Afraid to sleep... - Sleep Disorders Message Board

*Versailles* · 10-27-2005, 04:24 AM

Hi all,

I don't think this is a "disorder," but it is definitely causing me some difficulties. I am afraid to sleep because whenever I do, bad things always happen. I suffer from depression, bpd, ocd, etc., so I have some mental stuff going on, which sometimes causes me brief spurts of insomnia, but this is different.

I actually don't want to sleep. I refuse to sleep until I'm at the point I just basically pass out from exhaustion. Anyway, the reason I'm afraid to sleep is because bad things always happen. One thing is about three times a night, I'll jerk awake, and I'm not talking just waking up, I'm saying I'll jump into a sitting up position and my heart will be racing. Another thing is I often forget where I am when I wake up and panic. I keep thinking I'm back at home instead of at my dorm. Another thing is I've been having horribly vivid nightmares and night terrors.....and flashbacks during the day. I just don't know what to do with myself....I'm so tired....but I'm afraid to sleep....arrggghhh

please help..thanks

-Angel

hry33 · 10-27-2005, 03:40 PM

if you are taking meds these may be causing most of the sleep problems, discuss with doc
sometimes it helps to sleep with the light on also the TV or radio on

TonyaM · 10-27-2005, 04:54 PM

Hey,
I've gone through the exact same thing. I think its just part of fighting through depression. But I don't know, I still wake up with my heart racing and think I am somewhere else but it is getting better as I get better.
TonyaM

*Versailles* · 10-28-2005, 01:25 AM

Thanks for the responses, I am currently functioning on about a half hour or hour of sleep (which was broken up in small intervals). It's been over forty-eight hours since I had even half-way decent sleep. My body is so tired. I don't know what to do.

Countrygirl1 · 10-28-2005, 11:13 AM

I agree with TonyaM. When I am more depressed I am afraid to go to sleep. Can't put my finger on the exact reason. However, it always coincides with a "spike" in my depression. It is the vicious cycle sometimes.