[shezbut]

I can't remember how many of us have had traumatic brain injuries here, or where "we" go to talk about life in general. So, please forgive me if I've put this post in the wrong area.

My sleep last week was horrible. Every night, I was only able to get about 3 hours total. My mind won't stop working, even though I keep giving it opportunity, and my body needs it! I can already see my body becoming smaller, due to unwanted weight loss. My muscles are being munched up by this stupid anxiety! Just one week away from the gym, and this happens already?! What's next?? I don't have the energy to go the gym, because I feel so stoned from this lack of sleep. What else can I do?

Thankfully, my nurse came out this morning to talk with me. While my nurse wanted very much to help me feel better, she couldn't reassure me enough to get my mind to slow down. It just takes time for me to adapt to the stress, I guess. I do see my T tomarrow...and hopefully, that will help too.

Just feeling alone ~ even though I know that I'm not "alone". Needing someone to just listen...and understand.

Hello, shezbut. I hope you have a good session tomorrow. Good luck.

[Nola22]

As Byzantine said, shezbut, I hope you have a good session tomorrow. I also hope being here can ease that feeling of being alone with what you're facing. Though our circumstances are different, I certainly am familiar with a chronic lack of restful sleep, and how it can break down resolve and interfere with regular activities. I hate the logy, sluggish way I feel the next day, and how the slightest movement takes all the effort in the world. I would do anything to be able to go for even a moderate walk right now!

Hang in there, shezbut--all the best to you.

[(JD)]

Sleep is a nightly issue for me. I generally consider a "good" night as one where I sleep 4 hours before pain wakes me, and then get another 2-3 after taking medication.

When I do not sleep, for whatever reason, it has to be the prime focus (after getting to doctor and physical therapy appointments) the next day. Lack of restorative sleep has a really quick domino effect for me and the rest of my life.

I have many modalities that are useful to help me sleep most of the time: valerian, passion flower, scullcap herbs; a CD of brain delta wave sounds; list-making to clear urgent issues from conscious thought (and telling myself I can do NOTHING about them during the night anyway); a routine that can take up to an hour allowing my body to remember it's time to sleep.

Yes, overwhelmed by life. I just told my pain T today that I'm so involved trying to fix things in my life I don't have time or energy to live life. I think you know just what I mean. The things I'm trying to fix ARE things of life, but most people also have time and energy to do other things as well. Those of us who are disabled some how only get a certain amount of time each day (if it's a good day) to get things done. Banking, eating, other urgent issues take precedence over enjoying life. I keep trying to be okay with the motions I go through in living...it is the substance of life...but I want more fun!

[Leed]

Hi Shezbut ~ I also have sleep issues. Right now I've been up for 2 1/2 days with no sleep. I'm a chronic pain patient, so my issues are pain. My doctor has me on narcotic medications but naturally I'm undermedicated as most chronic pain patients are.

I have found that the set of CD's with various nature sounds are helpful. They have oceans sounds, forest sounds, rain, thunder, etc. They are very helpful in getting me to sleep -- except this time. LOL I'm just on one of my frequent phases where I can't sleep regardless of what I do.

Perhaps if you got a set of these CD's they would help you too. Most any music/video store sells them. Best of luck & God bless. Hugs, Lee

[shezbut]

Originally Posted by (JD)

.... Lack of restorative sleep has a really quick domino effect for me and the rest of my life.

I have many modalities that are useful to help me sleep most of the time: valerian, passion flower, scullcap herbs; a CD of brain delta wave sounds; list-making to clear urgent issues from conscious thought (and telling myself I can do NOTHING about them during the night anyway); a routine that can take up to an hour allowing my body to remember it's time to sleep.

Yes, overwhelmed by life. I just told my pain T today that I'm so involved trying to fix things in my life I don't have time or energy to live life. I think you know just what I mean. The things I'm trying to fix ARE things of life, but most people also have time and energy to do other things as well. Those of us who are disabled some how only get a certain amount of time each day (if it's a good day) to get things done. Banking, eating, other urgent issues take precedence over enjoying life. I keep trying to be okay with the motions I go through in living...it is the substance of life...but I want more fun!

JD,

Yes, I do know exactly what you mean.

I am exhausted and overworked just trying to do the "little necessities" in life. It would be great to have the energy and focus to get through daily tasks and onto enjoying life!

I appreciate the reminder to get back into making a list of issues that press on my mind as I try to fall asleep. I've been listening to classical music, to put into into a more relaxed state of mind, as I try to fall asleep. But, I often find myself counting rhythmic beats, and become startled by more emotional parts of the music. Ugh... something simple would probably be much more helpful. Thanks!

((hugs))

[shezbut]

Originally Posted by Leed

Hi Shezbut ~ I also have sleep issues. Right now I've been up for 2 1/2 days with no sleep. I'm a chronic pain patient, so my issues are pain. My doctor has me on narcotic medications but naturally I'm undermedicated as most chronic pain patients are.

I have found that the set of CD's with various nature sounds are helpful. They have oceans sounds, forest sounds, rain, thunder, etc. They are very helpful in getting me to sleep -- except this time. LOL I'm just on one of my frequent phases where I can't sleep regardless of what I do.

Perhaps if you got a set of these CD's they would help you too. Most any music/video store sells them. Best of luck & God bless. Hugs, Lee

Thanks Lee

I'll have to look for some nature sounds CD's. Those can be so relaxing, as long as the volume isn't too loud. Thanks for the tip, I appreciate it!

Hope that you get back into the groove of sleep soon. These sleepless nights add up quickly and are brutal ~ gentle hugs to you.