Insomnia Support Group
Insomnia is a symptom, rather than a disease, and is characterized by inadequate quantity or quality of sleep. People with insomnia complain of difficulty falling or staying asleep, which results in significant impairment of daytime functioning. Insomnia is categorized as transient (shorter than one week), short-term (one to three weeks) or chronic (longer than three...
Hi there. I'm pretty new to this whole insomnia thing. While I've always had a little trouble falling asleep, my sleep record has been a-okay until a little over a week ago. Since then, I've been going for about two or three days with no sleep, followed by a sleep session of, say, three or four hours one night- and that'll be all that will tide me over.
I'm pretty sure my insomnia can be traced back to mental health problems (depression, obsessive thoughts). That, and my freshly developed sleep anxiety. So, at least the root of my problem isn't a huge mystery, I guess. :/
Hopefully this won't turn out to be a long-term thing. But if it is, I want to be able to manage it. I didn't pace around the den and cry last night, so that's a start!
I'm pretty sure my insomnia can be traced back to mental health problems (depression, obsessive thoughts). That, and my freshly developed sleep anxiety. So, at least the root of my problem isn't a huge mystery, I guess. :/
Hopefully this won't turn out to be a long-term thing. But if it is, I want to be able to manage it. I didn't pace around the den and cry last night, so that's a start!
Yeah, I'll keep perusing sleep habit articles. I've been trying to change some things about my routine. Hopefully it'll help!
Hugs hugs
The good news is if you've only had this a week or so, there's a very good chance it will just resolve on its own.
Important to know that worry about sleep feeds it. So to the extent you can distract yourself from these negative sleep thoughts, that will help.
You can also do a number of simple common sense sorts of things during the day to in effect "stack the deck" in your favor for better sleep at night. Try googling "sleep hygiene" and you'll get lots of ideas.
But this basically boils down to keep a consistent sleep schedule, especially a consistent wake time if you can. Minimize any napping. Avoid caffeine later in the day. Try to get exercise most every day if you can. Stay busy, with work, friends, family. Have a relaxing pre-bed routine and avoid stress during this time to help transition yourself to sleep.
Basically tire yourself out physically and mentally every day, which will naturally lead to better sleep at night.
Good luck.
I'm sorry to hear you are experiencing problems with insomnia....I know it can really add some unneeded stress to your life when sleep becomes an issue.
You've been given some great advice already...basically, I think the two things that have helped me the most are going to bed at the same time each night, even on weekends, and turning off all screens...TV, computer, and cell phone, for about 45 minutes before going to bed...I'm sure if you are reading about sleep hygiene you have already seen these suggestions.
I'm hoping, as Hypnos said that this will resolve quickly for you.
Wishing you the best,
Sonny