Sleep - Anxiety Message Board

Steve1 · 12-11-2006, 05:28 AM

Seems to be my only escape sometimes! When i sleep (until i wake up with a major anxiety attack) I am safe, I don't think about all my worries! I don't stress out!

I love to sleep. A little too much, but if it's a good place for me too hide! Is it that bad?

ocdengineer · 12-11-2006, 05:51 AM

Steve,

I would say that sleeping your case is kinda bad. Because you are hiding from the anxiety that you fear by doing so. I have read a few of your posts and it sounds like you have a bit of depression? Is that accurate? I am not sure if it is clinical or you are just down because of the anxiety you deal with, but sleeping all the time is no way to live. I try to get 8 hours a day, and that is sufficient to keep me running.

I know you use some Xanax, but what else are you taking as far as medication? Could a change in meds help? I know the Xanax shouldn't be making you sleepy if you have been taking it for awhile.

I would have said "no", but you said it is you hiding place, so in that case, "yes" sleeping is bad for you. It is more painful to be awake, so you sleep and nobody should have to live that way. I would talk with your doctor about that.

Later

Steve1 · 12-12-2006, 06:14 AM

OC, thanks for your reply and yes i do suffer from depression, but the Docs tell me it's because of my anxiety that i suffer... I guess you are right when you say i am hiding from my fears, but i fear stupid stuff, Like kids choking when they eat, where are they when the are outside, being late for work and others!
How does one deal with these negative feelings? I have been through therapy with no help. I do take Luvox along with the xanax, but it tends to make me emotionless... But does curb some of my anxiety. I have been diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression and have been on almost every drug (ssri) on the market. Took Prozax for almost 7 years until it quit working, then tried effexor and it was terrible. Now i take Luvox (100mgs) plus 2 and a half mgs of xanax 3 times a day. The xanax helps me relax, but the Dr. doesn't want me too much of it! Blahhhh... It's the best thing that has helped me! And like you, I do see some leveling (need more) I find that i constantly worry about everything, Like a million thoughts run through my head and won't stop! Some days are beeter than others and i think that i have a hold of it! But you know i think i am beginning to realize that i am in control of my life, then it fades and i am back into the some old routine!

And i rammble!

Take care and thanks
Steve

rbecca · 12-12-2006, 09:14 AM

Steve,

I shouldn't comment on your question because I do the same thing..... OC is right though,it isn't a good thing to have sleep be your safe place, or so I have been told!!
Just a sugestion, you may want to consider asking your doc to change you from the zanax to klonipin, it is longer lasting- so you do not feel the need to take it as often, also if you want to stop the cycle of wanting to be asleep it is less likely to help you in your zest for the perfect nap during the day.
If you happen to read the question that I put up on the board you'll see that I do not "practice what I preach" on this matter, but I do know that is not good

Have a great day

becca

Steve1 · 12-12-2006, 10:18 AM

Thanks Becca

I have been on klonipin before, I really don't remember much about it other than the fact it didn't work for me like the Xanax does! I do nap, but it's not the idea that i need sleep, cause i usaully get about 6 hours a night, But that i am hiding from my fears! As for practicing what you preach... I am known for that myself! I have all sort of suggestions for others, but when I try to apply them to myself, I never follow through!
When i get stressed, i tend to want to sleep! So maybe i should exercise again? and see if that helps!

Thanks for the reply
Peace
Steve