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..
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 !
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 .
Hi Janine.
Welcome to the community! I'm glad you found us.
Have you talked with your doctor about this? I ask because, though it seems logical that anxiety is the issue, it might be something else that needs treatment. Thyroid and other issues can cause wakefullness and heart palpatations.
If all else has been ruled out, there are two avenues you can explore, if you haven't already. You can try congnitive behavioral therapy - insomnia. Here is an article that explains it: https://insomnia.sleep-disorders.net/cbt. CBT-I has high success rate.
You could also ask your doctor for medication to help with anxiety or ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. Some people get nervous about the idea of seeing a psychiatrist, but a psychiatrist is just a doctor who specializes in the chemicals of the brain.
I hope this helps and that you get feedback from others in the community. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)
