I have found meditation, or prayer, or yoga really help clear the clutter out of my head so that I am not chewing on stuff half the night. I take my pills and know that I have a window period in order for them to work. Lets say I take my muscle relaxer and anti anxiety pill at 9 pm. I know by 10 pm I will be nice and comfy with it, and sometimes that can trigger my brain to say "hey! we feel better! lets get stuff done, or my mind is no longer cluttered with painful thoughts so it frees up space to think, plan, organize or try to make mental notes. I have had to really work on stopping this flow when it happens, and yoga and meditation are helpful tricks. If I take my pills at 9 I MUST turn off the TV, the radio, put down the book, shut off the phone, and tell all others NO! stay out of my room if I have any hope of sleep. If I am still awake and trying at 11, its over. I have lost all ground.

You are in a stressful period right now, and need a routine. A schedule that is kind to your stress level. I find I cannot meditate in stressful times for more than a half hour, so I do it a couple times a day, instead of one big sitting. Same for yoga. I cant do 2 hours, so I do a half hour. Bite sized goals get me over the finish line.

Best techinique was given to me by another nurse who helps children. When you crawl into bed, meditate, let it all go. TELL YOURSELF to let it go. Give yourself permission to release it. Tell your troubles that you will be back on the clock at 8am, but till then, you are off duty. Then start at your feet. Tell your toes to relax. then your ankles, then your shins, and knees. Work your way to your head. While doing this practice "sleep breathing" have you noticed that when you are dropping off you take deep rythmic breaths? fake it! deep breath in, and slowly release it while telling your knees, hips and belly to relax. It may not knock you out, but it does help give your body the idea and allow the suggestion to start to work.

Pills are AWESOME and I would be lost without them, but I have to help them get me where I am going. I find if I cant drop off and actually sleep I try to rest. Many will tell you to get out of bed and do something else till sleepy, but that could be days for me. I find rest while not optimal does help some.

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