Really struggling with sleep, please help

Posted , 4 users are following.

I’m really scared I will die from lack of sleep . I know rationally that it’s so unlikely but I have really been struggling to sleep for months. It started in around January, got worse when I had covid and then went away again. Then I started getting anxious and my sleep declined in February. I now feel like I am never really asleep- I sleep very lightly and have dreams sometimes but I never feel deeply asleep. I was put on citalopram for anxiety/depression and have been on it for a few months but am not seeing much improvement. I feel tired but not sleepy- I am so scared. I am only 19. I am at uni and want to live a long life but my head feels empty and foggy atm, I struggle to have conversations etc. I have tried Zopiclone, antihistamines etc and it doesn’t really help. I feel like i have tried everything- no screens before bed, meditation, cutting down on caffeine, drinking alcohol to fall asleep etc etc. Has anyone else experienced and overcome this? please help!

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    i also have some twitching musvles when i sleep. not necessarily worrying before i sleep just wont switch off.

  • Posted

    Anxiety is murder on sleep. It sounds to me that anxiety is what's really fueling your inability to sleep, and you may want to look for answers there. The more you relax, the more relaxed you will be when it's time to sleep, and the better sleep you will get.

  • Edited

    Firstly, don’t panic about the foggy thoughts and inability to converse; it will all be restored to normalcy when you start getting a good night’s sleep. Secondly, don’t bring unnecessary thoughts of death into your mind. You are 19 and have a wonderful life ahead of you. This is a problem – accepted – but it can be resolved. And lastly, do not resort to alcohol to get sleep; it is a short term solution and when anxiety is the cause of sleeplessness, alcohol will cause more harm than good, despite its short term instant gratification.

    You mentioned anxiety as the primary cause of your sleeping trouble. But, are there any other health issues bothering you, for instance, gastrointestinal disorders? Understand that managing anxiety takes time and what works for one person need not work for someone else. Take small steps every day to overcome anxiety, and learn and try new sleeping techniques.

    • Edited

      thank you! the doctors think i possibly have a thyroid problem so i got a blood test. the worst thing is that i dont feel that anxious going to bed- it just feels like my abiliry to sleep deeply has been taken away/ i cant sleep deeply. i feel like it is damaging my personality and intellectual ability. i also feel like somethihg must be wrong with me if sleeping pills fony work. has anyone else ecprribced tjis?

  • Posted

    what exactly happens when you drink alcohol to sleep? no sleep at all? When I drink 2 beers before bed I at least sleep 3 hours.

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