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I get so anxious about not getting enough sleep that I end up not sleeping. How do I prevent this?

17 Answers
Last Updated: 02/12/2018 at 6:16am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Stacey Kiger, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

My belief is that therapy is not about giving advice, but joining you on your journey

Top Rated Answers
Serenade26
September 26th, 2014 3:38pm
Pick a routine. Sleeping on time and getting up on time. Its even better if i involves exercise. Meditation also works for managing anxiety and increases sleep quality.
baby
November 7th, 2014 9:33pm
Don't stress out too much, life gets hard sometimes but you have to push through it. everything will be okay.
VanessaD92
May 27th, 2015 7:36pm
Practice deep breathing. It can be very peaceful. Also, try not to think about sleeping, that'll make you struggle more. If you've been in bed for longer than 20 minutes with no sleep, get up and walk around until you are tired. The trick is to calm the mind enough that the anxiety goes away and the sleep happens.
MnjSS
November 3rd, 2014 11:46am
Stress and anxiety may cause sleeping problems or make existing problems worse. abnormal sleep patterns interfere with physical, mental, and emotional functioning. Stress or anxiety can cause a serious night without sleep, as do a variety of other problems. To reduce anxiety and stress you can follow following step which I follow: 1.Avoid looking at the clock. This can make you anxious in the middle of the night. Turn the clock away from you. 2.Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Consider using a fan to drown out excess noise, and make sure your mattress and pillows are comfortable. 3.Play music because soft, calming music can lower your blood pressure and relax your mind and body. 4.Talk to your doctor if you still have problems falling asleep. You may need a prescription or herbal sleep remedy.
Lindsay827
October 7th, 2014 1:52am
I downloaded an ocean sounds app for my phone. It relaxes me and takes my mind off of whatever it is usually on.
sylviavdwb
November 15th, 2014 11:51pm
Try to relax and do something soothing to distract yourself, for example reading or listening to calming music. Try to drink something warm and try to avoid technology as it wakes you up. If this doesn't work at least lie down and close your eyes as that helps recharge your body and mind even if your not sleeping.
Anonymous
June 4th, 2015 10:09pm
Try clearing your thoughts and maybe not try to think about sleeping or force your self to sleep because that can keep you awake maybe try listening to sleep sounds like rain or thunderstorm sounds to clear your thoughts.
daniellebee
November 15th, 2014 12:21am
Make sure that you get everything you need to do done and give yourself an hour before to go to sleep to relax. Drink some tea, listen to relaxing music, maybe read a book and de-stress. I always find that exercising that made really helps me sleep better.
Anonymous
November 2nd, 2014 8:28pm
When you're trying to sleep try listening to some calming music, ideally instrumental or without lyrics. This will give your mind the chance to wind down and hopefully feel more relaxed, due to the fact that you're listening to the music and not concentrating so much on getting to sleep. Once your mind and body is relaxed, hopefully you will get a good night's sleep!
Anonymous
December 25th, 2014 11:37pm
Breathe. Calm. do soothing things before bed. Things that are calming and relaxing. Maybe cut out Caffeine before bed.
Harri
October 27th, 2014 3:08pm
Try some relaxation exercises to help ease your anxiety, and plan your sleep well so you can maximise how much you're getting
Nelgatha7
October 25th, 2014 9:21pm
A problem I often suffer from, if not all the time, there's plenty of over-the-counter medication that can help you relax, calm down, before you go to bed. Herbal tea's, natural remedies, plenty of things out there that can help you, sleep is a must for the body, and even if mother nature needs a little help in getting you that sleep, it's nothing to feel bad about.
superflymcflash1988
July 27th, 2015 4:32am
I've been there plenty of times. I find that when I can't sleep something is worrying me about what's in my near future. Is there anything bothering you?
Simplythings
November 30th, 2015 8:12pm
Light exercise and stretching before bed really calms down the nerve system. That may help you sleep sooner.
Anonymous
August 16th, 2016 4:07pm
have a cup of warm milk before going to bed, usually helps in falling asleep! or do some exercise before going to sleep.
Anonymous
May 22nd, 2017 3:29am
Try a simple 10-15 Minute meditation before going to sleep to calm your mind. It can make it easier for you to fall asleep without being anxious
Anonymous
February 12th, 2018 6:16am
Before sleeping try some stretching, have dairy, think about how tired you are and you need to rest don't think about sleeping right away. Take a warm shower and drift away in your bed.