[gingcar]

I am new to this forum. I have had trouble sleeping for at least 20 years. I used to drink a lot. In 2008, I decided to cut down. Since my menopause, in 2010, alcohol just makes my symptoms worse. In March 2012, I had a depression with anxiety and chronic insomnia (my husband was awaiting heart surgery and I had just lost my mom). I was put on Celexa for about 15 months, with zopiclone for sleep. In August, I was able to wean myself off the sleeping pill. My insomnia was caused by my anxiety. I could not sleep because my heart was beating hard and I could feel it everywhere in my body. I could only focus on my heartbeat. I have once again been diagnosed with depression and anxiety with panic attacks and cannot sleep because of my heart beating very hard. I ended up in the emergency room for my panic attacks. My doctor has put me back on Celexa with Clonazepam for my anxiety and panic attacks. My insomnia makes me very anxious and the minute I hit the bed, my heart starts beating and that is all I can concentrate on. I am really thinking about the Advanced Sleep Training Course. I really need to get rid of my anxiety of not sleeping. Ok that's it. Thanks for reading all this.

[Martin Reed]

Welcome to the forums and thanks for introducing yourself. I know we have other members here who have experience with panic attacks and anxiety – hopefully they'll chime in before too long. I'll also send this one out in the next 'Insomniac Bulletin'.

One thing to take away from your introduction is the fact you managed to get off the sleeping pills in the past; so that should give you some comfort and reassurance you can do the same again.

Take care, and keep in touch.

—

If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Mastery program.

The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.

[IngridS]

I can totally relate to your “anxiety” problems, and getting worse after Menopause. Menopause brings on “hormonal” changes. Also, your Adrenal and Thyroid glands try to support your drop in hormones. Supplements that support these glands will also decrease the menopause symptoms. Taking Vitamin C (1000mg) and Vitamin B Complex is very good as well as Magnesium and Calcium. Google about Adrenal Fatigue and Thyroid Support with Menopause. These supplements help with generalized stress as well. There are so many things you can do to help with “anxiety”. Journaling your “stressful” thoughts, daily exercise, deep breathing (all day long) are great tips. Read everything that you can about stress reduction, then do it! Above all, I read the Bible and trust Jesus! Hope these tips help!

[gingcar]

Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I am currently being treated for depression. I was on hormonal therapy since 2011 and was recently taken off due to health problems realted to this therapy. I am taking calcium and magnesium. I listen to yoga nidra and nature sounds when I go to bed. I walk 3.5 miles every other day. A friend suggested that I read The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Very interesting book. It helps deal with a lot of things we impose on ourselves everyday of our lives.

I will talk to doctor about the Adrenal Fatigue and Thyroid Support with Menopause when I see him on February 24.

Have a good day

[IngridS]

Depending on your Doctor, they may see the value of supplements or they may not. GPs are not really trained much in “preventative medicine”. Their focus is more diagnosing and treating an established “disease” with Medications. Naturopaths focus more on prevention and supporting the body. I try to learn as much “preventative” and “supportive” information as I can. There is a lot of help available to us now that was more difficult to find, before we had the Web.

[PatO]

I agree with IngridS that you should seek out Naturopaths. But above all else, believe in yourself. Know that you have the potential to do good things in life. Know that in spite of your Illness, you will not be stopped from touching the world in some special way. Know that this Illness has given you awareness and compassion for others who would suffer. Know that you will never be the one who says “oh its just all in your head”. Be strong in the face of this battle!.

[Yvonne66]

Hi Gincar

I totally sympathise with you! I started suffering terrible insomnia and anxiety just over 15 months ago, and thought it was work related stress, but (to cut a long story short) it was all related to the menopause. I now have both under control but it did take a while to sort myself out. I took anti-depressants for a short time, 6 months in all, and they just gave me a bit of breathing space while I worked on the anxiety and insomnia. I downloaded a program called PanicAway which helped me understand the anxiety and ways to overcome this, there is also a forum which gives a lot of support from other members going through the same thing, and I also joined Martin's program for the insomnia. Once I got the anxiety under control, and like you I do yoga, and also meditate and get plenty of exercise, the insomnia got a lot better. There is lots of help out there for anxiety – if you can get a hold of any of Dr Claire Weekes books, they are very old fashioned, but very reassuring explaining how anxiety causes all your horrible symptoms, but that they are not harmful and that you can overcome them. I have done loads of research and learnt so much about anxiety, and would be happy to share this with you and help support you through such a difficult time. Who knew hormones could have such an effect on your mind and body? Please don't worry – you CAN get through this.

