Hey guys new to this forum but familiar with AA. I am on day 16 and am having major trouble sleeping. Usually I get to bed around 3-4 am and sleep a while, just having trouble getting to sleep. But last night I didn't sleep a wink, it is 6:30am right now and I am tired but can't sleep. Mainly due to racing thoughts and a lot of guilt and shame for certain events in my past.
Welcome to MIP. It's a great place to be and there are some great people here.
Congratulations on 16 sober days! Just keep going one day at a time.
It took me a while to get my sleep pattern back to normal. But, it did happen and I was so glad that I hadn't used lack of sleep as an excuse to pick up again. Just hang in there and it will start to get better for you.
Please keep posting and letting us know how everything is going for you, won't you?
Take care,
Carol
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
Try napping, set an alarm for 20-30 min and no more. Do not fear, you can live through this part. Try staying awake instead of going to sleep. It always makes me tired if I know I'm not allowed to sleep. Stay off the coffee. When its time, you will sleep.
Say the Serenity prayer.
Put the thoughts in God's hands. I would say something like. "I can't sleep with these on my mind , Can you hold onto them till morning. Step 2 says we come to believe a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity. Instead off tossing in bed, get on your knees and as the thoughts come, one at a time ask You God to If he would handle it or show you way to do it yourself, Maybe your sponsor will help you, maybe you will find the answer in the Big Book (Its all in their) but the answers will come if you are willing.
I was amazed at how many God would fix. Of the left over problems remember its a one day at a time program.The steps show us how to handle this stuff in a methodical thorough manner. Before they can work, surrender to the willingness to go to any length. Coming to this conclusion/decision is very freeing and relaxing. Never say never. Just take that word out of your vocabulary. When It comes across my mind I immediately replace it with well maybe someday. When my mind would say, what are you going to do about this? I can now say calmly to myself, I'm not sure but when I figure it out I'll do it. 1 foot in yesterday and the other stuck in tomorrow puts you in a fine position to piss on Today. Do the best you can with today.
Thanks for everyone's insight it really helps just knowing that im not alone. Still haven't went to sleep. Went to the beach earlier though and had a decent time even though I was tired. I'm just grateful to be sober today. Will probably go to eight o clock meeting and then go to bed around 9:30. Should sleep tonight hopefully.
welcome to MIP!!!!! Congrats on your sobriety! One day at a time and it does get easier! My husband always says "you can sleep when you die!" lol He doesnt work night shift!!!!!
Great to see you posting! Stick around!
Yea Tugboat!!! So glad to see you! Prayers were out for you and you were missed!!!!!!
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
gstopher and black sheep, remember that your bodies are used to dealing with quantities of the depresent alcohol. I'd bet that you may have/are using caffiene, nicotine and or sugar/carbs to compensate. Lower the intake (or eliminate) those as best you can without causing a shock to your system (read gradually over a few days). Other things that cause sleep deprivation: television and animals in your bedroom. Set a regular schedule for eating and sleeping. Try going to bed (if your work schedule permits) at between 9-11 as this is a natural time (bio rythum) for a sleep cycle to begin.
Also try drinking milk and eating turkey as they contain triptophan, a natural seditive that promotes sleep. Don't think about your problems or issues in the evenings, the stress from that will keep up from sleeping. Don't worry, they'll be waiting for you when you wake up lol.
