Bed Time Panic Attacks – Every night – Am Exhausted?
Every night, no matter how exhausted I am, I have panic attacks about going 2 bed. I stay up all night – despite being on meds -Bi-polar & Bordeline Diagnosed. I know all the "tips/technics" but am way past that stage. My bed used 2 be my "safe haven" – now I fear going to bed. It’s not "bed" per say, but the "actual perception of bed". Even with meds (incl sleeping tabs) I just can’t do it. Even now, I’m exhausted – Mon & tues nights no sleep at all. Why? I know, I feel, I desire sleep – but why do I fear the "process of going to bed". I now have a sleeper couch in my lounge/office, not 2 ft from me – but still I stay away. It’s 2am now, but the mere act of moving chair to couch 2 prepare 4 sleep is like standing on a bridge preparing to bungy – only worse. I can’t properly explain it. & yes, I’ve tried all the suggested tips etc. What psychological aspects could induce this (my past is full of "it all".) I’m actually a trained counsellor – help others not thyself! Any ideas?
my hubby did that 4 many months-hes bipolar. we got the spare matress n put it in living room with no sheets-the next week sheets-next week our room sheets. then i took it away n got his fav movies n played it b4 he got in room- they played till he went to sleep. theres been no problems since. good luck—my point was i dont think its in ur head-but its become a habit in ur mind. as long as ur ”watchin a movie” or something 4 awhile ur mind wont think of it as ”bed” just the couch w/no back. hope that helps
Comments
Comment from pixie
Time December 27, 2009 at 8:52 pm
my hubby did that 4 many months-hes bipolar. we got the spare matress n put it in living room with no sheets-the next week sheets-next week our room sheets. then i took it away n got his fav movies n played it b4 he got in room- they played till he went to sleep. theres been no problems since. good luck—my point was i dont think its in ur head-but its become a habit in ur mind. as long as ur ”watchin a movie” or something 4 awhile ur mind wont think of it as ”bed” just the couch w/no back. hope that helps
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Comment from youngdominic
Time December 27, 2009 at 9:21 pm
I think you may need residential care for this, as it sounds like it has gotten to a very advanced stage. If meds are failing, and your life is being wrecked, I might even consider ECT (for those who don’t know, that is electro-convulsive therapy). Electing to have ECT would be an extreme step – there must be some further meds you can try. I sympathise with your struggle – I REALLY know how difficult it is to deal with.
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Comment from kun j
Time December 27, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Worrying is a bad habit, you need to overcome it like any other bad habit. Try to modify the factors under your control, that is the only thing you can do. From http://mshn.org/worry.html
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Comment from Jorge M
Time December 27, 2009 at 10:24 pm
here, yes i do agree with the last person you need God. and meds are not going to help you. panic attacks and anxiety dissorders are just chemical inbalances in the brain. anti depressants to be honest are going to make you worst, dont be affraid, the reason why you its called a chemical imbalance is becuase your body is not producing enough serotonin, the chemical that is beilived to control your emotions and keep ah balanced amount. so what you gotta do is this: Number one talk to a phycologist and open up fully! tell her/he your deepest thoughts. talk to mom and dad brother family member or friend tell them how you feel.
step 2 go on a healthy diet try to stay away from carbohydrates and high colesterol products. take vitamin b and c ALOT! these are the vitamins that help your brain keep sharp. find better things to do, like reading is the best one so far. when you get anxious thoughts breath from your belly and let it out slowly from your mouth and as you exhail say words like love. peace, tranquility or words that might make you laugh. step 3 when you go to bed recite poems read anything. the bible is really good to read youll find some amazing things. be happy that atleast ur alive.
try this for 2 weeks, if after 2 weeks you still the same, look for a product called L-Tryptophan is the vitamin that your body needs inorder to produce serotonin talkto your doctor or to a physician about L-Tryptophan and how to take it. this is not an anti depressants so dont worry.
may god keep you safe and help you get better
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Comment from Nillio
Time December 27, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Why do you fear the process of going to bed? I dont know what youve been through but could it have something to do with having to let your guard down in order to fall asleep.
Ive become a firm believer that how we feel and behave can have a lot to do with the messages we tell ourselves. Perhaps gaining insight into some self defeating messages you may be telling yourself at bedtime could be the key to overcoming this, if you havent explored this already.
There is a book by Albert Ellis called ‘A Guide To Rational Living’ that examines this link between what we think, and how we feel and behave. It could help you challenge any irrational thoughts you are having concerning falling asleep.
Best wishes and I hope you can overcome this.
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Comment from 99999
Time December 27, 2009 at 8:09 pm
You need God and God loves to have you.
God loves you, and you are precious to Him. The Son of God died on the Cross to save us from condemnation, and qualifying us to Heaven. Just come to Jesus with genuine repentance and faith and you will find peace, hope and meaning for your life. Heaven is wonderful beyond description and forever without end. Never miss Heaven for anything of this troubled world. Life on earth is short and uncertain. Get right with God before it is too late. Best wishes for happiness and Heaven! (www.spiritlessons.com)
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Bible, the guide to Heaven, the handbook for living.