Nights feel sad and strange.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Ohio, USA
Posts: 316
Nights feel sad and strange.
Does anybody else feel like they're emotionally unravelling at night? My anxiety gets so much worse. I was a late afternoon to late night daily drinker, so it's been awhile since I had to really experience nights. I have 105 days, so it's not an acute withdrawal symptom. At first I substituted drinking with crying. I would just cry for 5-10 minutes and then fall asleep shortly after. I seem to have lost my ability to cry on command, and now the anxiety and sadness are worse than ever. I also become sensitive to light. It's like withdrawal all over again. On the bright side, I've become very productive at night because as much as I want the night to end, I'll do anything to avoid the process of falling asleep! It's long and stressful and altogether unpleasant.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Cary, NC
Posts: 715
WTS, sorry to hear that - that sounds really tough to go through.
I know that alcohol was my solution for a lot and when I quit drinking a lot of problems resurfaced that I didn't expect. It never hurts to get a Drs opinion or someone with some professional experience.
The chat helps too, late at night.
I know that alcohol was my solution for a lot and when I quit drinking a lot of problems resurfaced that I didn't expect. It never hurts to get a Drs opinion or someone with some professional experience.
The chat helps too, late at night.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 2,937
Aww - I'm sorry to hear you so sad and so unhappy at night.
My mum always used to say that your worries are worse at night. She always said that from when I was about 6 years old. And I still thing she's right. However when I was six I never used booze to stop me worrying I used sleep instead!!!!
I've had to work on my nights.
I have a bit of a routine so I don't resent going to bed.
I have a bath or a shower.
I make a hot chocolate.
I have something good to read - but not too serious.
I keep the lights low.
I avoid the Television and the computer and the internet.
I have actually found I get to sleep earlier and easier.
Could having a chat to your doctor help?
I take beta blockers for anxiety - mine is horrific in the morning. I think a reminder from the days I used to wake up and think 'oh god what did I do last night when I was drunk?'
Your doing good mate. 105 days is awesome.
I just think you need to reward yourself more on an evening. Do things that make you feel good (and sleepy) because you deserve it so much than worrying and feeling rubbish.
Another thought - could AA meetings in the evening help? They might help you with your guilt and all the negative feelings. Maybe they might have some for younger people in your area?
Good luck.
Keep coming here and letting us now how your getting on
xxxxx
My mum always used to say that your worries are worse at night. She always said that from when I was about 6 years old. And I still thing she's right. However when I was six I never used booze to stop me worrying I used sleep instead!!!!
I've had to work on my nights.
I have a bit of a routine so I don't resent going to bed.
I have a bath or a shower.
I make a hot chocolate.
I have something good to read - but not too serious.
I keep the lights low.
I avoid the Television and the computer and the internet.
I have actually found I get to sleep earlier and easier.
Could having a chat to your doctor help?
I take beta blockers for anxiety - mine is horrific in the morning. I think a reminder from the days I used to wake up and think 'oh god what did I do last night when I was drunk?'
Your doing good mate. 105 days is awesome.
I just think you need to reward yourself more on an evening. Do things that make you feel good (and sleepy) because you deserve it so much than worrying and feeling rubbish.
Another thought - could AA meetings in the evening help? They might help you with your guilt and all the negative feelings. Maybe they might have some for younger people in your area?
Good luck.
Keep coming here and letting us now how your getting on
xxxxx
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,313
Hi WTS
I used to hate nights - I think that's part of the reason why I drank so much then - but I've learned to love them now.
Sounds pretty rough for you though - have you seen a Doctor about this?
D
I used to hate nights - I think that's part of the reason why I drank so much then - but I've learned to love them now.
Sounds pretty rough for you though - have you seen a Doctor about this?
D
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
Perhaps this link has i useful info?
Post Acute Withdrawl - Relapse Prevention Specialists - TLC The Living Center
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,746
I agree with seeing a professional, whether it be a doctor or counselor. You could have issues with depression that may be treatable with meds or therapy. Congrats on your staying sober!
i've done my almost
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 1,934
Hi WTS-
I've got over a year sober and I still, sometimes, have these "panic attacks" at night.
I believe it's simply b/c I was drunk or high or some combo for over 13 years most nights. I don't know how to be sober during this time.
You're not alone.
Between working full time, working out most days, and going to AA meetings often, I'm pretty tired at night, but that anxiety can come on pretty strong sometimes.
I pray. I read. I meditate. I also watch A LOT of movies at night too and eat ice cream
Kjell
I've got over a year sober and I still, sometimes, have these "panic attacks" at night.
I believe it's simply b/c I was drunk or high or some combo for over 13 years most nights. I don't know how to be sober during this time.
You're not alone.
