[LordLeetas]

I have had nightmares for as long as I remember, I was sexually abuse when I was younger and my nightmares have always been about that abuse in some form or another. I have many reasons for not being able to sleep but my nightmares take the cake when it comes to actually falling asleep for fear of having a nightmare. I have tried many things to just fall asleep, I have taken OTC sleeps aids, I have probably tried every sleep aid out there at least once, my mother will occasionally give me a few of her Ambien in order to sleep which results in 5-6 hours of actual restful sleep.

When I do sleep I never stay asleep, I wake constantly during the night and I am always irritable during my waking hours. I do have a lot of stress in my life that I have mentioned in my other posts on PC. I have told my psychiatrist about my sleep problems but he insists that once I deal with my abuse it will get better.....that all good and fine but what about now? I don't know how long it will take for me to deal with things. I'm at a loss here, does anyone have any advice for me?

[CANDC]

I am so sorry you have suffered abuse as a child no one should have to endure that.

Since you tried sleep aids maybe mindfulness is a good thing to try. Here is a simple exercise that I use when I have stress during the day and also when I am laying in bed trying to relax and go to sleep.

Breathe naturally, silently counting 1 on the inhale and 1 on the exhale, 2 on the inhale and 2 on the exhale, continuing up to 10. then start at 1 again.

The mind cannot focus on negative thoughts and breathing also so the breathing and counting wins out.

[Thunder Bow]

As you know, all healing takes time. Just be determined to heal.

[LordLeetas]

Originally Posted by CANDC

I am so sorry you have suffered abuse as a child no one should have to endure that.

Since you tried sleep aids maybe mindfulness is a good thing to try. Here is a simple exercise that I use when I have stress during the day and also when I am laying in bed trying to relax and go to sleep.

Breathe naturally, silently counting 1 on the inhale and 1 on the exhale, 2 on the inhale and 2 on the exhale, continuing up to 10. then start at 1 again.

The mind cannot focus on negative thoughts and breathing also so the breathing and counting wins out.

Thank you for the advice, I have never tried this before, I can assure you I will try it this evening. I usually count to with the ticks of a clock, my mind always wonders though, maybe focusing on the counting and breathing at the same time will help me not think about my nightmares.