by Ludi » Mon 12 Jan 2009, 13:32:24
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('StormBringer', 'F')or more than 5 years now I don't think I've had a good nights sleep. The constant input of death disaster and impending end of society as we know it takes a toll. I've been told It goes back to our instinct for survival...Impending feelings of doom cause heightened senses and a need to be semi awake state at all times.
As for myself the dreams are worse than the reality. I've tried many things to calm these impending feelings but of late nothing is making much of a dent. I wish I had some advice to help but it appears we are on the same boat.
Pretty damn unhealthy there, especially considering how important regular sleep is for us bipolar folks.
I sleep pretty well except when my husband snores, or when I am obsessing about something unhealthily.
There's no survival advantage to sleepless nights of anxiety.
I suggest you visit your physician, and discuss your sleeping problems. You can either get a prescription or over-the-counter sleep aid, or if you want, you might try herbal sleep remedies, which I find can work fairly well. Some people like Valerian, but I find it gives me a hangover, and it smells like old dirty socks. I prefer a mixture of Passionvine and Lemon Balm. Chamomile works well for some people. None of these tend to interact with any prescriptions you may already be taking, though you should probably discuss it with your doc.
Regular vigorous physical exercise also helps with sleep (at least 20 minutes per day). Don't exercise for a few hours before bed, though. Also, not eating or drinking soon before bed (especially avoiding caffiene and alcohol).
Meditation helps some people but makes things worse for others. Prayer can help some people.
I should mention I used to have such severe anxiety I used to wake up throughout the night in terror, with painful chest and pounding heart. This went on for a few years before I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder among other things. Everything scared me, or rather, I found things to worry about because I felt so anxious, there had to be a "real reason" for such anxiety. But there wasn't a real reason. Nothing was wrong in my life, actually.