Coping with those sleeping problems
This is possible the greatest concern that many of you write to me about. Now I am no expert but I can share my thoughts and what has worked for me. Here are my tips on finding a way of getting that precious resource that feeds our body to cope with grief.
- If I am thinking about something and my mind won’t stop thinking then I keep a notebook by my bed and write down the thought. This way I know that I won’t forget about it and I tell myself that there is nothing I can do tonight about it.
- I look at my notes in the morning and think of one action that I can take that will help me resolve the problem. It might be an easy problem or a tougher one like I feel I have no reason in my life. For the latter, I think of what do I want to do with my life and how I could do it….maybe visiting an old neighbour to brighten their day.
- I rarely toss and turn. For me I have to get up and do something, something that will tire me. I may read a book or tidy a cupboard. As soon as I start doing something I can feel the tiredness.
- I try and keep to a routine before bed so that I train my body that this is the time I am going to sleep.
- I have a hot bath and hot drink to relax my mind and body.
- I talk to myself that a worry is not a fact. I take the worry about not sleeping and turn it into facts…..For instance I think about how my body needs the sleep, my body is helping me cope and the one thing I can give it in return is the recharging nature of sleep.
- I believe the best defense against depression is exercise. I exercise each day..be it walking or going to the gym. This also tires the body so that it wants to sleep.
- I love music so I play relaxing music as I get ready for bed and put it on a timer to turn off about 15 minutes after I get ready to sleep.
- I play a game in my head like doubling a number. For instance - 1,2,4,8,16 etc You find it really difficult quite quickly and it stops your mind thinking of problems.
- I sleep with a pillow by my side so I don’t feel as alone.
I am not sure if this will help you and of course as normal if any of you have tips that will help the community then please leave them in the comments. Otherwise, sleep tight…tonight!
Tags: bereavement, coping, death, grieving, losing-a-spouse, loss, sleep-problems, widowRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Practical Tips on Grief
1 opinion for Coping with those sleeping problems
pickel
Dec 12, 2007 at 7:26 am
great advice on sleep. Sleep is hard on anyone who is grieving, even adopted toddlers.
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