trouble relaxing and especially sleeping

dragonfly7518 · Post by **dragonfly7518** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 3:31 pm

Thank you Tena - that is also very good advice...I am also trying to set a time to read before bed and not be on the computer or watching tv...

Beautiful Butterfly · Post by **Beautiful Butterfly** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 3:44 pm

I use to have problems with getting to sleep. I don't know if you are spiritual, but what helped me is qouting this scripture: I will both lay me down in peace and sleep I awaked for the lord sustained me. That scripture calmed me down along with a relaxation exercise and that redirected my thoughts and a peace came over me.

dragonfly7518 · Post by **dragonfly7518** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 4:02 pm

thanks for the advice beautiful butterfly...I have not tried that...many times I try counting over and over...doing something that makes my brain slow down and focus on something other than my obsessive thoughts...i know there are times when we relapse and I am trying really hard to just tell myself that it is ok...funny how it's always easier to talk about what works with others, but when it comes to myself I still struggle with taking others (any my own) advice...

deedee00 · Post by **deedee00** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 4:19 pm

Thank you Believer08.

altj · Post by **altj** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 6:12 pm

hi dragonfly i have a very hard time relaxing at night my anxiety seems to peak right before bed one thing i have found helpful is this bedtime tea from yogi teas i double the tea bags it has been very helpful for me and i dont feel drowsy the next morning it has this wonderfully sweet taste i love it im actually suprised that it works so well my husband calls it my xanax replacement lol deedee gives wonderful advice by the way and my therapist has been helping me with my sleeping issues he says journaling before bed can help and changing your routine before bed can also help

dragonfly7518 · Post by **dragonfly7518** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 1:28 am

Thank you altj! I got some sleepytime tea to try tonight...last night I tried something a little different - I actually got everything ready for bed an hour early so when I was ready to go to bed all i had to do was get into bed and close my eyes...it helped a little, but i did notice i still woke up about 4 times...
how long have you had night time anxiety?

DMP720 · Post by **DMP720** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 2:11 am

Dragonfly,

I have the same problem. Sometimes it takes a few hours to get to bed. I also sometimes have to take a xanax before I go to sleep to help me sleep better. You are not the only one.
Also though like you I hate relying on a medication to keep me stable. Its great that you are starting this program! You will absolutely love it. It will help a ton. You will come to a lesson that will be all about positive thinking and how this is a learned habit just like your anxiety was.
A little something that might help you sleep...think about the most funny or fun experience you have ever had...and Obsessively think about it! What better thing to obsess about than a time where you had so much fun! I know it might sound alittle crazy but it really does help!
God bless

marnie capobianco · Post by **marnie capobianco** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:24 am

hi gils im kinda new to this just recieved these tapes yesterday.....this whole anxious started when one night a month ago i couldnt sleep. now almost every night like 7 i get butterflies in my stomach and dread sleeping. I take 2 xanax with maletonin and nothing works last night i was up to 4 then slept till 9. exausted today. this pattern is getting worse it seems...

dragonfly7518 · Post by **dragonfly7518** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 2:45 pm

Hi Marnie - welcome!
I am still working through this, but I have noticed that some times it's worse, but it is starting to be easier...there are ups and downs...the support here is incredible and that is another thing that has really helped me.
Good Luck!!!