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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sunnydays on December 3, 2007, at 8:49:20
I can't sleep lately. I get extremely anxious as soon as I lay down, even if I could barely keep my eyes open before. And then I can't sleep (and seem to have to get up to pee every 5 minutes). And I get a lump in my throat and start feeling like I'm going to cry. But no real thoughts associated with any of it that I'm aware of. Eventually I start wishing I could talk to my T and he would have an idea.
Two nights in the past week I took a Xanax, which is something I don't like doing, but by the point I take them I only have the potential of getting 6 hours of sleep and I need to sleep soon. Bought some sleeping pills so maybe try that tonight.
I have a pdoc appt. Friday so I'll ask her. And I hope my T has some ideas tomorrow. I feel like it's a memory that's so under the surface I'm not aware of it, or a really big feeling or something. I've tried progressive muscle relaxation, but I get too anxious and overwhelmed halfway through. I tried getting up and doing homework until I'm sleepy, which works, but is not ideal.
Any ideas? If it's psychological, what am I going to do?
sunnydays
Posted by llurpsienoodle on December 3, 2007, at 9:58:57
In reply to Sleep.... I could use some, posted by sunnydays on December 3, 2007, at 8:49:20
> I can't sleep lately. I get extremely anxious as soon as I lay down, even if I could barely keep my eyes open before. And then I can't sleep (and seem to have to get up to pee every 5 minutes). And I get a lump in my throat and start feeling like I'm going to cry.
Ahh the dreaded: globus hystericus. That's what I learned is the medical term for a psychological lump in the throat. It won't surprise you that it's a somatic symptom of anxiety.
> But no real thoughts associated with any of it that I'm aware of. Eventually I start wishing I could talk to my T and he would have an idea.
>
Can you write a letter to T using stream of consciousness at the moment when you feel the wave of anxiety? Or you can spew it on babble? Anything to get a release of nervous tension?> Two nights in the past week I took a Xanax, which is something I don't like doing, but by the point I take them I only have the potential of getting 6 hours of sleep and I need to sleep soon. Bought some sleeping pills so maybe try that tonight.
What kinda sleeping pills? diphenhydramine (aka benedryl) is nice and sedating. I had to take one last night because I was wheezing and coughing so much. helped lots. I have Rx for sonata which acts very fast and then dissipates within 2-3 hours. So even if I wake up in the middle of the night I can take one without hangover the next day. (which I cannot say for xanax)
>
> I have a pdoc appt. Friday so I'll ask her. And I hope my T has some ideas tomorrow. I feel like it's a memory that's so under the surface I'm not aware of it, or a really big feeling or something. I've tried progressive muscle relaxation, but I get too anxious and overwhelmed halfway through. I tried getting up and doing homework until I'm sleepy, which works, but is not ideal.
>
I hope you can sort through this with T too. are you pushing away any big thoughts? when I do this (like right now) it gives me anxiety that shows up when my mind relaxes (like right before bedtime)> Any ideas? If it's psychological, what am I going to do?
>
> sunnydaysI hope you have sweet dreams tonight:)
Ll
Posted by rskontos on December 3, 2007, at 11:02:11
In reply to Re: Sleep.... I could use some » sunnydays, posted by llurpsienoodle on December 3, 2007, at 9:58:57
Sunnydays, I have taken 2 bendryl when my thoughts won't go away so I can sleep. I also have a trick I use is I tell myself stories. I usually make up fancy ones. Not about me but just stories. And usually I don't finish them and then I can sleep. I have been doing this for years and it works. Takes my mind off my problems. The funny thing is I am now dreaming about them . Maybe one day I will write them up. Anyway, if I wake up in the middle of the night I will do the same thing pick up where I left off. My mother never read to me so it is taking the place of doing that I think. It is soothing to me and helps me feel safe. Hope that helps.
Sorry you can sleep. Hope you find some peace. rk
Posted by sunnydays on December 3, 2007, at 14:44:41
In reply to Re: Sleep.... I could use some » sunnydays, posted by llurpsienoodle on December 3, 2007, at 9:58:57
> Can you write a letter to T using stream of consciousness at the moment when you feel the wave of anxiety? Or you can spew it on babble? Anything to get a release of nervous tension?
*** Usually my computer isn't on at that point. And I'm afraid that might make me more upset because when I've done stream of consciousness stuff before it took me into some very upsetting places. So it's a good idea, I'm just not sure. I'll maybe ask my T what he thinks.
> What kinda sleeping pills?Unisom sleepgels, it's something close to what's in Benadryl. I don't know how often you can take Xanax is the problem - I don't get a hangover, and I wake up nice and relaxed, but I absolutely don't want any chance of getting addicted.
> I hope you can sort through this with T too. are you pushing away any big thoughts? when I do this (like right now) it gives me anxiety that shows up when my mind relaxes (like right before bedtime)
**** No big thoughts that I'm conscious of. But it's quite possible something is going on unconsciously. Quite possible indeed. And I don't like the idea of that, because whatever it is is likely to be big and upsetting.
Thanks ll! I hope you're able to sleep tonight as well.
sunnydays
Posted by sunnydays on December 3, 2007, at 14:46:10
In reply to Re: Sleep.... I could use some, posted by rskontos on December 3, 2007, at 11:02:11
I also have a trick I use is I tell myself stories. I usually make up fancy ones. Not about me but just stories. And usually I don't finish them and then I can sleep. I have been doing this for years and it works. Takes my mind off my problems. The funny thing is I am now dreaming about them . Maybe one day I will write them up. Anyway, if I wake up in the middle of the night I will do the same thing pick up where I left off. My mother never read to me so it is taking the place of doing that I think. It is soothing to me and helps me feel safe. Hope that helps.
*** I used to do that, but the past few nights it hasn't been working for me. I get into it and get drowsy and right when I'm about to fall asleep my whole body sort of jolts and I'm wide awake and anxious and upset again. It's like a startle reaction, but I don't know what's startling me. Thanks for the idea!
sunnydays
Posted by Dinah on December 3, 2007, at 17:41:37
In reply to Re: Sleep.... I could use some » llurpsienoodle, posted by sunnydays on December 3, 2007, at 14:44:41
That happens to me when I'm in a period of overstimulation. There isn't always a direct reason or thoughts that cause me to wake up in fear. It more often that my mind searches for a reason when I wake up in fear, and helpfully provides one.
You've been upset lately. That could have, if you're anything like me, started a flood of neurochemicals which might leave you overstimulated and likely to wake up with a startle. And then it snowballs and gains momentum. Eventually it burns out, but if I can stop the process with medications or meditation or dissociation or whatever works, it really is better for me in the long run.
I've quit trying to think myself out of it, or hope that I can learn to control it with my will, or searching for deeper reasons. I just have a hair trigger nervous system and need to accept and use what helps to calm it when needed, just as I need to accept and appreciate the positive aspects of it.
Of course, I have no idea if your nervous system is also finely tuned. But if it is, perhaps something I said will be helpful.
FWIW, I come from a family full of addicts, usually alchohol, but lots of other stuff too. I'm terrified of becoming addicted. In fact I do become addicted to those things I can't avoid completely, like food or spending. But I haven't found that judicious use of medications prescribed by my doctor have left me addicted in any physical sense. Nor do I need to take the medications more often or in greater quantities (except Provigil I suppose). Taking it as needed has been a positive thing for me, not a negative thing. You might want to talk it over with your therapist or pdoc and explore the possibilities?
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