Don't know if it's cause of my anxiety... - Anxiety Message Board

Lourage · 09-12-2008, 06:23 PM

..but i haven't gotten a full nights sleep in a few months. Even after cutting out caffeine. I don't want anything to take though and just want to sleep a full 8 hours without waking up once! I keep waking up at 4 am every night! Then it takes me a while to fall back to sleep. So i pretty much get 8 hours sleep, but 4 here and 4 after i wake up. Not sleeping is not good for anxiety/stress levels, and without deep REM sleep ( which is around 8 hours) our brains don't have time to "reset" so to say, and sleep is ESPECIALLY important for people with anxiety!

I'm thinking it can be from my beta blocker? I take lopressor. I don't have any other side effects from it, but maybe thats the one i got?

I wouldn't mind taking a sleeping pill though once in a while, but i don't think people on beta- blockers can even take them? Either way i'll see what my doctor says. Also i even exercise like crazy and that doesn't make me tired at all.

Jaxxon28 · 09-12-2008, 07:21 PM

Yep, it's another anxiety-related issue.

In the past few months, when I hadn't had as many anxiety problems, I slept a ton, and got restful sleep.

Just recently, my health anxiety started acting up, and I find myself waking up with a jolt, waking up more often, waking up and feeling like I have trouble breathing, etc.

It's really amazing what anxiety can do to a person. Definitely check with your doctor, they will be able to tell you if you are able to take a sleeping pill along with the other prescriptions you have. And as always, try to be less anxious, and of course that will help your sleep matters as well. Easier said than done, of course

Lindaru · 09-12-2008, 10:18 PM

My naturopath recommended a safe anxiety (and also good for stomach problems) remedy for me to try and I have to say the one night I knew I was going to wake up terrified from a nightmare (whatever my thoughts are churning throughout the day can pretty much predict this for me) is chamomile tea.

Make sure you get the straight chamomile (no additives) such as Celestial Seasonings makes.

It has worked pretty well. I do not use an alarm clock (I am retired) but I found myself sleeping in a bit late the first time I drank the tea.

Lindaru

Worrybucket · 09-13-2008, 01:37 PM

I havent had what you would call a full nights restful sleep since i started taking prozac amost a year ago. Im coming down off it now though and still waking through the night. It will be interesting how my sleep pattern goes when im off them.

greg1x · 09-13-2008, 02:09 PM

Are you sure you are only suffering from anxiety ? Early morning awakenings are a hallmark symptom of depression. May people suffer from anxiety and depression at het same time. I do. Greg