Member Since: July 29, 2010
Answers: 302
Last Update: March 19, 2011
Visitors: 17893
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So I have GAD (general anxiety disorder). I'm on Paxil CR right now for it, but I'm switching meds soon because this one cause me to become very depressed.
Here's my problem: I started school about a week ago. I have to get up every morning at 5:30 AM because I had to take an early pre-period class...the thing is, by me getting up at 5:30 I'm constantly exhausted and I feel like I'm not getting enough sleep. The earliest I'm ever able to fall asleep is around 10, but usually 11. I can turn off the TV, turn off the lights, and just relax but I still can't seem to fall asleep until around 10-11.
And this is where the anxiety comes in...all summer I had really severe anxiety attacks. I'd wake up in the morning, just go through the day feeling anxious until around 12 AM at night I'd finally fall asleep after having multiple anxiety attacks. I started Paxil CR in July..and at first I DID notice a difference but as of a few weeks, I've been feeling really depressed and anxious, which according to my doctor is most likely due the Paxil. So today I have an appointment with my doc and I will be switching meds. Anyway, when I don't get enough sleep...my anxiety is usually 20x worse.
Just last night I had a VERY severe round of anxiety attacks from the time of getting home from school, till around 11 when I finally fell asleep. I wasn't able to go to school today. I feel like a big part of this is because I'm just not getting enough sleep.
I don't know what to do. I can't drop the early morning class, because I have to take it. 5:30 is the LATEST I can get up in the morning. I'm just wondering if anyone has any relaxation techniques to help me calm down earlier in the night and be able to fall asleep earlier? Or if anyone has any other advice on what I can do about this anxiety and sleep.
Thanks. (link)
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You got some great advice already...
Do you drink beverages with caffeine in them? Try and cut them out, at least don't drink them after 3:00 PM. Most people aren't aware of the effect it has on them until they cut it out.
Cut out highly sugared foods/drinks from dinner on. These, too can make it hard for you to relax.
Make you bedroom as dark as possible. This makes a big difference! Add a sheet as another layer of curtains, use a draft stopper if a lot of light comes in under your door.
How quiet is your room? People do not get good quality sleep when there are TV sounds in the background. If there are household sounds you can't block out, consider ear plugs, or a masking noise, like the running of a fan.
Stop watching TV in bed, or studying in bed or anything else but sleeping in bed.
Hopefully you will get the better of this soon.
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