[innocentjoy]

I have a lot of issues with the falling asleep part of the night. This can last hours for me. Almost all my flashbacks happen as I'm falling asleep, and it's also when most of my abuse happened. Add in the potential for nightmares, and the racing thoughts, and it's a big struggle.

I can distract myself from these thoughts easily by doing things.....but that doesn't let me sleep. And as much as it would be easy for me to be up all night and sleep all day, it does not work with my schedule. I know there is a balance between dealing with the emotions involved in bedtime, and not allowing them to take over my mind, causing physical stress and anxiety. But I just had no idea on how to get there.

Does anyone have tricks for getting through the night and feeling rested the next day?

Could you maybe fall asleep to relaxation music? Have a favorite item that is comforting? (blanket, body pillow etc.) Make sure your bedroom is on the cool side, and dark. Try lavender oils on your pillow.
I know its the thoughts of past abuse that you cant distract yourself from, and I'm sorry all I can suggest is meditation, a very strict ritual before bed, no triggering tv shows, and possible need for temporary medication. I've never asked any of my therapists ways to cope with that... I tend to just let myself fantasize into another reality....hope you get some more advice, hugs to you

[innocentjoy]

Thanks! Your ideas are great for calming down, not just distracting. I will have to see what I can come up with. I've cut out caffeine as much as possible, which helps.

It has been a difficult year for sleep and me Hopefully it will slowly even itself out.
Thanks for the hugs, they were much appreciated!

Its great to know I was appreciated, I hope things get better :

I have begun to suspect I am naturally a night person whose been trying to live in a morning culture. The 8 hour at night pattern emerged with the industrial revolution. People often used to sleep four hours then do quiet stuff for a couple hours then go back to sleep. Where I'm going is to try not fighting it. Get up and do some quiet activities. No electronics or heart pulsing books. Chores or art or a hobby of some sort. Or just putz. Something where you can leave the lights low.

[innocentjoy]

I am not naturally a night person. Once I fall asleep I can usually sleep for 10-12 hours. This staying up late has been really affecting me physically as well as mentally. I could be happy doing activities for hours, but it doesn't take away my problem, I still have to sleep at some point, and all those emotions and fears are still waiting for me when I do. The idea of having to fall asleep twice in a night is not pleasant

I like your idea of not fighting it, but I am probably taking it in a slightly different way than you meant. I've been fighting the feelings and emotions that come up, thus doing activities to keep them at bay. Perhaps there is a way I can just let them come, but not allow myself to believe them. I'll have to work on that.

Thanks for the suggestions,
IJ