Between working full time, working out most days, and going to AA meetings often, I'm pretty tired at night, but that anxiety can come on pretty strong sometimes.
I pray. I read. I meditate. I also watch A LOT of movies at night too and eat ice cream
Kjell
Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 507
I cried last night. I never cry. And I was crying because I was tired of feeling. I'd been feeling all day. All weekend. And it wasn't a good weekend. And I really was so so so sad to have to keep feeling instead of just popping the cork or topping off the cocktail. Nights really DO suck, no doubt about it.
I find that a quick hot shower, a cup of tea and a really boring book help me fall asleep a lot faster than I ever thought I could!
I find that a quick hot shower, a cup of tea and a really boring book help me fall asleep a lot faster than I ever thought I could!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Ohio, USA
Posts: 316
Originally Posted by silly 
And I really was so so so sad to have to keep feeling instead of just popping the cork or topping off the cocktail.
I appreciate all the suggestions. I hate that I live in a dorm room with one florescent light in the center of the ceiling. It makes the light thing more difficult, and if I do turn on my small lamp and get sleepy, the florescent light in the bathroom wakes me up again right before I go to bed.
The doctors I've discussed it with (psychiatrist and general practitioner) are really reluctant to prescribe halfway decent anxiety meds because of my alcoholism. It's frustrating because I've had a legitimate anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember, although I wasn't diagnosed until 15. I've read about PAW too, and for the most part I don't think it describes my symptoms, but the night anxiety fits.
6/20/08
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,467
I used to drink my nights away. I hated that and I hated myself and my life.
I don't do that anymore...and it feels so damn good. Didn't happen overnight ( ) but it does happen. Take care of yourself. See a doc if you feel you need to.
CONGRATS on your sober time! Awesome!
I don't do that anymore...and it feels so damn good. Didn't happen overnight (
) but it does happen. Take care of yourself. See a doc if you feel you need to.CONGRATS on your sober time! Awesome!
Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 581
Watch, there are some cool itunes meditation and hypnosis podcasts (as well as just a zillion other cool "spa" or "relaxation" tunes you can download) many for free, if you have an ipod or mp3 player and headphones. Also you can get some eye-visors at CVS or somewhere like that.
I have been listening to lots of cool stuff that helps me relax at night, like Pema Chodron, who has this sweet voice (she's a monk) - anyway- if you're like me and get anxious at night, sometimes listening to something, anything (even ocean waves/beach) can really be soothing.
Hugs:ghug3
I have been listening to lots of cool stuff that helps me relax at night, like Pema Chodron, who has this sweet voice (she's a monk) - anyway- if you're like me and get anxious at night, sometimes listening to something, anything (even ocean waves/beach) can really be soothing.
Hugs:ghug3
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Ohio, USA
Posts: 316
Thanks all
I do have an app on my iPhone for relaxing noises. It's wonderful, but my insomnia and anxiety are pretty stubborn! Tonight I hit my bad patch much earlier in the evening and I feel pretty safe right now (10:30), so hopefully it will be a relatively easy night.
I do have an app on my iPhone for relaxing noises. It's wonderful, but my insomnia and anxiety are pretty stubborn! Tonight I hit my bad patch much earlier in the evening and I feel pretty safe right now (10:30), so hopefully it will be a relatively easy night.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 259
Originally Posted by WatchTheSky
Does anybody else feel like they're emotionally unravelling at night? My anxiety gets so much worse. I was a late afternoon to late night daily drinker, so it's been awhile since I had to really experience nights. I have 105 days, so it's not an acute withdrawal symptom. At first I substituted drinking with crying. I would just cry for 5-10 minutes and then fall asleep shortly after. I seem to have lost my ability to cry on command, and now the anxiety and sadness are worse than ever. I also become sensitive to light. It's like withdrawal all over again. On the bright side, I've become very productive at night because as much as I want the night to end, I'll do anything to avoid the process of falling asleep! It's long and stressful and altogether unpleasant.
Thanks for letting me read that it is not "just me"
L
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: The Great Outdoors
Posts: 1,992
WTS...hang in there. Congrats on your sober time. And a dorm room alone can feel clausterphobic! I am sure that is just the icing on the cake. I read. I post here. I talk on the phone. I go to bed anywhere from 10 to 11pm. I have to get up at 4:45Am for work. But for me..this is a kind of freedom to not have to drink any more (I twisted my own arm nightly) and to not deal with constant turmoil in my never ending horrid love hate relationship. I am finally content. I wish that for you.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Ohio, USA
Posts: 316
Originally Posted by Lipitor
I know exactly what you mean about nights....I hate them...and have avoided them for 20 years with booze. Turning them into something of an adventure that lead me to this forum, desperate , shaking and fearful...
Thanks for letting me read that it is not "just me"
L
Thanks for letting me read that it is not "just me"
L
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