Hi All,
I'm new to the forums--have posted in the introduction section a bit about my background.
Just wondering what people's strategies are for coping with insomnia--or sleep disturbances. I have struggled in the past with not being able to stay asleep--but it would come and go with stress or other factors.
In the past 4 weeks or so I have quit smoking (yay) and started a new job--so my stress and anxiety levels are very high.
I think that the insomnia was a side effect of the nicotine withdrawal (at first) as I read this is a very common symptom and I spoke with my doctor about it.
Though most of the research says this should go away after about two weeks. Four weeks in and I still am having difficulty falling asleep--something I have never experienced before.
I feel like I am super anxious and panicky about NOT being able to sleep and having to get up and go to my relatively new job--that I am perpetuating the condition and am unsure how to handle it.
I do breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, work out 3-4 times a week--have tried all the 'cures' or 'tips' i can find for insomnia and I am sleeping--better now--but it is still very hard to fall asleep and let go of the anxiety I am feeling about it.
Anyone experiencing this also? Or previously and have overcome it? I would love to hear some stories, tips and techniques which have worked well!
Thanks
Kez
