squirrels Posted February 20, 2004 Share Posted February 20, 2004 I have been having sleeping problems since December when I went back to work. I will go to bed at a reasonable hour and won't be able to fall asleep. I will normally get really hot, my pulse will race and lots of tossing and turning. The thing is, it only happens when I have to work early the next day. It's really frustrating and I don't know what to do. I've tried sleeping pills and those don't work. I've also tried Benadryl, and that doesn't work either. I've also gotten advice to get into a nightly routine which will prepare one for bed. That doesn't work. Anyone have any suggestions? My dad is on Paxil for anxiety problems, and he also had sleep problems due to that. I also have problems with anxiety and I was thinking Paxil might be the way for me to go also. I'm going to see a doctor whenever I can get in, but I know they take forever to diagnose problems dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, etc...I don't know what to do in the meantime, I'm going crazy. Link to post Share on other sites
meanon Posted February 20, 2004 Share Posted February 20, 2004 The fact that it only happens when you need to get up early suggests anxiety is the root cause. If you are OK other than this I'd try and avoid medication for a little longer. Relaxation is the key - avoid stressing out about not being asleep or else it becomes a self fullfilling prophesy. Try not going to bed quite so early, getting up to read if you can't sleep rather than tossing and turning. Some people find meditation or music quite soothing. Is there anything in particular you worry about other than not sleeping? Link to post Share on other sites
Arabess Posted February 20, 2004 Share Posted February 20, 2004 I'm one of those rare people who can drink half a pot of coffee and STILL fall asleep standing up! I get a lot of physical exercise at work though. In the past, when I had a sit down job...I would have problems sleeping from time to time. You could try adjusting your diet and getting some regular exercise.....even a nice long walk in the evening. Maybe it will relieve you enough for you to get some rest until a doctor can make a better diagnosis and give you some help for it. Meanon is right....it's probably anxiety related. Do those over the counter sleeping pills help? Maybe you could try taking a mild one or having a glass of wine before bed. Link to post Share on other sites
brashgal Posted February 20, 2004 Share Posted February 20, 2004 Sounds like the stress of having to be at work early the next day is the issue, although I find it funny that you are also getting hot at your age. You should try to get to bed early on nights when you DON'T have to be at work early the next day. Maybe if you get used to waking up at an earlier hour it won't make you so anxious on the mornings you do need to get up early. Most people's bodies rebel at changing their sleep/wake rhythms - better to try to be consistent with time you go to bed and time you wake up. Also, fewer nightclothes, fewer blankets - maybe a fan or turn the heat down... Link to post Share on other sites
Author squirrels Posted February 23, 2004 Author Share Posted February 23, 2004 Thanks for all of your suggestions, they really helped. I really would rather not take meds, so I am trying to eat healthier and meditate before bed. I think a lot of it has to do with college and having a change in diet, excercise and sleep patterns too. I'll try new things and see which work. Thanks, I really appreciate it Link to post Share on other sites
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