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Anxiety and not getting enough sleep.
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.
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You need to see your psychiatrist NOW and have your parents call for you. You have to tell him/her all of this about school, bad sleeping patterns, severe anxiety etc still going on. Then and only then can they help you with adjustments.
The thing is, with medication it's a drag as it takes a long time to find the combination that works. It's not going to happen instantly which I know you're hoping for but will become better.
You NEED that psychiatrist to phone as well as send a letter to your school administrators telling them that you were recently diagnosed with a disorder, are having horrible reactions to medication and need some help and concessions made.
Have him/her point out that it's exhausting and a 5:30 a.m. wake up time for class isn't needed and even though you require the class on your transcript that concessions need to be granted.
For example there's no reason on Earth once they get this note that you can't do the work from home and complete all projects and assignments that way. If they won't allow it phone your school trustee as these people will bend over backwards to help ill students with documented illnesses that affect ability to function at school. If they don't they can be sued and they know it.
Get the doctor in contact for you with a letter and a phone call and I'm sure it will move mountains. Been there, done that so I know it's the answer. I hope you do alright soon with it. i'm here to support you 24/7 if you need further guidance. Just pop me a note on my column.
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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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hey there thank you for posting you question on here.
-I am glad you are going to go see your doc today to change to a different medication... the Paxil CR seems to obviously be making you worst than better. I think you are doing the right thing already by having this medication switched.
- now... my advice to you for better relaxation and tranquility before you go to bed, I recommend taking a nice relaxing WARM not cold or semi-cold or too hot but a nice WARM bath... because warm water helps relax the muscles in the body allowing you to feel light and stress free...take your time to just lay in the tub, close your eyes and enjoy the silence that surrounds you. make sure to place a towel behind your head for better comfort this is a time for you to relax your muscles and your body before heading off to bed... if you want, you can even have your I-pod and listen to some great relaxing music while closing your eyes... take your time and let your mind be free. Having a relaxed body before going to bed is a great start to being able to have a good nights sleep.
- I also recommend doing some exercise... jogging or running is great... you will get home tired and fall asleep really fast after a warm bath or quick shower. but warm baths helps one relax better than showers.
- You can also try meditation... listen to peaceful music and close your eyes... while taking deep breaths in and out... you can do this siting down on a comfortable sofa or chair as well as laying down on your bed or any soft comfortable smooth surface.
- Yoga helps a lot too!
- You might also try something known as Guided Imagery... with this technique you can use your imagination to visualize improved health... some great Guided Imagery videos can be found on Youtube. choose the one you like the best... I personally like this one... here is the link...[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
I wish you the best! and no worries! the change of medication might help a lot in you being able to get some good nights sleep. Along with the above techniques I gave you, you are sure to hopefully feel way better. Positive thinking can work wonders... keep the positive vibes coming into your life and you will be surprised at how much better you feel and enjoy life.
If anything, I am here any other questions are always welcomed. take care! :)
-trueadvice3
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