Any tips for trying to befriend wakefulness when lying in bed awake
Very much struggling with befriending wakefulness which is advised by experts, as I am experiencing horrid palpatations and a racing heart , as I know it’s the fear of being awake the fear that I am not sleeping. It’s very self perpetuating and awful. Been suffering on and off with insomnia for about 4 years . New to the community here hoping lots of peeps out there will join in with this discussion..
Hi
! My heart goes out to you for the struggle you're going through and your desire to befriend wakefulness. I am not an expert in this at all, but mindfulness meditation has been useful for me on nights where I am very anxious and can't shut off my brain. I use the Calm app because I got a subscription through my job, but there are many good apps and YouTube videos you can explore for free. But ultimately, as Lori mentioned, the gold standard is therapy. You learn overtime to replace the negative associations with nighttime/bed/sleep. Certain methods of therapy can also help you address subconscious anxiety or trauma you might be carrying without realizing. Just know that recovery is possible, and you're not alone. Hugs to you. -Melissa, team member thank you for this kind response I appreciate so much all these encouraging things . My anxiety is awful though when I can’t sleep it becomes so physiological that I feel tightness in my stomach the next day . I will look into the app, and mindfulness meditation in general x
Your reply is lovely Lori thank you it all helps that’s very interesting about the Raynauds I will keep you posted ♥️
Also Lori interesting you say that about my thyroid , my recent tests have to be repeated in 6 months . But they didn’t say why . Also I am being seen by a rheumatologist in march as I have been having terrible problems with my fingers very sore and ruining my nail bed, the GP thinks I have Raynauds . I suffer from cold hands a lot. It’s a cold winter here in the UK !
Hi
. I am not familiar with Daniel Erichsen's method, but that makes a lot of sense. Befriending the insomia might help alleviate the anxiety for some people and eventually help with sleep. I am glad you are planning to see a therapist. It can be so healthy to talk with someone who is not invested in you or your life. I hope therapy goes well and brings some resolution.
Raynauds is commonly associated with thyroid disease and with many other autoimmune diseases. I hope you get some concrete answers soon and that you find treatments that lead to sleep and more energy overall. Keep us posted, if you don't mind. I'll be thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)
Thanks for your response . I did go to the doctors and was on Prozac for the first time around that I had insomnia as I went through nights with zero sleep and it was much worse than now so yeah it did actually help, but I came off it as things got better. So it’s raised its ugly head again but not as bad only because I self medicate to help it by smoking a cigarette quickly which makes me dizzy which helps ( not ideal ! ) I know taking Prozac is only a sticking plaster and also I never have anxiety( racing heart) in other areas of my life only lying in bed awake thinking being awake is the worst thing ever. Are you familiar with Daniel erichsens way of treating insomnia ? He has a point about accepting and be friending wakefulness, however easier said than done. I have actually today booked an appointment with a therapist as I think the fear and panick could be related to trauma as a child as I experienced insomnia as a young adolescence when I suffered physical / emotional abuse from bullying for four years .
