Felt great yesterday but had a rough night

[triron]

and now I feel shitty. By rough, meaning slept very poorly despite melatonin and relaxation herbs.
Any similar experiences. Seems like self sabotage.

[PennyK]

1. We sometimes do it to ourselves, that's for sure

I find myself going around and around in circles on negative thoughts, and it's SO HARD to make it stop. Lately I've been reading a lot -- very absorbing books that keep me occupied enough to stop dwelling on my unhappiness.
I wouldn't even try to go to sleep without Xanax or Lorazepan. Used to use OTC sleep meds, but they started giving me cramps.

[BigmanPigman]

4. I have Xanax and have been taking the same dosage for over 20 years.

I still have troubke sleeping (have had insomnia my whole life...can't turm my mind off). I had Ambien but it is a controlled substance and was cut off a month ago and now have been sleeping only 4 hours a night again. It sucks. I have tried everything in the past too.

[triron]

7. My girlfriend keeps telling me to get up and read when I can't sleep

Sometimes it works for me. Wow I generally only use melatonin and herbs and sometimes low dose trazedone.

[PJMcK]

2. A small suggestion

When I feel I'm in the low part of my "cycle," I try to force myself to accomplish some small project or chore. Then I'm entitled to a small treat like a special dinner or a new shirt. These small presents to myself often help to provide some comfort or relief.

I hope you'll have a good night!

[triron]

5. sounds like a good idea. I will try a variation of that.

[shenmue]

3. Hugs

[triron]

6. Is that a mandarin character?

[shenmue]

8. That's a smiley face

[steve2470]

9. hope you feel better soon! nt

[triron]

10. Thanks for the thought.

I do feel quite a bit better today. Probably will feel even better
once I work out.

[mopinko]

11. sleep is all to me.

i had a crappy night last night, and i am dying to take a nap. but i know that means i will toss and turn tonight.
think i am gonna curl up w the puppy for a bit anyway. then try to get up and get something accomplished. w thursday bearing down, i think i can manage that. make some apple pie filling maybe.
cooking is my go to feel good activity right now. gave it up for a very long time and trying to get back into it.

feel better.

[get the red out]

12. I am with you

I think my sleep is off track from my summer/fall severe depression and medication change. I am doing much better but have a desperate need to go to bed really early and wake up early. I need to try to fix this. Sleep problems are not good for mental health. I have been doing yoga in the mornings for stress relief as I start my day, I need to get up the will to do some before bed yoga videos. I can't say enough about how committing to yoga in the mornings is helping my stress during the day, and I am 53 and not that flexible (and the dog in the picture to the left is offended that I am moving around on the mat when she would like to nap on it!).

I hope you can find something that works for you.

[PennyK]

13. Early morning light

I've been reading that it really helps to spend half an hour out in the light within two hours of getting up. I realize that's not possible for everyone, but I started doing it to help with depression. Missy the cat comes out to the porch with me, and I read and do my neck and shoulder stretches. I think it also helps with resetting your internal clock. Regardless, it feels nice (of course, I'm in Florida).