Posted by nightowl on July 24, 2007 at 19:35:30:In Reply to: 5 days of no sleep and counting posted by savetherain on July 24, 2007 at 16:59:13:
This reminds me of myself...exams can be a stressful time. I feel for you. If you just have the two days of exams left before summer, just hang in there. Remind yourself that it is almost over, you only have two days to go and then you will probably sleep like a log. Do some deep breathing, and breath out really loud for a few minutes until you are relaxed...try saying Ohhmm, it works. Try to meditate on a candle maybe. I'm sure we can all relate to a situation such as this. You don't want to take anything that you haven't taken before at this point, as you want to be alert for your exams. But if you have taken gravol or dramamine and know how you react on them, they usually relax me at least. And they should only last in your system for 4 or 5 hours. I hate to give that advice, but you sound desperate and I don't think one or two dramamine is that harmful. And they help the nausea. Also, ginger tea or capsules will help nausea and is relaxing to your stomach. I've also wondered how long it takes before I pass out from exhaustion, but I haven't yet. Adrenaline keeps us going until after the stress is gone. Just tell yourself that you have studied hard, and then tonight have a cut off time. No more studying after 11 or something. Make sure your bedroom is dark or wear a sleep mask. Also, you could try falling asleep some place different, on the couch, beside your bed on the hard floor, sleep upside down on the bed...it sounds weird but it worked for me a few times! You can also try the worst case scenario approach. What if you do pass out from exhaustion and sleep through an exam? I was late for a big University exam due to insomnia, they let me come in late and write it. No big deal. Or you go to your doctor the next day and said you had an anxiety episode and missed an exam, they write you a sick note and you go in and ask your teacher for a make up exam. I've seen it done many times before in University. I've seen people throw up in the bathroom before exams. In the big scheme of your whole life, this is minor. Put it in perspective. I don't know if my advice is the best advice out there. When you are done school, read some books to learn anxiety coping techniques. Best to get a handle on anxiety when you are young and before you resort to medication. There will always be some stressful event in life. Good luck.