Sleeping On Two Pillows

[Me Myself and I]

My sleep is never regular, I go to sleep late, I wake up quite early. At night I get nightmares and never manage to sleep without waking up at least five time. It is now something I am used to, it does bother me a lot, but I no longer try to change it, or "work on it" because whatever I do wont be effective anyway!!

Every now and again, I get very strong anxiety and panic attacks too, right as I hit the pillows. My heart starts racing in an incredible speed, and I feel like suffocating.

I've tried loads of techniques but none worked. Until once, I lied down while having these attacks, and not wanting to sleep I lied on two pillows.

I was surprised by the fact of getting the exact opposite effect wanted :eek:. I basically fell fast asleep. I thought it was a coincidence at first, but I've tried it few more times and it did actually work! Somehow it Minimised my anxiety and helped me relax, only during anxiety though!! Tried few times for when I am ok, and I did not find it comfortable one bit! Strange but true. :D Hehe!

What about you? What do you find helpful in such situations?

 

[katiekat]

That's interesting! I have trouble sleeping as well. I know this probably sounds creepy, but sometimes I feel like a child when I am trying to go to sleep and I feel comforted if I think of my therapist. I feel safe in his presence and I try to feel safe at night by thinking of him watching over me.

 

[franciemarnie]

Now that you mention it, I do sleep better with two pillows.

For me, I get the heart racing that wakes me up after half an hour. My trick is to get up and calmly go to the den, get something good to eat and watch something non-triggering. Usually I can fall back within two hours and sleep five.

But it's true. A slightly elevated head does help me too.

And heavy blankets that sometimes I like to kick off first to get cool, then pull back on.

It helps if I can blank my mind too.

 

[Tinyflame]

I've actually tried 3 pillows out of necessity for months, and have to sleep on my left side only (I get swelling in an old injury in my face without it), but am now getting the racing heart. Does anyone have any other things that work? (I'm almost up to the ceiling! :wideeyed: )

 

[Me Myself and I]

Something else that works quite well for me, is warming up some water with some "lavender" or any favourite liquid soap in a big bowel.

With my feet in I start messaging them while doing some breathing techniques. Sometimes one time is enough, others I have to do it twice or even three times, depending on the anxiety level.

When finally done, I slip under the blankets and like magic I fall asleep.

I'm not saying it works with everyone, but with me it did! Give it a try and see how it goes! :)

 

[Tinyflame]

Dear @Me Myself and I , thanks, do you mean soak your feet? :)

 

[Me Myself and I]

@Junebug That's exactly the word I have been looking for LOL! Yes soak. :)

 

[Tinyflame]

Thank you @Me Myself and I , I have never tried that or thought of that. Start at the bottom to help the top. :) :hug:

 

[Me Myself and I]

You are very welcome @Junebug ;)