Avoiding Being Stressed Or Upset Before Bedtime

[DianeB]

I am now getting to the point of not being able to watch TV before bed for the fear it may be a trigger for a nightmare, how long before this affects me in other aspects of my life. Its like being sucked up by an emotional vampire.

I am normally a very positive person, but each and every day it is like I have fell down a drain and its darker and more miserable the further I fall.

I'm exhausted and desperate for some sleep, I think in the last week I have managed about 8 hours with 7 nightmares.

Too scared to sleep, fearful of entering into a triple x horror movie yet again. :cry:

 

[safenow]

I recommend you be careful what you eat for about 6 hours before you go to bed. Perhaps, you might invest in a good video. One you know won't trigger you. Maybe, read an interesting book that you already know won't trigger you.

I find that doing the simple grounding works well for me, most of the time.

Good luck.

 

[ms spock]

Avoid using screens like tablets, smart phones and computers the hour before your bedtime as well as that can make you alert.

How do you manage your sleep hygiene? Do you have a set bedtime and rising time?

Do you have self soothing routines to do before you go to bed?

Are you seeing a psychologist or a psychriatrist?

 

[DianeB]

I struggle with eating times as I can't eat before exercise otherwise I am sick so have to wait till after, which means often I need to eat about 9.30pm :(

At the moment the teaching I am doing is verbal but because I am so exhausted because of the lack of sleep, even teaching verbal is like an exercise in itself.

If I eat too early I need up craving all the bad things too. I have books but hubby wont go to sleep with a light on in the bedroom, although we have to sleep with a light on in another room because I fear the dark.

Because I am new to all of this a lot of the words you all use I don't understand yet, so please forgive me.

Going to try now see if I can get a few undisturbed winks. Thank you for your help

 

[DianeB]

I don't have a set bedtime because of my hours of work.

No I also don't have any soothing routines before bed, but I do have lavender oil on my pillow and now because I wake up from the nightmares in hot sweats am trying to sleep with no covers to help my body stay cooler, as I end up feeling like I am suffocating if not.

I am now not watching TV as any little thing is disturbing me. I just use the computer. I don't own a mobile because I don't want anybody contacting me.

I have tried baths before bed but they seem to wake me up rather than send me to sleep.

I am awaiting to be assessed, so the only help I am currently getting is via my Dr.

I am sounding so negative when I know your trying to help me, sorry :(

 

[safenow]

I am sounding so negative when I know your trying to help me, sorry

Sorry isn't necessary. You were just stating the facts. I am so glad you are putting forth the effort to find out what works. That is so important. Too many times people will state what the problems are, but never try any type of solutions that others offer.

 

[ms spock]

I do have lavender oil on my pillow.

Lavendar oil is a self soothing thing. So that is a good thing that you are doing for yourself.

 

[ms spock]

Reading up on sleep hygiene might be of assistance.

Focussing on the good things that you have done for yourself during the day may be helpful as well.

 

[atlanticblue]

Hi DianeB :) I have a couple things I can add, hope they'll be of use!

The first is in addition to Ms Spocks' most recent comment -- focusing on all the good things of that day. I always have trouble with doing that just off the top of my head, so I really find it helpful to write it out! I keep a journal in which I only write about the things that happened during the day that made me happy. Even really little things like the texture of your favourite blanket can work (kind of like grounding, I guess!). Anything that makes you smile.

Secondly -- this might just be me, but I find that listening to music helps. *Really* listening, immerse yourself in it, identify each line of melody or each instrument. It would probably work with any sort of music, but I personally find that orchestral is the most fun :) If you're really upset it also helps to create your own line of music to weave into the rest of it. Some nights when things are really bad I'll play music all night, falling asleep and waking up to it!

Hope this is of help! Best wishes.

 

[WillyKat]

atlanticblue has a really good suggestion. No lights necessary and there's a tremendous amount to choose from.

 

[who am i kim]

Would it help you sleeping in another room from hubby, so that you can read a book with light on and then when very sleepy you can go back to main bed or stay where you are and sleep. I sometimes just get so wound up that I need to help settle myself and I found this to help me. Also playing music or mediation music helped too. It is not for ever, just a short term solution and one that can be used when needed.

Getting too hot in bed can bring on nightmares too. (Not certain not this one) .

 

[healthbuilder]

Instead of watching TV before going to bed, better to develop an habit of reading books or listening to music. It makes me to sleep early and comfortably.