This is a bit odd, but I'm curious...

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This is a bit odd, but I'm curious...

Posted by eegads on June 29, 2001 at 01:44:23:
Hi. I am a 28-year-old female with what I believe to be an unusual problem. I have a lot of trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. I know this is caused by anxiety, but here's the weird part...the anxiety is about sleep. In other words, I am so worried about not getting enough sleep that I can't fall asleep!
This all began a few years ago when I was diagnosed with TMJ (dysfunction of the jaw joint) and an inner ear infection all within a few months of each other. Since then I have suffered from balance problems as a result of inner ear damage and the dislocated jaw joint. As we all know, lack of sleep will make anyone a little off balance. In my case, it makes me feel very bad because my balance is less than perfect to begin with. The problem is I hate feeling like that to the point that I worry excessively about it. The end result...can't sleep and feel worse. I know how important sleep is to me, so that makes it near impossible for me to sleep peacefully. I know this sounds stupid, but it's like I feel pressured everyday when I try to sleep. It's almost like I'm trying desperately to pass a test or something. "Have to get 6 hours or more or I won't be able to function...blah, blah, blah..." That's the kind of thoughts that go through my head when I'm lying in bed.
Now, this may sound even crazier, but has anyone ever considered battling the sleep problem a different way? I know there is no alternative for sleep, but is there anything I could do or take that would make me feel more rested when I don't get much sleep. I'm not a total insomniac, but I don't sleep nearly enough. I have heard of people using ginseng to help make-up for lack of sleep. I have also heard of meditation being used for the same purpose. In other words, has anyone out there ever tried to help the problem by using methods of feeling more refreshed instead of methods to improve their sleep? I wouldn't mind tossing and turning if I knew I would feel okay the next day.
I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

Follow Ups:

Re: This is a bit odd, but I'm curious... Honest Expert / but only mattresses 11:53 6/29/01 (9)

Re: This is a bit odd, but I'm curious... Belinda 20:09 7/04/01 (6)

Re: This is a bit odd, but I'm curious... Honest Expert / but only mattresses 11:59 7/05/01 (0)

Re: This is a bit odd, but I'm curious... Honest Expert / but only mattresses 11:57 7/05/01 (4)

Re: This is a bit odd, but I'm curious... Belinda 22:27 7/05/01 (3)

Re: This is a bit odd, but I'm curious... Honest Expert 09:50 7/06/01 (2)

Re: This is a bit odd, but I'm curious... Belinda 20:27 7/06/01 (1)

Re: This is a bit odd, but I'm curious... Honest Expert 10:10 7/07/01 (0)

Re: This is a bit odd, but I'm curious... Amanda 20:00 7/04/01 (1)

Re: This is a bit odd, but I'm curious... Honest Expert / but only mattresses 10:09 7/05/01 (0)

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Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.