Cant sleep! HELP!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2005
Cant sleep! HELP!
3
Tue, 03-22-2005 - 12:18am
Hey everyone!
Havent been on the page in a while, you must forgive me for not keeping up. I have a question/concern. I have OCD, fairly moderatly, and take 150 to 200 mg of Zoloft daily for the OCD. It depends on how I am doing that week or so. Anyways, for the past 2 or 3 weeks, I have been having a horrible time getting to sleep. I cant stay still in my bed, I kick and stretch out as far as I can and eventually end up getting out of bed and wandering around or eating something(which is not good for my figure!) until I wear myself out. My mother suffers from RLS or restless leg syndrome. I am not sure what the cause of my sleeping problems are but I sometimes find myself having similiar symptoms as her when I try to sleep. Other than that, I cant see any other things it could be except maybe the OCD/anxiety. I doubt that I have RLS like she does, anything is possible though, which I have learned. Has anyone had similiar symptoms or experiences? I am wondering if it has to do with my medications, the OCD, stress, or something totally different. (seeing as it is 12:15 AM, I will try once more to sleep tonight!)Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated! THANKS!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 03-22-2005 - 6:57am
I hope you have gotten some sleep, by now. That is so frustrating. Many folks have posted about racing thoughts & having difficulty dropping off. Here are a few things I have read in the women's magazines that they promote heavily. Keep your bed for sex & sleep only. Don't read in bed or watch tv from your bed. Keep a bedtime routine. Eat a snack. Avoid spicy or heavy food.Take a warm bath. Play relaxing music or read to get you into the sleep mode. Avoid upsets or distractions. I like to burn a lavendar or citrus with rosemary candle. When the thoughts are racing, refocus on positive things. Counting or making lists in your mind, may help. Another member suggested thinking of a name by using each letter of the alphabet. I make up big numbers & subtract them from another big number in my head. You are doing the right thing by getting up if you can't sleep. In my case, frustrations continue to build if I stay in my bed. The point of staying relaxed needs to be maintained. HTH It is always a pleasure to see you again, crissy. Drop in anytime. Wishing you much success. (((hugs))) jan



 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2005
Thu, 03-24-2005 - 11:09pm
HELLO!
Thank you for your advice. I have also been noticing if i have everything tidy or just how i like it in my room, i sleep much better. Or actually sleep!!! My leg muscle thing still bothers me so I will speak with the doc about that but catchin some zzzz's has gotten a bit easier. Lighting and sounds are very important to staying relaxed, thanks for your advice on this as well. It has helped me stay calm when my mind doesnt want to sleep! Hopefully I will speak to you and everyone soon! THANX YALL!
~~cRiSsY~~
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Fri, 03-25-2005 - 12:58pm
I took yoga and learned some breathing techniques that can actually regulate the heartbeat. I used to have a terrible time falling asleep almost every night but now it's pretty rare and the breathing will put me to sleep 85% of the time.