Trappedinyou Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 I'm off work at the moment due to my break-up and I know that if I could only sleep I'd be able to function normally. I returned to work this morning but kept falling asleep during the drive there. I got back home at 9am and went to bed to try to sleep but no joy I got out of bed at 2.30pm. I have started the anti-depressants but these take weeks to kick in and I'm only on day 4. I'm desperate to sleep Link to post Share on other sites
oldguy Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 having the television tuned in to some mindless movie or show does it for me. Good luck to you. Link to post Share on other sites
Exit Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 I know how you feel. I'm constantly getting 4-6 hours of sleep, whereas I used to be a pretty heavy sleeper getting at least 9 hours. Maybe try exercise. I know it's hard to find the energy and focus to add other activities to your life right now, but having an outlet for some of the stress and anxious energy will help you sleep. Also going for a walk before bed, taking a relaxing shower or bath, etc. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Trappedinyou Posted July 19, 2011 Author Share Posted July 19, 2011 Yes thanks for the advice. 4-6 hours would do me fine but last night I didn't get a wink. I'm also not eating which isn't helping I'm sure. Link to post Share on other sites
onlyafool Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 Exercise and Melatonin worked for me. No side-effects from the Melatonin, for me. Link to post Share on other sites
smudge21 Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 I find having the radio on, just quietly in the background actually distracts my brain from all those thoughts that keep us awake. If nothing works though, don't just lay in bed trying to force sleep upon you. That never works and only makes you think more. Get up and do something, anything. Keep busy and when you feel a bit tired, don't start doing your bedtime routine (as that starts the ol' brain thinking again), just sit back on your sofa or comfy chair and relax. Let the sleep come naturally. Don't try alcohol though - trust me, that only makes things worse! Link to post Share on other sites
TaintedHeart Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 I know how you feel, I didn't sleep a wink last night either, I try to nap during the day but I can't, I find myself getting anxious. Is the thinking that's keep you awake? Link to post Share on other sites
Author Trappedinyou Posted July 19, 2011 Author Share Posted July 19, 2011 No its the anxiousness thats keeping me awake and my heart is thumping for some reason. Could be the prozac? Tonight I'll leave the drinking out as I have been doing too much of that. I've also had profuse sweatting which has now stopped in the last couple of hours. Link to post Share on other sites
David Cain Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 Just lay down. Link to post Share on other sites
TaintedHeart Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 No its the anxiousness thats keeping me awake and my heart is thumping for some reason. Could be the prozac? Tonight I'll leave the drinking out as I have been doing too much of that. I've also had profuse sweatting which has now stopped in the last couple of hours. Yeah you heart thumps when you're anxious. It's not the prozac, that should calm you down if anything. Maybe you should go back to you're doctor and ask for something to calm you down, you might be having panic attacks. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Trappedinyou Posted July 19, 2011 Author Share Posted July 19, 2011 Thanks Tainted. The mum-in-law is going to give me something later tonight to help relax me. I hope it's a cuddle Link to post Share on other sites
Good Arms Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 (edited) Just lay down. Wow, such sympathy. It amazes me how people who don't have sleeping problems sometimes love to rub it in how easy it is for them. A few things that help me: -Herbal sleeping aid tablets with Valerian; help me fall asleep but don't do much for waking up too early with anxiety -Picking a random high number and counting backwards in my head (a bit like counting sheep) -Listening to podcasts on my mp3 player whilst in bed -Getting plenty of exercise/walking in the day (unfortunately I can rarely find the motivation to do this) -Not doing anything that keeps the mind too alert like using a PC for a few hours before bed (again, I rarely actually do this but I know it helps give me a deeper sleep to turn off computers, TV etc and read a book before bed) Edited July 20, 2011 by Good Arms Link to post Share on other sites
Author Trappedinyou Posted July 20, 2011 Author Share Posted July 20, 2011 I got some of the Valerian tabs today. The Pc advice is good as we always seem to forget this. Thank you Link to post Share on other sites
chuzzbug Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 You may have heightened anxiety due to starting on the antidepressants. Ask your doctor whether you can get a mild sedative, like clonazepam. If you are truly having hard time sleeping, and need to be functional, ask your doctor for zopiclone. While I'm the last person on here (well, maybe penultimate) to be prescribing the medicinal approach, there are times when you just need it. Antidepressants have some hard-hitting side effects and mitigating them with other drugs as you adjust is just a good idea. Link to post Share on other sites
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