Sleep Is The Enemy

[madchild]

Sleep has been an issue as far back as I can recall. I find myself having recurring nightmares and flashbacks of events that I don't want to remember. The feeling that if I fall asleep something will happen to me that I can't protect myself from.I have night sweats on a constant basis and very rarely sleep for more then twenty minutes at a time.

If I do happen to sleep for any length of time it's an amount that I'm sure is probably unhealthy. I am at a loss as to what I should do. Medication frightens me but I think I'm running out of options. I can't relax and my mind never stops I'm constantly thinking. Hoping for a few suggestions. Thanks for your time

 

[Fadeaway]

I can relate completely. I too was terrified of medications and fought against it tooth and nail, but I am so glad I decided to give it ago.

 

[Laura 2]

The feeling that if I fall asleep something will happen to me that I can't protect myself from.I

I have this experience too. What I do is have several poor or no sleep nights and then become so tired that I have to sleep for 10-12 hours in which I'm completely knocked out by exhaustion (hence the hypervigilent bits are also asleep I guess).

I don't know what to do about it either. So-called therapy has just been short-termist and kwikfix: geared at tinkering with my thoughts about how abysmal the response has been to chronic crime and how I could see the destruction of my family and life in a more positive way.

Do you have a psychiatrist? Or are you soldiering on alone?

 

['B']

I tried medication but it didn't work well for me. I would like to suggest other options but am still struggling with sleep myself and haven't found a solution that I can consistently and successfully apply. I've recently read advice suggesting a lack of stimuli for half an hour prior to attempting to sleep places your brain in a better pattern to head towards a sleep state. I'm going to try relaxing without thinking about what may happen when I sleep in the hope of getting a better mindset about sleeping.

Good luck with finding a solution for you.

 

[tired of the fight]

I to also struggle with sleep. Get very anxious at bedtime, fearing having dreams and just the night in general. I usually keep the TV on and the volume low and the bathroom light on. I never get a solid nights sleep. I do try and rest during the day, I feel so exhausted at times.

 

[tired of the fight]

@madchild,

Have you tried homeopathic remedies. I found one that is helpful. Maybe you can look into that as an option. :)

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I take Trazedone and Risperdone for sleep and not remembering the nightmares but sometimes I can go to sleep on my own when I am tired.

I really feel for you because a long time ago, I had insomnia for three months and was so exhausted and worn out.

I really hope you find a solution. I wish you the best.