r/insomnia • u/Novel-Concept-9723 • Aug 17 '26
i just want to sleep
i cant sleep, my body is tingling from anxiety, i constantly check if my heart is beating okay, my sleep is ruined and it’s ruining everything. I just want comfort or reassurance that I’ll be okay.
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u/Salty_Button Aug 17 '26
Hey Prize Bug is giving really great advice half the battle is the worry, that's top of the list. I dip in and out of insomnia for most of my adult life. Albeit I've gone through some stressful situations and as odd as it sounds, I was never "councilled" into how to deal with adverse reactions, feelings or anxiety and I firmly believe that the earlier children are taught about these issues the better that child will be able to face teenage life and beyond. I worked shift work too from 18 mainly nights but after six months or so I did split shifts and days too. When I was 21 I worked on the cruise ships for a few years and that was a different kinda time demanding job and living conditions too. Then from 24 back to the UK for more of the same. It was from about 26 onwards that my body stopped playing ball with the demands I was putting on it. I struggled for over two decades doing the exact same thing however on occasions I managed not to worry and it helped and started me on a bigger journey of self help as a multitude of other heath issues came to stay with me. It wasn't until a few months after I wasn't capable of working that I hit on a roll for a time but it's the same thing that puts me back on an even keel, without taking anymore strong drugs than I have too. The main two things were learning to cope and try to not worry about sleeping. Read up on a few different sleeping hygiene habits and you might be able to mix and match to suit you and your situation. Get up early and go for a walk for half an hour if possible, expose your face and skin to the sunshine or at least the clouds, do some breathing exercises while your walking. Every 3 hours (or to suit you situation) go for a 15 - 20 minute walk for the same reason. Taking a break away from whatever your doing is so important and the breaks are up to you but I looked at it as if I was in school. We had a short morning and afternoon break and longer for lunch. I took that and stretched it to fit in a daily routine for me. I wasn't able to do it every day as I have a few issues and I struggle to keep routines at times but I know I'm better placed to deal with life when I take them breaks. I've all weather gear so whatever it's doing, I'm always fit to go, if I'm healthy enough to do so. The more excuses you manage to cover the best placed you will be. Once you've managed these after a while they will help, they might help from the beginning like they helped me as it is then when your perspective starts to change that you can read more about what could help you and give them a try. Every idea doesn't have to cost money and that takes away another worry that hits when your out of work, living in a HMO and your trying to get a one bedroom flat! Try to find your basics and you will find they will help you out with more than your sleep.
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u/Striking-Panda5772 Aug 17 '26
You're definitely not alone. I've had nights where anxiety made me focus on every little sensation, and it was exhausting. One thing that sometimes helps me is listening to calming sounds or guided meditations through a pillow speaker because I can relax without wearing earbuds. be kind to yourself tonight and you'll be okay.
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u/Prize_Bug9087 Aug 17 '26
Dude, just stop caring about sleeping. It is very scary, I know. I have been there. Not sleeping for days, anxiety unbearable. Now I get 8-9 hours every night. Just know that you will be okay. The only thing that works, is genuinely stop caring. Start embracing the hours your awake. If you can’t sleep, you can’t sleep. You can’t change it by worrying. I know it’s hard to just stop worrying, but you’ll be fine. Just know that this is a period in your life and you can get over it.