Posted by CarolAnn on July 17, 2000, at 11:01:05
In reply to Re: Disorderly Sleep - Comments and a question? » noa, posted by Greg on July 17, 2000, at 7:33:02
Greg,
this is what I tried to post yesterday: My husband has the same type of sleep problem you describe during times when he has too much going on at work. What helps him is keeping pen and paper by the bed(FYI there are pens with lights on them,if you can't find one, I have an extra I can send you). Doug writes down anything that comes into his head as he is trying to sleep, this gives him the security of knowing that he won't forget the stuff in the morning, so he doesn't have to keep 'thinking' about it in the middle of the night.
Another thing you might try(the theory being that getting it on paper gets it out of your head), is taking time each evening to write out exactly what will be going on the next day. Write down what you have to do, who you have to see, any decisions that have been or need to be made, ect. I think that outlining all the people you will be interacting with, will also help with the feelings of social phobia. It's like when they tell athletes to visualize playing and winning the game, so they won't be as nervous. It's like a practice session for your mind. I really think this stuff will help you, because it doesn't really seem, at this point, that there is a cause for the insomnia. It seems (which is very common) that you've developed anxiety about trying to sleep, and the pressure of 'needing to sleep' in order to function well at work only adds to the anxiety.
Also, while trying the above suggestions, try the cliche's as well: do nothing in the bedroom except sleep and sex, exercise early in the day, plan very calming activities for the hour before bedtime, don't pressure yourself to sleep-if you can't, get up and do something that is quietly pleasurable, limit caffeine, ect.
Boy do I sound like I know what I'm talking about or what? Well, you're my friend, so if none of it helps, I know you will appreciate the thought behind it all! Sweet Dreams! Carol
poster:CarolAnn
thread:40636
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000717/msgs/40743.html