I haven't slept for two days... - General Discussion

lemoncurd · 14-12-2006, 18:23

Not to steal the thunder from the `haven't eaten' thread, but this is geniune.

How do I beat insomnia ? It seems to be some stress at work that's causing it. I just lie there at night, and has soon as it seems like I can drift off, I get like a short panic attack that wakes me up again. Sooo infuriating.

lordoftheflies · 14-12-2006, 18:24

Buy anything by Alan Shearer

kizzie · 14-12-2006, 18:27

Don't lie there, get up and do something, then try again a bit later, I always find it works for me. Try not to use the computer just before bedtime ether.

♣ Moya · 14-12-2006, 18:32

Good advice from kizzie.
I went through a phase like this. I say 'phase', it lasted 4 years!
Best to get up, read a book, make a cup of tea. Sleep on the sofa if necessary.
Or you could go to a 24 hour supermarket. I did.

14-12-2006, 18:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemoncurd

Not to steal the thunder from the `haven't eaten' thread, but this is geniune.

How do I beat insomnia ? It seems to be some stress at work that's causing it. I just lie there at night, and has soon as it seems like I can drift off, I get like a short panic attack that wakes me up again. Sooo infuriating.

Sorry to hear your not sleeping and about the panic attack they're not nice however mild they are.

Yoga/pilates/meditation to unwind.
Bath and glass of warm milk to relax you.
Darkened room, no tv to keep you awake.
A relaxation CD may help to focus your mind for sleep.

I know it's easier said than done but try to push your worries to the back of your mind, the more you worry the more you'll find yourself unable to sleep.

Hope some of these suggestions work for you and you manage to get a good sleep.

lemoncurd · 14-12-2006, 18:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silas Marner

Sorry to hear your not sleeping and about the panic attack they're not nice however mild they are.

Yoga/pilates/meditation to unwind.
Bath and glass of warm milk to relax you.
Darkened room, no tv to keep you awake.
A relaxation CD may help to focus your mind for sleep.

I know it's easier said than done but try to push your worries to the back of your mind, the more you worry the more you'll find yourself unable to sleep.

Hope some of these suggestions work for you and you manage to get a good sleep.

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'm going to leave the office now and try not to worry about things, avoid caffeine, alcohol etc...

pxd867 · 14-12-2006, 19:00

Lemoncurd- are you worrying about things at work?

It sounds like a typical short term problem caused by work stress.

I assume that this work related worry is kicking in as you doze off? You need to say to yourself that you will worry about it at a certain time, and devote exclusive time to sleeping. Say to yourself- I will shelve my worries until tomorrow. Works a treat

Normally it means you have all these thoughts flying round about work and find it hard to swtich off from them- especially if it's about promotion or getting the sack

Normally once you deal with that particular issue it will go. You need to confront whatever it is at work that is worrying you (boss, deadline, etc)

BTW alcohol often helps!

In fact it is recommended by some doctors as opposed to all the sleeping pills etc

Lady Hoot · 14-12-2006, 19:03

Nothing beats a good, strong Horlicks! I made the mistake of having one at 8.30pm once, I was in bed by nine...

pxd867 · 14-12-2006, 19:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Hoot

Nothing beats a good, strong Horlicks! I made the mistake of having one at 8.30pm once, I was in bed by nine...

Or a plate of chicken. Tyrtophan is really helpful. I had chicken with a few beers and was out like a light

Plus (depends if you smoke it or not) cannabis is apparently quite good as well, as it dulls your worries.

14-12-2006, 19:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by pxd867

Lemoncurd- are you worrying about things at work?

It sounds like a typical short term problem caused by work stress.

I assume that this work related worry is kicking in as you doze off? You need to say to yourself that you will worry about it at a certain time, and devote exclusive time to sleeping. Say to yourself- I will shelve my worries until tomorrow. Works a treat

Normally it means you have all these thoughts flying round about work and find it hard to swtich off from them- especially if it's about promotion or getting the sack

Normally once you deal with that particular issue it will go. You need to confront whatever it is at work that is worrying you (boss, deadline, etc)

BTW alcohol often helps!

In fact it is recommended by some doctors as opposed to all the sleeping pills etc

No

It will work in the short term, ie knock you out for a couple of hours, then you'll be awake and not get back to sleep.
Then next time you want to sleep you'll possibly turn to the alcohol again to get some sleep.

Your advise about conditioning your brain to not worry is excellent. It does work, I know I've done it, it's hard but it does work

pxd867 · 14-12-2006, 19:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silas Marner

No

It will work in the short term, ie knock you out for a couple of hours, then you'll be awake and not get back to sleep.
Then next time you want to sleep you'll possibly turn to the alcohol again to get some sleep.

