Mary88

Thanks for the supportive messages.

I was confused because we are told not to make major changes. But yes, I think in this situation it's surely healthier to stay somewhere else. Family are sober so it's much easier to be sober when staying with them.

I went to an AA meeting this evening. It helped. I didn't say much. Still tired from yesterday. But going to the meeting and listening helped.
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Mary88

Thanks, that makes me feel a bit more normal. I think it's lack of sleep that making me so emotional. It takes hours to sleep every night. I wake up exhausted. I'm far more tired than when I was drinking. Hope this will pass.

Surrendered19

Although I "sleep" far fewer hours sober, and although I feel tired after a rough night of sleep, I'm certain that I am more rested now. And tired is such a preferable feeling to so sick, toxic, shaking and suffering that tired was too far down on the list even to feel.

Obladi

Lack of sleep may be contributing, for sure. But you're also dealing with a lot of stuff that you used to drown out before, Mary. It's perfectly ok that you're crying over it. Get it out. You're continuing to move along even though you're emotional, so I think that's progress. The tears are helping you to keep going, maybe.

What's keeping you from sleep, do you think? If you're watching TV or using other electronic devices, you might want to consider changing your routine. Sounds like this might not be exactly possible with your living situation right now, but what I did was to change my routine so that all of my activities (tv, eating, computer, etc) now happen outside of my bedroom. The only time I spend in my bedroom now is to wind down, read a bit, sleep and dress in the morning. It's helped quite a lot.

I'm glad you're still going to meetings. Even though you're not speaking, is it starting to feel a bit more comfortable?

O

aasharon90

I'm glad you went to a meeting and being surrounded
by other folks in recovery too. I know for myself, I sat
and listened for a good while just absorbing all I could,
so I could take a little something important that I heard
with me for the rest of the day.

Something to remind me why I was and am still sober
today. To know that I never have to explain a word to
anyone in those rooms, because they were and are
just like me and most of all, they understand me.

No explanation needed.

I think the reason why it was suggested to not make
any major changes in early recovery is because we are
going thru many changes within ourselves at that time.

They dont want us to rush into things that may drive
us back to drinking. Rushing into a new job, new relationship,
anything that would cause more stress and take us away
or distract us from focusing on learning how to remain
sober and building a solid recovery foundation to live
upon down the road.

However, there are situations out there that we
maybe in that is not good for us and would need
some looking at and possible emmediate change.

Only you know if where you are living right now
is good for you or not. Will getting out of that situation
and moving towards and in a healthier environment
be better for you in the long run?

You dont want to leave one bad situation and end
up in another. Understand?

Dont rush, but check all your options first and if
it looks good for you, then you decide and stay
close to your meetings and here for support.

Maybe there will be someone at your meeting
you can confide in and will be closer to you for
extra support.

Derringer

Someone told me early days.

"The good news is, you get your emotions back.
The bad news is ... you get your emotions back"

It's a rollercoaster ride, strap yaself in.

All very normal, the emotional stuff, the lack of sleep and lethargy.

It eases up, give it time.

Mary88

Thanks for all the replies. It helps to read them.

I don't understand why I can't sleep. I'm going to bed at the usual time, doing my usual routine before bed. It might be all the stress over past week.

Now I'm staying in a calmer place hopefully I can get some rest. It's going to be a long drive to and from work next week so I really need sleep. Drinking wouldn't even be an option with the driving.

The meeting was ok. I mostly just sat there quietly. Too tired to do much talking to anyone. But just attending meetings helps.

aasharon90

Sleeping is a common problem with many in
and out of recovery. So we definitely understand
where you are coming from.

I use to drink a lot of coffee in early recovery
just like many others while learning how to cope
with everyday life without numbing ourselves
with alcohol to face them.

Cutting back on caffeine or other stimulated
beverages can help. Incorperating more physical
exercise or work can help us sleep a little better
too. That way you can physically feel tired and
exhausted.

Even today now that I'm retired, I find it hard to
sleep peacefully at night too. But, if I spend some
good time in my backyard and gardens, then I will
feel like I accomplished something good for working
hard and the pay off could be a decent amount of
sleep.

There are lots of folks here in SR that have taken
up some type of exercises even going for long walks
or maybe a picking up some type of sport to help
them stay in shape and help stay healthy in the long
run.

Many do yoga or breathing exercises.

Light candles, listen to soothing music or read
a good book. The options to learn how to relax
before bedtime is abundant.

I did a lot of research and still do on what foods
are good to eat, that are healthier, what beverages,
like teas or juices that are healthy to drink without
all the sugar.

What exercises to do to promote better sleep.

What causes lack of sleep and how to avoid them.

Those are just a few example as you learn new
ways to improve your life and help you achieve
a healthy happy sober life ahead of you.

Mary88

Thanks for the suggestions, Sharon. They are very good.

Yes, I had extra coffee this week with being back at work. That certainly doesn't help with sleep. I'll go back to the herbal teas and fruit juice.

I will try to relax before bedtime. Light candles, meditation, prayer... Stay off my phone at night.

PhoenixJ

Doing well, Mary.