advertisement
Reply
Thread Tools Display Modes
pekoetea
New Member
pekoetea has no updates.
 
Member Since: Dec 2020
Location: Canada
Posts: 6
3 yr Member
Default Dec 15, 2020 at 01:12 PM
  #1
I finally got a few nights of 8hr + sleep.

It's so important for me because historically this time of year I'm usually in my 3rd or 4th month of mania, but this year I am not and I'm doing a lot of things to help keep that at bay. I know mania is inevitable, but the longer I have without it the more I can strengthen my mind and work on myself while I'm in my window of wellness.

I've been maintaining my mood at a pretty even keel for 6 months with one bad 10 day spell of depression in September 2020. But instead of trying to fix it myself I reached out to my professional supports and had a med adjustment, and that helped a great deal.

I wanted to share with anyone who was curious what's been working for me, so I thought I'd write what's worked and what hasn't.

Sleep hygiene is a process, one that I'm constantly battling with because I know it's the first step in keeping my mind recharged and able to cope. I had a few methods of always making sure I slept. Back in July and August when I was coming down from a 2 year manic spree, I was prescribed zoplicone (immovane) that I took every night without fail to make sure I was getting a great deal of sleep. I let my body rest and recover, and I didn't beat myself up for getting nothing done around the house. I made my mind and body the priority in early recovery.

As I got better, I needed less sleep and worked with my pdoc to make sure I didn't become dependent on my sleep aid, and we agreed to cut the sleep aid from my daily medications but keep it on hand should I need it from time to time. I did use it from time to time, but needed it less often. I also switched to using melatonin for a few months. I took it at the same time every night and listened to my body when it was tired and went to bed.

I started a journal. I write for fifteen minutes a night in it before I go to bed. I share my fears, my successes, I talk to myself like a would a good friend. I get my anxieties out on paper but don't commit to writing for long. I accept that things will never be perfect and it helps clear my mind so I can rest easy when I turn out the light and roll over.

I try to go to sleep at a the same time every night, regardless if it's a weekend or not. This is not easy because I live with family and they like to stay up late and I like to socialize, but it's a small sacrifice to make sure my fuel tank is full to handle the day and weeks ahead.

My sleep aid recently stopped working and I had a minor meltdown about it. Then I calmed down and did some research. It was time to start exercising moderately to help regulate my routine, so I've been doing that this week for about 15 minutes a day, and suddenly my sleep is back on track again.

Sleep was the first thing I needed to address to start healing my mind. I will always be bipolar, but I'm starting to gain some confidence that it will never be as bad as it was. Thanks for reading.
pekoetea is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
Anonymous32451, TMW711
 
Thanks for this!
maggieeelxk, TMW711

advertisement
Anonymous32451
Guest
Anonymous32451 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default Dec 16, 2020 at 09:16 AM
  #2
I am glad you are sleeping well.

now, if their was only a way to trransfer some of that sleep to someonel ike me who..... well, hason't slept for the longest time
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
pekoetea
New Member
pekoetea has no updates.
 
Member Since: Dec 2020
Location: Canada
Posts: 6
3 yr Member
Default Dec 16, 2020 at 09:22 PM
  #3
Quote:
Originally Posted by raging vortex View Post
I am glad you are sleeping well.

now, if their was only a way to trransfer some of that sleep to someonel ike me who..... well, hason't slept for the longest time
Remember to be kind to yourself, learning to sleep properly is a process and it literally doesn't happen overnight. I hope sleep comes to you soon. I don't know if you've heard about "blue light", but it's the light that comes from phone screens and computer monitors, and it can really mess with a sleep cycle. I had to learn to really reduce my screen time to start getting adequate sleep.
pekoetea is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
TMW711
New Member
 
TMW711's Avatar
TMW711 has no updates.
 
Member Since: Feb 2021
Location: Ohio
Posts: 6
3 yr Member
10 hugs
given
Default Feb 22, 2021 at 07:00 PM
  #4
"window of wellness" needs to be a tshirt or at the very least my next meditation mantra with my mala when i can sit still long enough to do it that is. "mind and body the priority in early recovery"...sage words of wisdom. thanks for the valuable info, i took some notes! blessings to you and your nights full of sleep

__________________
TMW711 aka Tina
TMW711 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:08 AM.
Powered by vBulletin® — Copyright © 2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.



 

My Support Forums

My Support Forums is the online community that was originally begun as the Psych Central Forums in 2001. It now runs as an independent self-help support group community for mental health, personality, and psychological issues and is overseen by a group of dedicated, caring volunteers from around the world.

 

Helplines and Lifelines

The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

Always consult your doctor or mental health professional before trying anything you read here.