Help? Afraid to sleep.

[screamtobeheard]

Lately, I haven't been sleeping well. I either wake up so many times that it's like I'm not sleeping at all, or I sleep through the night restlessly, tossing and turning, having awful dreams where people either die, are injured, or become seriously or terminally ill. I don't know what to do about it, and it's reached the point that I'm afraid to go to sleep. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[kingbudapa]

It's possible that's ur very stressed out and that could be causing this. U could wait till ur really tired before going to sleep or do something that takes a lot of energy before going to bed. Like running would be good or anything. Hope this helps

[LittleMiss]

It does indeed sound stress-related. Ive managed to wake up having horrible dreams and ending up just sobbing to myself some nights. Have you tried techniques to help you get to sleep? Like apparently if you focus on the rhythm of your breathing, etc then that is meant to help some people drift off. Also, dont fret about things whilst in your bed.. I have the habit of worrying about 101 different things as soon as my head hits the pillow. Some others say that a warm glass of milk before bed helps. Personally, I sometimes have a lovely warm/hot shower, get immediately dressed for bed and snuggle up into my covers and let myself just be calm, and relax and breathe..

[ImCoolBeans]

It does indeed sound stress-related. Ive managed to wake up having horrible dreams and ending up just sobbing to myself some nights. Have you tried techniques to help you get to sleep? Like apparently if you focus on the rhythm of your breathing, etc then that is meant to help some people drift off. Also, dont fret about things whilst in your bed.. I have the habit of worrying about 101 different things as soon as my head hits the pillow. Some others say that a warm glass of milk before bed helps. Personally, I sometimes have a lovely warm/hot shower, get immediately dressed for bed and snuggle up into my covers and let myself just be calm, and relax and breathe..

This is good advice, try not to worry or get stressed out over things while laying in bed. You'll only stew over it and your mind will wander.

It's possible that's ur very stressed out and that could be causing this. U could wait till ur really tired before going to sleep or do something that takes a lot of energy before going to bed. Like running would be good or anything. Hope this helps

However, I would not suggest running or doing physical activity before bed. This will raise you're heart rate and you'll be all pumped up before you fall asleep, which is not what you want.

Try to relax, I find that a cup of decaffeinated tea is really soothing and helps me get to sleep.

[schizaea]

I know exactly how you feel, I have this problem too! It's horrible, I get scared to go sleep and I am always exhausted, even sleeping pills can't knock me out because I'm scared of what I'll dream of or what might happen.

Some times what helps me is listening to quiet music and before going to sleep writing down everything I'm worried about, and also the things I'm hoping for or happy about, and then I try to focus on something positive. When I'm in bed I feel my pulse and just sort of focus on it, so I don't think of anything. I also like having my cat sleep with me, or having sleepovers with friends as I feel more... peaceful and protected, if that makes sense? Also, try talk to someone about the dreams, it might help them go away. :)

[Spook]

The same thing has happened to me. I have noticed a decline in this happening when I take sleep medication, and listen to music before bed. :)