to relax your muscles

No mobile, better telly or books before bedtime

Reduce caffeine or smoking

Magnesium

Chamomile

Adjust temp in your bedroom optimal for sleeping

Massage by DH or DP if possible

Cuddle with pets

Regular, healthy meals

Hydrate. Reduce before bedtime

If stressed out, try to not overthink before bedtime as more thinking won't solve your problems

While mobile works wonders for distraction, it also amplifies anxiety and stress. If distraction is needed, take a break from your mobile and try radio, telly, podcasts and such

I don’t know your life stage, but at the beginning of the year I had dreadful sleep problems, heart palpitations and anxiety. I had had insomnia occasionally before but never anxiety or palpitations. My GP gave me a low dose of an antidepressant called Mirtazapine and I can honestly say it was incredible for my sleep and the anxiety. I am 43 so there is a possibility it was linked to the perimenopause for me, but it could also be because of a relationship breakup and my obsessive thoughts around that. Either way, it worked for me. If you’re really struggling it might be worth a shot.

FYI, my sister who is a pilot and doesn’t really believe in depression or anti-depressants (she and my mother think people should just pull their socks up, grrrr) was also prescribed this same medication for sleep problems and found it helpful.

My doctor prescribed me an antihistamine,think it was called Phenagen not sure about spelling but it was a night time one that makes you drowsy it worked for me. I was under a lot of stress so couldn't sleep. Also writing down any worries before bed can help too let them go from your mind. Good luck hope you get a better night.

Thanks all , everyone's advice is appreciated so much !

I am 32 , and my anxiety is just getting worse . I haven't wanted to try medication however I feel like I have got the point where I need to now .

I work full time and have two young children so it's terrible when you don't get a full nights sleep

I'm going to try and leave my phone alone an hour before bed too and see if that helps . Fingers crossed .

TYSM