Sleep paralysis

[Aimie]

Im struggling to get more than 3 hours of sleep a night and have done since being attacked. Im running on fumes and I’m constantly exhausted. Working with therapists. Im on different sleeping meds but nothing is working. The sleep paralysis is so terrifying and I wondered if anyone had any coping skills to deal with this? Or tips for a longer sleep?

 

[Sideways]

Or tips for a longer sleep?

It may be a case of changing what’s going on during the day, rather than during the night, to get better sleep. Making sure I’ve completely physically exhausted myself is usually my best ticket to a solid sleep, so I go for a run. And to seal the deal, a half hour guided relaxation (I’ve got a couple of regulars that I use which, through trial and error, I know will help me sleep).

Other than that, all your sleep hygiene stuff: cutting out caffeine and alcohol, getting a healthier diet (including slow-burning carbs), getting obsessive amount removing foods with processed sugar, etc etc.

The sleep paralysis is so terrifying and I wondered if anyone had any coping skills to deal with this?

I’ve known people to use all sorts of things to help reduce the distress of sleep paralysis, from weighted blankets to white noise to gentle night-lights to teddies. I personally just breathe through it, because it tends to not last long before I have a good grip on what’s going on.

It may be that all the sleep meds have changed the way your body is rousing from sleep, and that when these are washed out of your system, your sleep may start to normalise.

Fingers crossed for you that you get a good night’s sleep soon.

 

[beaneeboo]

Im struggling to get more than 3 hours of sleep a night and have done since being attacked. Im running on fumes and I’m constantly exhausted. Working with therapists. Im on different sleeping meds but nothing is working. The sleep paralysis is so terrifying and I wondered if anyone had any coping skills to deal with this? Or tips for a longer sleep?

Sorry you're dealing with this. I've only had sleep paralysis on a few occasions and it is honestly one of the worst feelings for me as I'm sure it is for you.

I don't have words of wisdom about how to not go into it, or go into it less.... but the thing which got me out of it the times I have had it is by doing the only thing I could - trying to make a sound with my voice. At first it's a faint hum then I got it to sound louder. At a certain frequency it's like it hit a switch and the paralysis dissolved.

When you go into it, as hard as it is keep reminding yourself you're in charge and you'll get out of it. Just give yourself time.

Go gently

 

[katkit]

I am sorry you are suffering this. I always find I get an episode when times are bad. My go to is get up make a weak cup of tea and perhaps read a cheerful book. I am currently trying children's books!