Insomnia Support Group

I am new to the group and this is my first time posting anything, so bear with me.
Last night, I didn't go to sleep at all. I have a lot on my plate and the anticipation of several issues kept me awake. I don't feel good, due to an illness I have had for two years that causes a great deal of pain. My husband and I gained custody of his daughter two years ago, right before I was diagnosed, and the stress of court is driving me crazy! Her mom is trying to force her home. She is 14 and mom needs to get over it. No child support the entire time we have had her and no medical reimbursement. She is a type 1 diabetic.. We are trying to buy a house and get out of this crappy rent house that we have been in for the last 6 years, just throwing money away! My husband is self employed and his work is almost at a stand still. He has some big jobs coming up but theree are weeks in between jobs, at this point!
I slept for a whole 3 hours this morning and here it is almost 3am and I am wide awake and can't sleep. I don't know what is worse....not sleeping at all, or laying there trying all night! I could take a valium, but I wouldn't be able to function in the morning on just a few hours of sleep after taking it. I should have taken it hours ago, if I were going to take it at all.
Anything OTC puts me to sleep for about an hour, only to wake up with my heart beating out of my chest and having terrible anxiety. Then, I am wired the rest of the night.
Obviously, I am not the only one with this problem, or this group wouldn't exsist, right.....? So, what do some of you guys and gals do to unwind and make your mind stop for the night? My mind never shuts down and I can't stop thinking. It get's worse when I go to bed. Open to suggestions........thanks
Posted on 10/29/09, 04:10 am