I avoid sleep with a passion. I have extreme nightmares reliving the attacks I suffered. Why would I want to go there? I've gone weeks with no more than two hours a night.
The result is increased anxiety, forgetfulness, confused thinking.
So the cycle begins.
A few solutions - Get a comfort box. Inside this box are things that make you feel safe or good and will help ground you. Mine has a bottle of water, cinnamin crunch cereal, two feather boas, small soft gundt stuffed animal, sea shells and small smooth rocks, scented candles, a coloring book, easy crossword puzzle book, pine cones,
YOU get the idea. It's distracting, regains my focus off my terror.
Another trick, right next to your head on the wall or head board put up some important snapshots that will replace the intrusive thoughts. I hang up pictures of my daughter, my favorite pet, a peaceful place I love - Again, you get the idea.
Another trick, rearrange your bedroom and change the environment. I found if I can be in the far corner from the door with my back against the wall I feel the safest. I also keep a light on all night so if I wake in sheer terror I can see where I am right away and then I look at the comforting pictures until I am breathing normally and my heart rate is down.
I take trazadone off and on. I am suppose to take it every night but I don't like the morning sluggishness. However, when I do take a small dose it reduces my anxiety about sleeping. A large dose gives me a drool sleep and no memory of the night. I have recently gone through a bad time and was even taking it during the day to stop my hypervigilence that was on full alert due to a work situation.
No sleep is a bad cycle. I have been in this game for 10 years. Seek advice from a physician or mental health professional before it begins to affect your health ... high blood pressure, head aches, etc....
