sleep issues due to distressing memories and dreams *poss trig*

[findingmyway]

Hi guys, I'm hoping someone here might be able to help??

I know about general sleep hygiene stuff, I generally have a good, regular routine and have periods of sleeping well.

however, Recently my sleep has been very disturbed due to anxiety around trying to decide whether or not to make a disclosure (which I've now made) and very distressing dreams about things that happened to me as a kid.

this week it has escalated to the point that I am terrified of going to bed, I'm unable to sustain being in my bed for more than about 10mins and cannot calm down or sleep unless I am on the sofa watching a dvd.

Does anyone have any tips or ideas to help me to feel less scared and able to sleep in my bed? I know that things escalate very quickly for me if I'm not sleeping properly and I'm keen to avoid this.

I'd really appreciate any help anyone can give

[sandeeme]

Hi,

I struggle to sleep sometimes and I have found audiobooks really helpful. I download an audiobook onto my MP3 and then listen in bed.I find I get caught up in the story and generally drop off too sleep. My MP3 has a sleep button so it can turn itself off after a set time so I don't miss toomuch if I fall asleep. If I wake at night and start worrying etc I pick where I left off-I have 'read'some great books this way.......

Might be worth a try - good luck

 

[Nightowl]

Could you try sitting on the bed for short periods, say 10 minutes in the morning and evening, ask J to sit with you if that would help?

It's a kind of exposure work that I saw tried with someone I was in the TC with who couldn't sleep in her bed.

[findingmyway]

I'll have a look at audio books thanks. The gradual exposure sounds like a good idea, will try it Thankyou Xx