sleep

[abyss43]

i am 20 weeks pregnant and suffering from severe anxiety and insomnia and i am now at breaking point please help me !!!

[I Love Snow]

I have the same problem and i'm 21 weeks. Have you tried a warm bath before bed? You could try posting the same question in the pregnancy section within family as there are loads of use who are pregnant at the moment.

[lynbrown]

Please go to the library and get out a few books on pregnancy - knowledge is power. If you understand what is happening to you, you will feel more in control.
Try to find others in the same situation - it really does help to talk. I wish I knew you, I would try to help you. Dont you have anyone you can confide in? If not, then you must be strong for yourself - you can and you will.

[wallyboots]

I'm not pregnant but have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression that all started with monthly, pre menstrual insomnia. My doctors have failed to conclude that it was hormone related but the more I hear the more convinced I am of the correlation. I'm very sorry to hear you are suffering but by my knowing that this is something that occurs quite frequently during pregnancy is helping me feel more positive about my condition.
I did find that Badgerbalm for sleep helped me relax during the night and camomile tea too, but the thing I swear by the most is Bach rescue remedy, it's natural and says nothing on the pack about using it while pregnant but please don't take my word for that. I'm sorry I'm not more help to you than that but I'm sure that this is something that will dissipate when your hormones sort themselves out, I'm in the process of finding a pill to control mine and am feeling much better. Hang in there. I know it's tough being up for hours but the more you fret over it the worse the anxiety will be. Try not to lie in bed awake for more than a half hour, get up and do a boring chore (like filing bills or gentle dusting) for 20 mins then go back to bed and try to fall asleep again for only a half hour etc. apparently one of the most important things is not to train your brain into associating bed with stress and wakefulness. Good luck with your pregnancy and forthcoming bundle of joy, I'm sure this will all be worth it then. Remember, your hormones are just doing their thing for the baby, it just sucks that you have to suffer for it. Sorry to ramble on. Good Luck to you.

[kira000]

My tips for when i get the sleep problems.

1. dont eat after 8pm - digesting alot of food can make it harder to sleep
2. dont watch tv, play on the computer etc in the bedroom. train your mind that bed is for sleep not activity.
3. Always turn the lights down/off in the house at least 2 hours before you want to sleep- just use candles or a side light. It helps your brain recognise night time and release sleep chemicals.
4. I often use a hypnotherapy cd to help me feel sleepy before bed. Paul Mckenna's ones always work. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hypnotherapy-Sleep-Lik e-Paul-Mckenna/dp/B00002MV9U

Hope this helps! Sweet dreams!

[SizzleSquid]

try CBT counselling (Cognitive behavioural therapy) it does work and changes/ challenges the way u think and feel about yourelf and others-deals with insomnia like i had- in ways u didnt think would work, its so good, and reduces stress and anxiety ten fold. There may be a waitin list at your gp surgery but ask him/her to refer u. You dont want to end up with post natal depression as well so tackle this right now.

In the mean time try writing your thoughts and feelings down-and empty your mind wen you go to bed-push any intruding thoughts away and breathe ryhmytically, on breathing out make it longer.

[snt79]

i suffered from a panic disorder and insomnia i ended up on citalopram which was amazing (you cant take when you are pregnant) However im trying for a baby and have had to ween myself off it. Been to the doctor and he assured me that if it comes back when im preggers theres other tablets to try. If you dont want to go down that route i totally feel for you its hell on earth but you need to talk yourself down from the anxiety. NOTHING is going to happen to you, you need to challange your negative thoughts every single time. I always tell myself it will pass and im fine. Usually there is a trigger for your anxiety, you may not realise what it is right now as it took me a long time to realise mine but the sooner you do means you can talk yourself down the second the anxiety starts. Stay strong you can do this and you will be a stronger person when you come through it. All the luck in the world. p.s wallyboots is so right dont lay awake in bed for hours itl just make it worse. think to yourself so what i cant sleep il get up and try again in half an hour or an hour, try reading. il keep checking for your posts incase you need support. x