Your advise about conditioning your brain to not worry is excellent. It does work, I know I've done it, it's hard but it does work

It does. I used to run through the day's events/stresses and was told that it is best to do this before bed, to let it go.

Alcohol is actually recommended by some doctors. IMO it's less additctive.

14-12-2006, 19:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by pxd867

Or a plate of chicken. Tyrtophan is really helpful. I had chicken with a few beers and was out like a light

Plus (depends if you smoke it or not) cannabis is apparently quite good as well, as it dulls your worries.

Turkey is full of tryptophan and in abundance this time of year.

I know that in the states you could buy tryptophan in capsules but I don't think they're available over here.

Cannabis works but messes with the brain long term.

ronifto · 14-12-2006, 19:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by pxd867

It does. I used to run through the day's events/stresses and was told that it is best to do this before bed, to let it go.

Alcohol is actually recommended by some doctors. IMO it's less additctive.

I'm attending a sleep clinic for long term insomnia. Alcohol is a stimulant and shouldn't be used for knocking you out. According to the sleep specialist I saw.

Dagger · 14-12-2006, 19:12

Try drinking a few drops of Bach's rescue remedy in a glass of water before you go to bed, or just spray/drop it in your mouth.

It's a miracle potion!

www.rescueremedy.co.uk

14-12-2006, 19:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by pxd867

It does. I used to run through the day's events/stresses and was told that it is best to do this before bed, to let it go.

Alcohol is actually recommended by some doctors. IMO it's less additctive.

Blimey, is that a whole bottle or a night cap.

pxd867 · 14-12-2006, 19:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silas Marner

Blimey, is that a whole bottle or a night cap.

No just a shot of baileys or a can of beer. I'm not talking about excessive drinking. And I am talking about a short term solution, I don't mean every night! It just helps every so often. Moderation is the key like with everything. I'd prefer drinking than the synthetic rubbish.

14-12-2006, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by DistantDan

Try drinking a few drops of Bach's rescue remedy in a glass of water before you go to bed, or just spray/drop it in your mouth.

It's a miracle potion!

www.rescueremedy.co.uk

I'll vouch for that, they were and still are at times a life saver.

You can buy all the ingredients in the Rescue Remedy seperately and mix your own to suit your mood, ie for insomnia, anxiety.

pxd867 · 14-12-2006, 19:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silas Marner

I'll vouch for that, they were and still are at times a life saver.

You can buy all the ingredients in the Rescue Remedy seperately and mix your own to suit your mood, ie for insomnia, anxiety.

Is it a de-stresser kind of thing?

Cannabis is apparently one of the best things. The Government wouldn't like it though

Lyricalis · 14-12-2006, 19:21

I know of one sure fire relaxation technique, always works for me. You don't even need company for it, but it sure is more fun that way.

Dagger · 14-12-2006, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by pxd867

Is it a de-stresser kind of thing?

Cannabis is apparently one of the best things. The Government wouldn't like it though

I have tried both rescue remedy and cannabis for stress relief. The latter can certainly help calm you and could even aid to help you sleep, but there is also chance of the complete opposite happening, and the stress/anxiety getting much much worse.

14-12-2006, 19:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by pxd867

Is it a de-stresser kind of thing?

Cannabis is apparently one of the best things. The Government wouldn't like it though

Yes, it's brilliant stuff. You can get them in a dropper form that you just put on your tongue, spray which does the same job or cream to rub on your wrists etc.
It isn't expensive 6 pounds for a 30ml bottle and it lasts. It has helped me at very desperate times.

14-12-2006, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by DistantDan

I have tried both rescue remedy and cannabis for stress relief. The latter can certainly help calm you and could even aid to help you sleep, but there is also chance of the complete opposite happening, and the stress/anxiety getting much much worse.

I can agree with that I made my anxiety very much worse when smoking it. So I gave that up and turned to alcohol instead, straight from the frying pan into the fire.
I personally wouldn't recommend either for relaxing, long term they don't work.

14-12-2006, 19:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lyricalis

I know of one sure fire relaxation technique, always works for me. You don't even need company for it, but it sure is more fun that way.

Yes it sure does work

oulandy · 14-12-2006, 19:44

It is not easy to avoid worrying if there is something hanging over you at work that you cannot remove or solve. Learning a couple of mind-control techniques can lessen the anxiety enough to allow you to sleep. Writing down the worry and putting it away in a sealed envelope as symbolically putting it outside yourself before bedtime can work for some people. Exercise, such as running or swimming can also help to quell anxiety. Eating a banana half an hour before bedtime has a calming effect. Having a break at the weekend is a respite that enables you to relax a bit and regroup. Roll on the weekend! It's nearly here.

