Post Emdr, I am now just beginning to see not only how sleeplessness is adversely affecting and impacting my daily life, also I too am beginning to realize that when nightfall comes my brain starts to go into overdrive about "What if I can't sleep" and "Oh I need to get ready to sleep" and my brain starts sending all of these crazy messages of doom and gloom regarding my sleep habits.
I am having to really work hard to prepare myself for sleep ie. darken the room with drapes, get rid of lights from tv, any small lights, sounds, any sensory stimulation that may be coming from tv headphones, stereo, telephone, people, etc. Just darken my sleep room and also prepare by taking the melatonin, and the magnesium, and starting earlier now (an hour or so prior) in preparation for sleep, something I did haphazardly before not realizing that I can affect how well or how not so well I sleep each night. Drinking a bit of milk, eating some banana, and also wearing sleep (eye) mask to knock out all lights in room (if any remain).
Last night was the first time in I can't remember that without Rx's (except for OTC melatonin and magnesium supplementation) that I slept well enough to feel somewhat sleep-fed and although sleep was interrupted with bathroom trips (for I must hydrate at night because I feel so dehydrated if I don't and this is frowned upon) I have still managed up to this moment feel somewhat rested and aware of my surroundings. I'm going back to sleep right now for sleeping in the middle of the afternoon (even if only for recommended no more than 45 min. before 4:00p.m.) was not helping me feel sleepy at night so I've cut out daytime naps right now-may add later, shall see).
I so appreciate this subject and all who have posted here.
