[fernspray]

Hi, I'm new and not sure where to post this plea. I just wondered if anyone else has a fear of going to sleep. I have an anxiety disorder and often wake up with a jolt feeling really frightened and unreal, which then causes panic attacks that can last for quite a long time and are quite distressing. Consequently I now become anxious when I need to sleep or at bed time, and feel frightened of going to sleep. Does anyone have any advice on how to overcome this please.

[prudent_princess]

fernspray, on 28 February 2012 - 05:40 PM, said:

Hi, I'm new and not sure where to post this plea. I just wondered if anyone else has a fear of going to sleep. I have an anxiety disorder and often wake up with a jolt feeling really frightened and unreal, which then causes panic attacks that can last for quite a long time and are quite distressing. Consequently I now become anxious when I need to sleep or at bed time, and feel frightened of going to sleep. Does anyone have any advice on how to overcome this please.

Hi Fernspray,

Thats a horrible feeling to have - I have it on odd occasions, but not too often.

Have you spoke to your Doctor about it?
Are you currently on medication?

x

[fernspray]

Hi prudent princess, thank you for replying. I'm not on medication at present as i don't really need it and react badly to it. I am waiting to see if I have been accepted for CBT, but that won't start until April. I know it is my own fear that is causing the problem, but I don't know of any self help techniques to try.

[mias]

Thinking about it, I have heard other people say that they have dreadful dreams and can wake up unable to move and things like that. But not that they are so scared of going to sleep. It must be a horrible thing to feel that way, as Princess says above.

One thing is for sure, you will not be alone in this. We always think we are but I have realised that there are always others just the same out there.

I do think you will have to speak to someone, so I guess the first port of call would be the docs. if you can't find any info another way.

You must be so very tired.

[fernspray]

Thank you Mias, it is good to be able to talk about it. I do feel quite tired especially after being awake with panick attacks half the night.When I get so drowzy I can hardly keep my eyes open I try to have brief naps instead of letting myself sleep deeply, which I know is not good. I just need to get the fear under control, but that is easier said than done.

[mias]

You are welcome.

Maybe if you are very very tired you will fall asleep and will not wake up until the morning. Wouldn't that be nice.

I wonder if you could try to tell youself 'outloud if necessary' . It is only a dream and I will not let it frighten me, over and over a few time whenever so that the first thing you think of when you are awoken with a fright is that.

How about sleeping with a pretty light on? so that you soon recognise your room as the safe place it is. Make sure it is very cosy in there and that the first things you see on waking are familiar with good memories, an old toy a favourite photo and vase of pretty flowers.

NB I am no way a professional, just thinking outloud x

[fernspray]

They all sound like very good ideas to me, I'll try it.

[prudent_princess]

fernspray, on 28 February 2012 - 07:49 PM, said:

They all sound like very good ideas to me, I'll try it.

I hope they do work for you, as I think Mias has a good point there.

There is a self help therapy you can try, I saw it somewhere but cant remember where I saw it.
I will try and remember and let you know...so watch this space!!

[fernspray]

prudent_princess, on 28 February 2012 - 09:05 PM, said:

I hope they do work for you, as I think Mias has a good point there.

There is a self help therapy you can try, I saw it somewhere but cant remember where I saw it.
I will try and remember and let you know...so watch this space!!

ok thank you very much both of you.

[CaptSpaceBat]

There are a great number of resources at http://getselfhelp.co.uk/ and specifically http://getselfhelp.co.uk/sleep.htm
I have used these myself as part of my journey through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and are also used by therapists - all that I can say is that they seem to have helped me and so I hope that you find them of some use.

[mias]

Have had a look at that site Capt. Very interesting.

[fernspray]

Thank you capt. I have had a quick look but there is so much to take in and I am having difficulty concentrating, but I will persevere. i just want my life back.

[mabel]

fernspray, on 28 February 2012 - 05:40 PM, said:

Hi, I'm new and not sure where to post this plea. I just wondered if anyone else has a fear of going to sleep. I have an anxiety disorder and often wake up with a jolt feeling really frightened and unreal, which then causes panic attacks that can last for quite a long time and are quite distressing. Consequently I now become anxious when I need to sleep or at bed time, and feel frightened of going to sleep. Does anyone have any advice on how to overcome this please.

Hi

Sorry to hear about your fear of sleep. You could try a bit of exercise before settling down such as step up and down the bottom step as quick as you can. Wear your legs out a bit. Warm bath or shower might help.Have a warm drink but not coffee or tea. Tell yourself it is your anxiety that is doing this and there is nothing to fear about dropping off. Read a boring book to take your mind off it.

You have probably heard all this so sorry.
Best regards
mabel x

[mias]

Hi Mabel. How's things?

Fernspray, how was last night?

[fernspray]

Hi Mabel, I am grateful to anyone for trying to help me. Mias I had a better night last night and didn't wake til about 6 but then the shaking and fear took over and I haven't had a very good morning. Just starting to shake myself out of it, but feelng a bit 'unreal' if you know what I mean. Just cooking some chicken for my dog then going to try taking her out for a walk. I read somewhere not to avoid doing things that make you feel bad or it just gets worse.

[mias]

You are welcome. Enjoy walking your dog.They do say that but sometimes we have to realise that we may not be up to doing everything. Just try to do what you can, even one small thing. Some fresh air will do you (and your dog) some good and of course the exercise all helps re sleep later. all good. Pleased you slept till 6am

[ramboself]

I remember when i was first diagnosed schitzoprenic i'd wonder if the jeckyl and hyde portrayal in the media was true and when i went to sleep i'd grow hair and turn into a monster, thats years ago now, at one point i stayed with a friend with the same illness and watched him all night, thats when i really started questioning media portrayals

Theres relaxation meditation tapes you can buy go to bed with them on earphones at the end take off the earphones and sleep, theres also muscle relaxation exercises you can do, relaxind and tensing groups of muscles one by one, these techniques were used before modern meds

[fernspray]

ramboself, on 29 February 2012 - 06:31 PM, said:

I remember when i was first diagnosed schitzoprenic i'd wonder if the jeckyl and hyde portrayal in the media was true and when i went to sleep i'd grow hair and turn into a monster, thats years ago now, at one point i stayed with a friend with the same illness and watched him all night, thats when i really started questioning media portrayals

Theres relaxation meditation tapes you can buy go to bed with them on earphones at the end take off the earphones and sleep, theres also muscle relaxation exercises you can do, relaxind and tensing groups of muscles one by one, these techniques were used before modern meds

Hi there, that must have been a bit scary for you. Thank you for your suggestions. I have been trying some self help with positive thinking, diet and getting more sunshine. This is based on the 'serotonin'problem. I don't know if it is coincidence or wishfull thinking but the last two nights have not been so bad.

[prudent_princess]

fernspray, on 02 March 2012 - 07:24 AM, said:

Hi there, that must have been a bit scary for you. Thank you for your suggestions. I have been trying some self help with positive thinking, diet and getting more sunshine. This is based on the 'serotonin'problem. I don't know if it is coincidence or wishfull thinking but the last two nights have not been so bad.

Really glad to hear that you slept better for the last 2 nights

[marykate4400]

Hello Fernspray - I have a little night light, a Winnie the Pooh plug-in one. It does help me on the odd night I wake up and get disorientated. I am very scared of the dark. They are really cheap to buy, perhaps you could get one too and try it?

I'm glad to hear that the last 2 nights have been good though.

As for CBT, I am in the middle of my own course, I hope you get accepted too. I have found it very hard work though, so be warned!