Also I would say to try not to worry about the lack of sleep itself. If I don't sleep, my attitude is that it is just one of those things and I know that sleep will eventually reclaim me, so I am not going to worry too much about it.

lemoncurd · 14-12-2006, 21:52

Thanks for all the helpful hints guys. I was still getting anxiety attacks earlier, but I've had chicken for my dinner, and some apple juice and feel calmer already. I'm spending 15 mins on here, then to read a book or knock one out before an early night.

It's my last day in the office tomorrow before Christmas (I've amassed lots of holiday this year - way too much in fact) and it's the Christmas party tomorrow, so I'm hoping that I can wind down this weekend!

14-12-2006, 18:23	#1
lemoncurd Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Gender: Male Location: Bristol Services: Freeview (Fusion FVRT200 DVR); BeUnlimited 8Mb Posts: 22,942 Blog Entries: 1	I haven't slept for two days... Not to steal the thunder from the `haven't eaten' thread, but this is geniune. How do I beat insomnia ? It seems to be some stress at work that's causing it. I just lie there at night, and has soon as it seems like I can drift off, I get like a short panic attack that wakes me up again. Sooo infuriating.

14-12-2006, 19:00	#7
pxd867 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: UK Services: Broadband 2MB. Freeview, TUTV- Toppy 5800 PVR, PS2 + PSP Posts: 9,741	Lemoncurd- are you worrying about things at work? It sounds like a typical short term problem caused by work stress. I assume that this work related worry is kicking in as you doze off? You need to say to yourself that you will worry about it at a certain time, and devote exclusive time to sleeping. Say to yourself- I will shelve my worries until tomorrow. Works a treat Normally it means you have all these thoughts flying round about work and find it hard to swtich off from them- especially if it's about promotion or getting the sack Normally once you deal with that particular issue it will go. You need to confront whatever it is at work that is worrying you (boss, deadline, etc) BTW alcohol often helps! In fact it is recommended by some doctors as opposed to all the sleeping pills etc Last edited by pxd867 : 14-12-2006 at 19:03.

14-12-2006, 18:24	#2
lordoftheflies Banned User Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 7,201	Buy anything by Alan Shearer

14-12-2006, 18:27	#3
kizzie Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Herts Posts: 8,755	Don't lie there, get up and do something, then try again a bit later, I always find it works for me. Try not to use the computer just before bedtime ether.

14-12-2006, 18:32	#4
♣ Moya Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 22,575	Good advice from kizzie. I went through a phase like this. I say 'phase', it lasted 4 years! Best to get up, read a book, make a cup of tea. Sleep on the sofa if necessary. Or you could go to a 24 hour supermarket. I did.

14-12-2006, 19:03	#8
Lady Hoot Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: The Island Services: 4 8 15 16 23 42... Posts: 1,852	Nothing beats a good, strong Horlicks! I made the mistake of having one at 8.30pm once, I was in bed by nine...

14-12-2006, 19:12	#14
Dagger Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: over there ---------> Posts: 1,022	Try drinking a few drops of Bach's rescue remedy in a glass of water before you go to bed, or just spray/drop it in your mouth. It's a miracle potion! www.rescueremedy.co.uk

14-12-2006, 19:21	#19
Lyricalis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Gender: Male Location: Lost Posts: 8,792	I know of one sure fire relaxation technique, always works for me. You don't even need company for it, but it sure is more fun that way.

14-12-2006, 19:44	#24
oulandy Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 12,900	It is not easy to avoid worrying if there is something hanging over you at work that you cannot remove or solve. Learning a couple of mind-control techniques can lessen the anxiety enough to allow you to sleep. Writing down the worry and putting it away in a sealed envelope as symbolically putting it outside yourself before bedtime can work for some people. Exercise, such as running or swimming can also help to quell anxiety. Eating a banana half an hour before bedtime has a calming effect. Having a break at the weekend is a respite that enables you to relax a bit and regroup. Roll on the weekend! It's nearly here. Also I would say to try not to worry about the lack of sleep itself. If I don't sleep, my attitude is that it is just one of those things and I know that sleep will eventually reclaim me, so I am not going to worry too much about it.

14-12-2006, 21:52	#25
lemoncurd Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Gender: Male Location: Bristol Services: Freeview (Fusion FVRT200 DVR); BeUnlimited 8Mb Posts: 22,942 Blog Entries: 1	Thanks for all the helpful hints guys. I was still getting anxiety attacks earlier, but I've had chicken for my dinner, and some apple juice and feel calmer already. I'm spending 15 mins on here, then to read a book or knock one out before an early night. It's my last day in the office tomorrow before Christmas (I've amassed lots of holiday this year - way too much in fact) and it's the Christmas party tomorrow, so I'm hoping that I can wind down this weekend!