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Anxiety-Can’t sleep

User Profile: agreeableHCR
agreeableHCR February 27th, 2021

I’ve been so terribly anxious lately that I can’t sleep at all. Maybe 2-5 hours a night and it’s not uninterrupted. Then I feel physically terrible and that makes me even more anxious. How do I cope well enough to be able to sleep?

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User Profile: straightforwardBlueberry4488
straightforwardBlueberry4488 February 27th, 2021

@agreeableHCR I feel like this is very unoriginal advice but for me it helps to just get all the troubles out. Either write them down or talk to someone and dont stop untill you really can't think of anything else. Than read a comfort book, like one you've already loved and read untill you have trouble keeping your eyes open. (you can also read a new book but that may cause extra stress and I don't recommend ebooks because eof the whole blue light thing)

User Profile: lavenderOcean1474
lavenderOcean1474 February 27th, 2021

This advice may also sound cliché, but I’ve found that lying flat on my back and just trying to focus all my attention on my breathing really helps. I usually try to breathe in and out for a certain number of seconds (usually 4 or 5 personally) and focus really hard on keeping my thoughts on the breathing and counting. It may not get rid of the anxiety completely but it will definitely relax you. Another thing, you’re probably very tired because of the lack of sleep. Do not start to rely on caffeine/more caffeine than you’re used to because this can amplify your anxiety

User Profile: agreeableHCR
agreeableHCR OP February 27th, 2021

Thanks so much for both pieces of advice. I really appreciated it. Already putting those tactics to use

User Profile: calmWishes2119
calmWishes2119 February 27th, 2021

Hey there! I’m sorry to hear you are struggling to sleep due to anxiety! I like to use grounding exercises to help calm my anxiety so I can sleep! Also guided imagery works really well! I hope this helps! If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to message me!