Sleep Issues
Many people experience problems sleeping including not getting enough sleep, not feeling rested and not sleeping well. This problem can lead to difficulties functioning during the daytime and have unpleasant effects on your work, social and family life. Sleep issues can go hand in hand with many different mental health conditions. Sleeping too much or not at all can also be side-effects of many psychiatric medications. In addition to affecting sleep itself, many medical and mental health conditions can be worsened by sleep-related problems. Relaxation techniques, medication, exercise and CBT can all be helpful remedies for sleep issues.
For those of you who experience sleep issues, what kind of coping mechanisms do you use? What helps you to get a good night's sleep?
@gonzo6
I talk to my boyfriend sometimes and he will help me relax and get ready to sleep or I will look up relaxing noises like the rain or the ocean on youtube and both of those help me sleep :D
@gonzo6 I have a hard time staying asleep throughout the night, and I recently started taking a low dosage of Melatonin (I wake up early, so I don't want to overcorrect). It has helped me immensely. I also put my phone face down when I plug it in for the night so that I'm not tempted to keep checking the time. I always end up stressing out about how much time I have left before I have to get up, which makes it harder to sleep.
@Doogles96
Am not sure any kind of medication should be shared here lest people take them without consulting a doc.
@RideaRainbow, it's not a medication, it's a natural supplement. Of course, adding anything (natural or medicinal) should be discussed with your doctor if you are on any current medications. :)
@Doogles96
Oh ok thanks for clarifying.
And yes like you say consulting the doctor for anything new we start taking is imperative.
What works very well often is light-hearted reading & meditation....
YouTube has numerous videos on guided meditation, 7 cups also has some, as well as mindful exercises.
Anyone interested in meditation can pm me, would love to share what I have been practising for 17 years.
I know this sounds weird, but lately I have been listening to podcasts or comedy specials if I can't fall asleep. It gives me something to focus on instead of having my thoughts wander and turn into anxiety. It also serves as background noise because sometimes if it is too quiet I can't fall asleep.
@gonzo6 If you have any sort of sleep issues, what I heard people do is clear your mind and think of something completely else, such as a good memory or time. Another thing that I used to do to rock me to sleep is tell an ongoing story about some of the most random things. Also, I persoanlly found that sleeping with someone else helps out a lot, so if you don't, find something to grab on to or hold.
I guess I don't deal with it.....I haven't found any good ways to cope with it yet. Anyone have some suggestions?
@shyblackberry026 I have trouble sleeping and try to make a plan every night for winding down. I have a routine of going to the gym and then relax by drinking tea and doing a puzzle or watching TV. I give myself a couple hours to just wind down and try to relax. I've also done some of the mindfulness exercises here on 7 cups that I've found helpful when my mind won't be quiet and calm down. Some nights it's easier than others and it's a constant sturggle, but don't give up. Keep trying new things until you find something that helps relax you so you can get a good sleep. It really does make a difference.
@lovelyllama13 thanks because I've been taking NyQuil every night for quite a while now, and I doubt that's a healthy solution to the problem
I used to take melatonin, but I had to switch to a different brand, and with this new brand, if I take one, then I get super tired and I still can't get to sleep, but if I take two, I get to sleep, but I'm half asleep all through the next day. So now idk what to do.
I downloaded a meditation/mindfulness app that has been really helpful when my mind is racing and I'm feeling anxious when it's time for bed. I find it to be another helpful way to wind down before trying to sleep!
If I'm unable to sleep and I keep tossing and turning, I usually get out of bed and do something else. Staying in bed worsens the problem for me because it makes me more and more frustrated. If I get up, I usually do something relaxing like reading a book or watching some TV or videos on Youtube. It helps me wind down and then I go back to bed and try to sleep again. This usually works for me and I'm able to fall asleep soon after it. :)
im having to try and stay up in the day or i cannot sleep well at night at all
