does anyone know what can help u sleep even when sleeping pills aren't working?

Question

also does anyone know how to survive panic attacks other than with a paper bag?

Answer 1

chamomile tea helps

Answer 2

The panic attacks might be the easy part... if you have panic disorder, that is a well-understood medical problem. There are specific medications that can control panic attacks.

If you are just very nervous and the panic attacks (as well as the sleep problems) are coming from that, then you need to deal with what's causing the nervousness. Some possibilities:

- something bad happened and you are having flashbacks related to it;
- you are getting too much of some kind of stimulant - caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, cocaine, etc.;
- you are really, really stressed and your brain and body are having trouble dealing with it;
- there are some medical conditions, like thyroid problems, that can cause high levels of anxiety.

First stop, I'd suggest, should be your doctor. He/she should check things out. If nothing medical, it might not hurt to get an evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist, to see where the problem might be.

Answer 3

I am sorry you are going through this. Someone I know also has both these problems. I cannot seem to help them either. When I have had insomnia, I use reverse psychology. i tell myself, okay I guess I will be up all night. Then somehow I do fall asleep. The underlying anxiety keeps you awake and if you know what that is, maybe you can work on that. As for panic attacks, you need you recognize when they are coming on . Medication can help, or put your head between your knees and breathe until it passes. I am sure you will get a better answer than this but good luck.

Answer 4

If you have an MP3 player listen to music you like. Don't do it with the purpose of going to sleep. Just listen and let it happen.
Panic attacks: you are not breathing the right way. Don't breathe through your mouth or too quickly. Your body needs some carbon dioxide that's why you breathe into a bag, to replace it. Of more importance is why you get panic attacks. Google: the quieting response.

Answer 5

I used to suffer terrible insomnia and sometimes couldn't sleep for days at a time. The anti-depressant Trazedone has helped tremendously. It helps me to get into a nice, deep sleep with dreams but no morning grogginess. It helps with panic attacks, too, but it takes a little time for the body to adjust. I also found that NY Times crossword puzzles helped put me to sleep, as did C-Span or other monotone late nite tv. Tell yourself that it's okay if you don't fall asleep, that everyone sleeps eventually. Don't stay in bed if you can't sleep--you don't want to associate being awake with being in bed. If it's not happening, get up and do something incredibly boring, if you feel drowsy then try again. White noise is helpful, too. I use a fan to provide a nice blanket of background noise. Good luck!

Answer 6

Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling bad. The following steps will eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks. Step three should also help you sleep better if you do it at bedtime:

1. Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads if you put "progressive muscle relaxation" into Google (e.g. lots of universities have them as free downloads)

With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!

Answer 7

go to the Dr. There are other meds out there to help you. Have you had a sleep study done? Atenolol helps keep my heart from pounding away. Klonopin helps with anxiety and helps me sleep. I also use a white noise machine, available in Walmart, some drug stores. It will also play rain, the sound of ocean waves, etc. It is not uncommon to try 2 or 3 different sleeping/anxiety meds to get one that is right for you. I also try to relax my whole body starting with my toes. On a good night I don't get past my tummy. Best wishes.

Answer 8

once, when i needed to sleep, i took 3 benedryl cold and sinus pm tablets. i was out like a light, didn't move for 5 straight hours. but if it's aregular thing, i would try exhausting yourself during the day with rigorous manual labor. you will find that this type of weary exhaustion is so liberating that you literally feel a though you you deserve to sleep. like you have earned the right to sleep, and with this knowledge, your psychie will allw your body to release the natural endorphins needed to induce natural sleep.

panic attacks- i have only had 1 near slip into shock and i controlled it by logic, and reasonable analysis of the situation. realizing that panic and allowing myself to go unconscience i would probably lose any chance i had to save my nearly severed finger. but as a cool head prevailed, my finger is still around and 99% functional. look at the situation and its solutions in precise steps. don't think about what caused the problem unless it is absolutely necessary to find a resolution to it.

Answer 9

You should go to the doctor and get some medicine for the panic attacks, and if the sleeping pills are not prescription, then maybe you should get medicine prescribed for that also...I was on 400 mg of Seroquel and it knocked me on my @$$ after I took it...but talk to a doctor about it.

Answer 10

Try a cup of hot milk (or horlicks) before going to bed. Stay away from caffeine (coffee, chocolate) in the evenings. Do something relaxing before falling asleep, tv is too stimulating for some people right before sleeping. Try reading. Good luck.

Answer 11

Hypnotherapy is a wonderful way to relax, reduce stress and to get better quality sleep with no side effects.
You can visit a Hypnotherapist for a one to one session or get a self help CD (or download)
The benefits can be amazing.
Good luck.

More details on
http://www.hypnotherapistregister.com/Sleep%20Disorders.htm

http://www.hypnotherapistregister.com/Stress%20Management.htm
http://www.hypnotherapistregister.com/index.htm