Wired awake
Question
I've been having trouble getting to sleep for a few months now. I often stay awake until 7am then get up for work an hour or two later.
During this time I've also had a few anxiety attacks. Should I be worried about this?
I think I'm spending too much time on my computer as I work in front of one all day then use one at home in the evening. Is it possible that this is causing my sleeping problems?
Answer
It sounds like you are suffering with insomnia. This is the inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep for a long enough period of time, and can make you feel quite drained and down. People can be affected by insomnia for many different reasons, including stress and depression.
Spending a lot of time on a computer may well be affecting your sleep pattern. A lot of people who suffer with insomnia describe a feeling of 'mental buzzing' that prevents them from getting to sleep. Perhaps by spending so much time using a computer your mind is constantly alert and not given the chance to relax. You may find that by spending less time on a computer you can relax and fall asleep more easily.
There are a number of other things you can do to help yourself to fall asleep more easily. A lot of people find exercise a very effective method of ensuring a good night's sleep. Avoiding caffeine as far as possible, particularly later on in the day, should also help. Some people find a warm bath and a hot drink before bed helps them to sleep, and reading before bed can also help you to drop off.
There are also sleeping tablets and herbal remedies available to combat sleeplessness. Be aware that sleeping tablets can't be a long-term solution, though. Your body becomes tolerant to them and they can be very difficult to stop taking if you start relying on them to get to sleep.
It must be unpleasant to be having anxiety attacks but be reassured that they are commonly related to insomnia and are often caused by the worry of not being able to get to sleep. The symptoms of an anxiety attack include heart palpitations and shortness of breath accompanied by an overwhelming feeling of anxiety.
If you have any further concerns relating to insomnia you can discuss these with your local doctor (GP) who will also be able to give you advice on sleeping tablets and anxiety attacks.
Updated: 25/01/2007
Question answered by bss
