Sleep

[Separatedandabitsad]

I’m not getting much — no kids to blame, just a heavy heart and spiralling thoughts.

Sleeping tabs aren’t the answer according to the doc but what is?

I’ve sleep hygiene tips coming out my ears but I am exhausted.

Thanks for reading.

Nhs here to and I do feel the constant quick switch between night and days is a factor. For example I worked my 3rd night last night and finished 8am this morning and my next shift is today at 8am.
I struggle with insomnia anyway so have no advice sorry op. I have many prescription meds but because of my job they leave me incapable of performing safely. Just wanted to let you know you're not alone and it sucks

Ditto

My brain just won't switch off.
Ritual of drinking chocolate and electric blanket to relax.

It's dreadful
Have uou been to see you GP?

you

your

God see what lack of sleep does

Would you take Nytol One a Night or Boots own brand of it ?
Just occasionally.

What are the whirling thoughts?

Try writing them down, journaling to get them out of your head.

Have you tried Kalms (or similar) they work for me.
Also earplugs, ambient music, weighted blanket & sleeping alone.

@Separatedandabitsad

I’ve never taken anti depressants and am beginning to worry that I need them ...

I’m not sure if they’d be a good idea though as I have addictive tendencies and I’d be afraid I’d never get off them. It’s so hard to know what to do though to calm my mind.

Anti-depressants (SSRs) are not addictive, although they do have some annoying side effects and require supervision when you are going on or off them. Speak to your GP. I found them very useful in the short term, and experiencing life without anxiety gave me some insights that have been helpful long after I have stopped using them.

Weighted blankets are a good tip, that's true :)

Just my 2 pennies, but I would try the sleeping tablets and ignore the docs advice, for now. Lack of sleep is horrific, and although sleeping tablets are not ideal, getting some sleep would be a priority for me - especially as you say you've tried everything else to no avail.

Pharmacists can give out pretty strong sleeping pills, so maybe try him first if you don't want to wrangle with your GP? Then you could decide what you'd like to do going forward when you're not so tired x

You mention you have sleep hygiene tips coming out your ears, but what is your routine in the hour before bed?

I’m a crap sleeper, I’m also a mardy twat if I’m tired, great combo.

I don’t use any screens in the hour before bed, I also don’t have caffiene after 12pm.

An hour before bed I take melatonin, I also do things that aren’t overly stimulating, play piano, listen to a podcast, read a book (but nothing majorly thrilling), do a puzzle etc. I also have a worry book, I use this to off load and write down anything thats niggling in my mind. My bedroom is always cool, my blinds are blackout and my bedroom is for sleeping, not for watching TV etc.

Thanks for taking the time to write tips. I take Nytol sometimes which helps but it gives me lucid dreaming pretty much all night long sometimes ... I’ve heard weighted blankets are good — thank you.

As for the routine, I have let the screen habit slip, so I’m glad you pulled me up on that one. I’m going to invest in an old style alarm clock this weekend & leave my phone downstairs at night! When it’s beside me, I can’t resist looking at it.

As for my thoughts, I sometimes go over things I’ve said & done with deep regret & then get in to things others have said & done & I feel injustice & anger. I dont think that negatively during the day!

The thing is after a few Terrible nights, I usually have a great night’s sleep which makes me think it’ll be ok but it’s been going on for years.

What I’ve tried: an eye mask, sleep tea, Nytol, other anti-histamines, journaling, reading, getting up at the same time every day, no napping, no caffeine in the evening, I don’t usually earplugs anymore as I’m afraid I’ll sleep through the alarm & as above, reducing screen time is a major area for development!

I need to find a way to make peace with the past. Someone in another thread says she uses the mantra, ‘I did the best I could with the resources I had.’ I tried it last night & it really works for things I did but I was blamed in the wrong twice as a child for things I didn’t do and it still bothers me that people think the ‘wrong’ thing of me.

I’ve been seeing a therapist for a good while but have reduced it greatly due to Covid.

Thanks for reading. I’m grateful for your input.