I feel like it’s just me. But at night when I start to fall asleep, play on my phone, or watch TV; I’ll get major intrusive thoughts and a butt load of anxiety. Has anyone felt the same about this? How have you managed it? It’s getting exhausting and even causes me to sleep-less.
Ooooh my god. Yes, a million times over. It’s the worst, I feel like I can’t enjoy a relaxing night anymore. Personally, I have a few comfort podcasts that I fall back on, and I set the sleep timer to like 5-10 minutes. Usually that’s just enough to get out of my head and allow my body to surrender to sleep haha
@frankieluvsu Also, just noticed your username and checked ur bio, I am also a crazy lizard lady, I have a rescue leopard gecko and she is my world :)
Yes, I fully agree with you. It’s the worst at night. I get anxiety every time I try and rest, which also includes getting The Shakes. The best thing I can do sometimes is play a blindfold game.
You're not alone in experiencing more intrusive thoughts and anxiety at night. Many people find that their minds become more active when things quiet down, making it harder to relax and fall asleep. It can be exhausting, but there are strategies like mindfulness or grounding exercises that may help. If you’d like additional support, feel free to book a free call with our NOCD team. We’d be happy to share more information and explore ways to help. Also here are some helpful resources: https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/how-do-ocd-and-other-mental-health-conditions-impact-your-sleep/ https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/intrusive-thoughts-at-night/
Yes, that is definitely when things would peak for me. It’s the time of day i have time to think and man would i ever, until i was lost in a spiral and sinking further. I’ve always had to stay up until i am exhausted or i don’t sleep (good old adhd). If I’m not exhausted i think, when i think, i ruminate, and there goes any hope for sleep. Though it’s different for me now, i still have to go to bed later to be able to sleep and stay asleep. However, i don’t ruminate over things at night like i used to and I’m so glad for that. I’ve worked through a lot of shit to get to this point. So glad i finally decided to reach out and see what was going on inside me. I haven’t spiraled in i don’t know how long and I’m hoping that trend continues. I still have some hard days, but they don’t last like they used to. Ghost hunting shows have been my go to for when it’s time to fall asleep, not sure why lol, but i love em and it works. Thank you for sharing, awesome post indeed!!
@Someonemaybe I really appreciate and can relate to your reply. It does feel hopeful when things finally start to click. I’ll take progress! :) Best wishes on your continued self-healing journey!
@ever_and_anon Thank you very much. If feels so good to finally make progress after being stuck for so many years. I’m happy to hear you can say the same, i hope we all can. This app is such an invaluable resource for all of us looking for a way to make sense of things and sort it all out. There’s so much support here. Most definitely I’ll take progress at any level, it’s all a step in the right direction. Thank you again and absolutely the same to you💯.
That is a toughie! And you're definitely not alone trying to sleep and being rattled by all of the thoughts. It's like as soon as your head hits the pillow, your brain goes, "hey, remember ___?" or "what if___ happens?" It takes some practice, but in addition to some of these other suggestions, I'd like to encourage even just telling yourself a little response prevention message of "I'm choosing to sit with this distress, and i may or may not get sleep tonight." Or something that's more suited to your situation. If you have one, talk to your therapist about making a protocol for going to bed that involves accepting discomfort and distress. You might also find a good podcast about the anatomy and construction of a thermostat or another boring topic. I've heard some cool stuff.
Agreed! Ugh. Night time is definitely harder. Everything seems darker, scarier, way more intense. Like the actual monster under the bed. Right there with you! I had a horrible bout of insomnia last night. Some things that have helped me: keeping a notepad by the bed to write down thoughts or reminders of things I need to do the next day, which often keep me up. As far as coping with anxiety, I try not to panic now about my insomnia. Just sort of embrace it like, “Welp, Here it is again. Hello, friend.” For me, the only way through it is through it. Instead of panicking about it or worrying about it, I read a book, do a crossword, watch an uplifting show (as long as I resist the urge to binge it). Leaning into it, finally, after all these years is the best strategy I can suggest. Sending you positive vibes!
Yes I agree!! You are not alone! I feel like going to sleep and waking up are the WORST times! I don’t know if you’re religious, but sometimes it helps me to try to close my eyes, breathe, and pray until I can fall sleep. Pray for God to take this burden off your chest/trust in him and ask for peace, that’s what I find helps me the most. Remember to breathe and no matter what you will get through this. Everything will be okay and you’re not alone!
Yes. Me. My life. 24/7
I struggle so bad with intrusive thoughts. They can be so bad that I'll cry because I KNOW that's not how I feel or want to do. (Too embarrassed to say what they're about) I'll constantly try to figure out why I have them, and constantly figure out what they mean, causing me to constantly circle around and around. I had to get on anxeity meds, which helped a little but the thoughts still happen. How do you help yourself with this? How do you know that you're just not some physcopath? 😅
Does anyone else's OCD get worse when you haven't slept well? I haven't been sleeping well since this weekend and my OCD and anxiety is just making me feel super down. Does anyone else have this problem?
Any one else deal with this? Like from the moment they wake up to the second they fall asleep, the intrusive thoughts are there?
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