Startle Reflex Out Of Control

[Hiding the Pain]

Thank you for that. I will look into the supplements, but as for the medication I will have to look for something less potent as I have two small children. One of the major reason why I don't sleep. I have this overwhelming feeling that someone will break in and hurt them. I know that its just my fears creeping up on me at night, but I actually patrol the house at night. When I do finally settle on the couch and doze every little sound startle-awakes me. We have dogs and I night they bark at the shadows in the back yard. I sleep with a baseball bat next to me. I run all kinds of scenarios in my head most of them consist of someone sneaking up on me while I am patrolling the house or that shadow next to the bed I swear just moved closer. Between the sounds and my imagination its a wondering I sleep at all.

 

[HëllaBubz]

Goodness darl, no wonder you are so on edge if you aren't sleeping either!

With the restavit, you can use quite small doses which will allow you to get some solid sleep without over sleeping.

It might also be worth thinking about creating a 'camp out'.
The idea behind this is that when you are feeling really jumpy and conversely tired, then have a fun movie, toasted marshie night where the kids can have the 'privilege' of getting to sleep in your room in a kiddie tent or sleeping bags.

That way, you can, once the little muppets have settled for the night, take your medication and conk out for the night, being able to rest easier with the knowledge that the kiddiewinkles are safe and sound in your room while you rest.

Just an idea, I used to do it when the kids wouldn't settle, or I couldn't settle, and it worked a treat.

Best time to try it is on a Fri night so that way you don't have to stress about getting them up for school the next morning, and you will be surprised how much a single decent night's rest will help your anxiety.

It's just an idea, but maybe it will help.

xox

 

[Debbet]

The idea of having the kids for an overnight or two sounds like a good idea. It is something that I did with mine when they were little since I could not sleep at all if they were out of my sight, I also kept a small lamp on all night so I could always see them. It cut down on the nightmares too. Still had bad dreams but they weren't as frequent. Do the things that you need to to feel safe(lock and check doors and windows etc.) just for your peace of mind, and get a good night's rest. Rest can help calm your nerves some.

 

[Hiding the Pain]

I know it’s not rational for me to do these things, but it feels like my mother lioness is in overdrive. If I hear someone so much as drive by, the dogs bark or the neighbor come home late I will sit at the window and watch them in the dark until I am sure they are in their home and not a threat to my kids or me. I am beyond restless at night its like all my senses are heightened. I have gone to the extreme of strategically places weapons throughout the house. Nothing the kids could hurt themselves with. Mostly baseball bats and a cast iron skillet that always sits on the kitchen counter. Yes, I know that I have completely lost it, but I am okay with that. My kids are my life and I will go down fighting to keep them safe. They will never know the terror of a monster coming for them in the dark as I did. It is all that I can do to lay down on the couch next to their rooms for the 2 hours that I do sleep. And even then I sleep very lightly.

Thank you all for the wonderful words of encouragement. I really appreciate it a lot.

 

[HëllaBubz]

Hey darl.

I'm actually finding that the more tired I get, the higher my startle reflex is.
Have you thought about asking a trusted friend to do a sleep over with you, a girlfriend perhaps?

I hope you are doing ok.

Big Hugs

Bubzie