Anxiety/sleep problems during school

GingerSue · Aug 24, 2007

when I asked the pharmacist, she showed me the OTC products - with diphenhydramine (Benadryl) - and various other names for the same thing

I did a google search and found a list of herbal products (About.com) (but these - well they aren't standardized, etc): things like valerian, lemon balm, chamomile

Galore · Aug 25, 2007

I had this problem towards the end of my first semester. Normally I was so exhausted that falling asleep was not a problem, but then stress took over and I could not fall asleep at all despite being tired. If you find something that works, please let me know!

GingerSue · Aug 25, 2007

here's that link to About.com with a list of natural remedies:

http://sleepdisorders.about.com/cs/herb/a/herbs.htm

txnursingqt · Aug 25, 2007

I have used trazadone (spelling?) it is a prescription from the Dr and is normally used for depression but it works as a sleep aid. It is non-addicting and I found it better than say Lunesta or Ambien which had horrible side effects for me. Hope this helps someone out there!

allthingsbright · Aug 25, 2007

I'm about to start my 2nd semester of school. I absolutely love it. In fact, I told someone yesterday I wished I could stay in nursing school for the rest of my life. But I digress...
While I do love school, I find myself having a lot of issues with anxiety and sleeping trouble. (In fact, this is my second degree, and the anxiety is much more worse this time around.) I find myself unable to unwind and turn my brain off. I have a hard time staying asleep. I'm grinding my teeth again (although I did get a night guard to prevent any further damage.)
How many of you are on a prescription and does it help? I generally dislike taking medicine unless I absolutely have to, but I obviously want to be able to perform to the best of my abilities. I'm thinking of trying an over-the-counter remedy first.
Your thoughts? Thanks.

You are NOT alone in the sleep/anxiety thing. I have had the same problem. Sometimes I use OTC Tylenol PM (just one or I am groggy) but I have actually had that backfire on me and had the reverse effect of keeping me awake. It was really yucky. Now I mostly try relaxation techniques.

If you still have trouble, I would suggest seeing your doc for some anxiety meds. Many students in my class are on them! There is NO shame in asking for help, n-school is very, very stressful.

Best wishes and some ZZZZZZZZZ's.

Megsd, BSN, RN · Aug 25, 2007

I've had a lot of sleep problems during my school experience, but always go to relaxation techniques first. My main problem is not being able to "shut off" my brain at bedtime. My mind is racing about the 1001 things I need to do. So what I do is concentrate on my breathing, noting to myself when I inhale and exhale. It never fails to put me out within 15 minutes. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I do the same thing until I go back to bed. Hope this helps someone! It has saved me tremendously.

AprilRNhere · Aug 25, 2007

Last year when I was in NS I asked my NP about sleeping aids. She highly recommended Lunesta....claimed it helps you fall asleep but you can still get up early (clinicals etc...) without that drowsy feeling.

I can't vouch for how well it works though. My ins didn't cover it and it was $50 for 10 pills then. It might have come down though.

If its a night you DON'T have to be up early the next am....then I found Unisom to be very effective. It never knocked me out...but gently put me to sleep.

StudentNurseSteph, BSN, RN · Aug 25, 2007

I'm all about Melatonin.. I had the same problem with not being able to unwind before bed.. i'd be up all night just thinking about clinical or an assignment and everything else.. I typically take melatonin then read some of my "enjoyable books" (NOT nursing) before bed..and i typically fall asleep within 45 mins.. LOVE IT

bekindtokittens · Aug 26, 2007

I have problems falling and staying asleep. All the above suggestions are good. I take Benadryl on a regular basis anyway, for seasonal allergies, and I also use melatonin occasionally. I have a prescription for Ambien which is like the magic sleepy pill for me. I use it sparingly, but if I'm nervous about a test the next day, or need to go to sleep extra early and just can't, it's a relief to have guaranteed sleep. I never feel groggy the next morning, but I always make sure I will be able to sleep a full 8 hours. White noise from my TV works for me too, because it gives my brain something mindless to focus on instead of thinking about everything I need to do the next day. I have a sleep timer on my TV, works great.