I am always here if you need to chat.

Best wishes Yvonne

[gingcar]

Thank you Yvonne for your support.

I will follow your advice and check out the program and books. I believe in myself. A friend who went through a very trying time suggested that I read The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. A very good book that helps puts life into perspective.

Have a good night.

Carole

[IngridS]

It's so amazing how there is so much one can learn from others. I feel that I still have a long way to go to bring my anxiety issues under control. I have a few “dysfunctional” people in my life. Our daughter has ADHD and has a very stormy marriage. My Mom has a Narcissistic personality (very controlling ). I do love both of them, but once I have an upsetting time with either of these two, it can stress by body out for weeks. Thanks Gingcar for your kind offer of assistance, and your advice. Will try to look these up.

Ingrid S

[Yvonne66]

Hi Ingrid and Gingcar

I think we ladies will have to stick together and help each other through! Ingrid if you are suffering from anxiety then the info I gave Gingcar may help. I have managed to get my anxiety (menopause related) mostly under control with odd flare ups, but not sleeping well definitely doesn't help! I take a magnesium supplement, citrate not oxide, which helps and I do loads of relaxation exercisesand yoga is great for helping you sleep. If we keep sharing anything we find to be useful, then hopefully we will get through this! Gingcar if you look at the A Vogel site it has loads of great info re the menopause and other health issues – you can also e-mail one of the experts for specific advice. My insomnia problem is waking up through the night 2 or 3 times. I fall asleep no problem its just staying that way!! Any advice is appreciated!!

Yvonne

[IngridS]

Waking up in the middle of the night is suppose to be associated with anxiety. It is also suppose to be related to dips in blood sugar through the day. This means that stick to regular meal times and small snacks (always some protein with some good carb). So missing a meal or late meals are not a good idea. I do agree that “we need to stick together”. Moral support actually also helps to decrease “anxiety”. Thanks for your help! Oh, one more thing, I have found that massaging my neck and shoulders before bed is a HUGE help. It even gets rid of the “noise” in my head.

[Yvonne66]

Thanks Ingrid

It does help to know there is someone out there who understands how you feel. As for neck massage I am going to gt my other half to do it right now!! I have been overdoing the sugar a bit lately so I know I need to cut down and replace with more healthy snacks. Where are you from by the way? I live in the UK near Leeds.

Yvonne

[IngridS]

We live in Vancouver, Canada area. The buds are out on the Cherry blossom trees and my Crocuses are sprung. Yesterday it was 14C but the sun hasn't been shining enough. Martin tells us to get 30 minutes of sunshine on sunny days and 60 minutes on cloudy. I found that when we were on holidays, in Maui, I could even sleep in the same bed as my husband. Normally I could never fall asleep width his movements . Between massage and sunshine, we can't have too much!

[Yvonne66]

Lovely!!! Chances of getting the right amount of sunshine in the UK are pretty low!!! The minute the sun comes out though I try and get out in it!! No cherry blossom here yet but the crocuses and snowdrops are just poking through. It makes you feel so much better! I usually start in the same bed with my husband but usually get too hot and end up in the spare bed at some point. He is also quite restless which is so annoying when it wakes you up from what little sleep you get!! Oh how I would love to go to bed one night and sleep right through until morning. I didn't sleep great before the menopause, but that has made it worse. I think I average about 4 to 6 hours a night. Mind you I don't feel too bad during the day, I don't often feel really tired so I suppose I have got used to it. How is your sleeping going?

PS Enjoyed the neck massage you suggested!

[IngridS]

I have started on the CBT (Advanced Sleep Program) with Martin. After averaging out how much sleep I actually got the first week (sleep diary), I had to reset my time to go to bed and the time to get up, based on this, adding one hour. So I now have to go to bed at 12am (1130pm for me) and get up at 6am. I didn't think that I would survive this, as I am usually very tired at night and also in the morning. So, every night this week I seem to be sleeping half an hour longer. Last night I slept 6 hours, waking once but got right back to sleep. I also went to the gym yesterday and try to spend more time outside (walked to and from, plus took my time outside).

Positive sleep thoughts do really seem to help. Other positive thoughts through the day also are a great help. I am a Christian

and meditating on the scriptures is very positive. It all takes a plan of action rather than just thinking what ever pops into my head.

[Author]

Posts