I understand. I've even taken my anxiety medication and it's not working. Trying not to freak out. I'm always frightened about heart related issues. So I know how hard it can be at night. Nighttime is hardest for me. I'm sorry you're having a rough night. Hope you're sleeping by now.

Thnaks Ann, I did finally get to sleep about 3am. I put vicks under my eyes and that made me keep them closed. Sometimes it works and sometimes not. With me it is turning off the brain waves. I just think to much. Boring. Hope you have a wonderful day. Ed

You do the same:)

i am in germany..so there is a big time difference...but i will be having the same problem later on tonight..fear of sleeping....anxiety...

recoman I was stationed in Germany in 65 and 66. Loved being there. Hope you get your rest tonight. Ed

I am still not sleeping right at night, I get maybe 2hrs of sleep. It has been almost 2 months since I have been off of Trazadone and Trileptal.... I thought my system would adjust by now. It is very aggravating!

Hi Alice, I have a busy brain. I am thinking about all kinds of things when I try to go to sleep. So I sometimes play a game in my head. My game goes like this. I just won the lotto for ten million so I start thinking about all the good things I would do for family and friends. I start thinking about money for my mother and how much and my sister. Well you get the idea. It helps me focus on one pleasing thing that would make a lot of people happy. I also put vicks, just a little, under my eyes. It makes your eyes water and you have to keep them closed. I also put a little under my nose. I know we all get desperate to try anything that will help. I have also had some of the issues that you have delt with. Seems that you are going good in that direction. Good luck and happy new year. Ed

Thanx Ed. I have never tried the vicks, sounds like it would burn like hell, but hey, I will try anything once.

I wish there was some kind of live chat on here for people who can't sleep....anyone have any ideas about how to get that going?

I remember at one time being the only one that couldn't go to sleep..or worried that I wouldn't sleep...which then kept me up. Ed, I like your idea. I found that I too had to almost day dream in order to get my mind off of "am I sleeping now" to go to sleep. Love you guys for understanding. Shut eye will come.

Reneepp, there is a chat you can do here. Check out members, members on line and click on chat. I agree that there should be an open chat room. A note to Doug may get that started. I know that would be of help to me also. Ed

kbr0632, Yes a pleasant focus or like you said a dream state does help clear your mind. I also mentioned in another post that I put Vicks under my eyes and nose. It has a soothing effect and makes your eyes stay closed. Just another distraction to go with the dream state. I also have a massage machine made by Dr. Scholls and sold at Wal-Mart that I use on my neck and shoulders. I try and relax without using medications. So far these things have worked 99 percent of the time. We all have our different ways to attain the same goal. Think good thoughts. Ed

I love the idea about the open chat for people who aren't sleeping. Last night, I made myself crazy worrying about not sleeping and, of course, I didn't sleep. I find it so hard to break the cycle.

papergirl77, hope you are sleeping.

anyone out there still not sleeping? i have been having a panic attack. i feel like i am clausterphobic in my own body. i don't feel good at all. i took one of my xanax, but it's not helping. anyway, thanks for listening to me...