Anyone have sleep anxiety?

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Dec 14, 2016

It's not uncommon, particularly if you know you will be jarred awake by an alarm clock in the "wee hours". Being forced awake (alarm clocks!) in the middle of a sleep cycle will pretty much ensure that you're tired and grumpy for the rest of the day. But if you have completed a sleep cycle before waking, you will feel more refreshed even if you have had less sleep. It may be a good idea to explore your own sleep cycles to determine your "sweet spot" for waking up more easily. I know it sounds bahootie, but it really does work.

There are some free apps for you phone that can help you determine your own sleep cycles. Once you have that information, you can use it to determine the best time to go to bed.

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 14, 2016

I have that "big time." Even if I don't have to get up early ...e ven if I just know I just know I can't oversleep because there is something important I have to do the next morning, I don't sleep well. I am tired an grumpy a lot.

Also, I take my blood pressure every morning -- and it is a lot higher on those mornings. So I know it is not healthy for me. One of the things I look forward to in retirement is the ability to allow myself to wake up naturally, not worried about having to wake up at a certain time -- and being able to sleep well on a routine basis.

verene, MSN · Dec 14, 2016

Yes, I get anxious about waking up in time and will wake up multiple times during the night if I'm not used to getting up early. I think it is partly how much I hate alarm clocks.

I find I do much better if 1) I try to shift my normal routine to an earlier time if I know I'll need to be operating on day shift hours even a couple times a week. I don't get up a 5am every day, but it's less of a jump from 6:30am to 5am wake up than it is 8am to 5am so my body handles the mornings better, 2) Getting exercise during the day - if I am physically worn out it is much easier to go to sleep early and stay asleep all night, and 3) having a bedtime routine that helps me unwind and relax before bed diminishes some of the restlessness.