Hellobee Boards

I try to avoid drugs, a hot bath/reading/or watching a show on the ipad in bed helps me get sleepy (or all 3.) If worse comes to worse I'll take a Unisom to help me get to sleep.

I avoid caffeine after 3 pm, I make sure I get some fresh air everyday and I purposely turn off the TV/radio/electronics about 2 hours before bedtime, it helps me to start shutting down my mind.

I have a friend who uses Ativan for her anxiety and insomnia, and it works like a charm, but that, like Ambien, is a serious drug.

I think (and obviously you know this) that ultimately you need to remove yourself from the thing that's making you stressed and anxious (the ILs!) but while that's not an easy fix, in the meantime I think having a set wind-down, bed time routine will help. Even just reading a book to get you out of your own life and into the story will help get your mind off the stresses of the day. Hugs

this sounds weird, but when i was pregnant i found these youtube videos by this massage therapist who has a very soothing voice. i listened to those because they helped relax me, and i still listen to her to my phone when i get into bed and it puts me out like a light. it's a very strong sleep cue for me now. wish i could use it on my LO!

I read til I get sleepy. white noise also helps (I have the app on my phone).

One thing a client used to use was a God Box. You don't have to believe in God or anything, you can just use the idea. She would imagine a box (on a shelf, the floor, in a closet, etc) and really try to vividly imagine herself pulling the thought from her head, setting it into the box, and leaving it there for the night. She said she was putting it there for God to handle, but you could just tell yourself whatever works! Putting it there for the thoughts to sleep for the night, etc.