Insomnia Forum Posting

Posted by Rachel on August 12, 2002 at 10:20:19:

In Reply to: discouraged posted by Helen on August 12, 2002 at 05:29:43:

Helen,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure your anxiety and sadness is contributing to your sleep problems. I would think it is normal to have sleep problems after such a loss. However, the sleep deprivation itself probably is causing some depression. Many times it helps my anxiety to find something fun to do if I can not sleep. It is hard to find something more fun than sleep when you are sleep deprived but it takes the edge off being awake. Hot bubble baths are fun to me and so are video games. These are things I usually don't take time to do in a normal day. Try not to focus too much on the sleep restriction. I like to think of it as just going to bed a little later and getting up at the same time. Being too rigorous always made me more anxious. When I am in the bed and I am sweating and can't sleep and I feel that I am a bundle of nerves, it helps me to just recognize that this is anxiety. It is a simple response in my brain to fear of not sleeping. In a little while, the chemicals in my brain that are causing this anxiety will calm down and I will feel better. It doesn't help me to try to force myself to calm down but rather let the anxiety come and then let it go. Everyone is different. The "Anxiety and Phobia workbook" has helped me a lot with this. Also, turning on a CD of relaxing nature sounds and sitting in a big comfy chair beside the bed usually helps break the tension. I hope you find some rest and I am so sorry you are having to go through this.

Follow Ups:

• Re: Re: discouraged Helen 15:13 8/12/02 (0)

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