Saturday, March 22, 2008
I am having difficulties going to sleep. Yet, considering my past, I'm doing okay. I don't want to go too high or dip too low. I am either happy as a clam, or having low self esteem. I have panic attacks where it's difficult to speak. At its worst, I am completely delusional that everyone is out to get me. Which is totally ridiculous, but never the less, when it gets to that point, I can't control it. As I said, I'm doing relatively well. Last Wendsday, I was so scared to start a volunteer job, that I almost called it quits. I didn't. It's hard, but I think we all trying to do better. One day, we will be glad we got through such a harrowing ordeal.
Hi Rose,
When I have trouble going to sleep it usually means I have something on my mind or I stayed on the computer or watched TV to late.
If I recognize that some thought or another keeps resurfacing I write it down (briefly) just to assure myself it will not be forgotten. I often have trouble going to sleep because I think I will forget to go to work - as strange as that sounds. If that's my problem I'll write on a 3 x 5 card - "go to work" and leave it on my night stand. Problem solved - as soon as the alarm goes off and I hit the light there's my note. Not that I've ever needed a note to remember to go to work but it's my mind and it's endless worry.
The TV and computer thing is critical for me. If I don't turn off the computer by 10 and the tv by 11 and get into bed I'm awake until 3 or 4 am. That seems to be my window of sleep opportunity - if I miss it, it doesn't come around for another few hours. As you become familiar to your own rhythms and patterns you will learn what works for you.
Peace and good sleep,
Tammy