Sleeping Problem

millsymuttleylaugh

Hi

I don't want to sound stupid, but it probably will anyway.

I used to have no trouble sleeping, on a weekend I could easily sleep until like 10am, since I lost my dog in February I haven't had a proper nights sleep.

I go to sleep ok but I wake up several times through the night then I wake up between half 5 and half 6 and end up not being able to go back to sleep.

I'm not sure whats causing it, but I wondered if anyone knows whether it could be something to do with my subconcious?

The day my dog was put to sleep he had to be at the vets for half past 8, I didn't get up to say bye to him because as far as me and my parents had agreed he'd be coming home later that day. I woke up at ten and found a text from my mum saying he wouldn't be coming home.

The thought only came into my head yesterday but I'm wondering if something in my head is waking me up so early because I regret not getting up on that day to say bye to him?

Any ideas gratefully received.

Cheers

whitewing

Maybe you don't feel as safe in the house without the dog to protect you all?

jenniewb

I'd go woth your gut reaction which as you say, is due to your dog being put to sleep.

Its a big deal to most people- losing an animal and I'd imagine its quite a shock as you hadn't expected it to happen- was the dog very sick? really sorry to hear what happened either way.

I think its not something that you can just take instructions for and that its something you need to deal with, to process in your own time and in your own way. Think about what has helped you in the past when things have felt difficult or you have had some sort of unexpected/sad news.

Some people find it helpful to talk about it (I find it helpful to talk about it!) to people around you so you can help yourself to accept what has happened and deal with things a little differently. Other people like to draw or paint things out, create music or just be alone and have time to think or cry. Basicly the emphasis is on expressing yourself and getting whats in your head out of your head. That way it can feel a little different and sometimes can feel easier to understand.

Look, there's no right or wrong way to deal with anything like this, its what works for you, but if its preventing you sleep and making your life miserable or stopping you live normally and isn't getting better, if its disturbing you enough, see a doctor who may be able to advise or suggest things which can help you.

Vedder2008

Have you tried a few drops of Lavender oil on your pillow, it balances your mind and helps you relax, it works for me. Good Luck!:wave:

poppyolivia

the only thing that works for me to sleep longer is when i wake up I go for a 3 mile run and do it every day or go at night if you fancy that? (it seems to knock me out!haha) I have been away on holiday for a wk and I am up at 5.30 every morning so going to start running again. OR if you don't fancy running just get out and get loads of fresh air for an hour.

JRRD

You don't say what time you go to bed. But at the moment 'it' is controlling you by waking you up when you haven't had enough sleep. But if you go to bed earlier on the nights you can then perhaps by 6.30 you will of had enough sleep anyway, and then, you are controlling 'it' rather than the other way round. Eventually you may be able to shift the times backwards and your body hopefully won't notice.

The other way is to not look at the clock when you wake up. If you still feel sleepy just turn over and relax hopefully back into sleep. That way you do not actually know if it's 6.30am or 2.30am but you are telling your body 'I am not waking up until the alarm goes off at 8am so get used to it !'

Hope this helps