How can I manage sleep issues after losing parents?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am having sleep issues. I do not get sleep till 3 AM to 4 AM even if I am just lying on the bed. My parents passed away. I am single and I live alone. Those memories and thoughts are affecting me recently for the past 1 year a lot. Sometimes after sleep, I wake up thinking most of the dreams about them are true and they are still alive, only to realize it is not real but a dream.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am truly sorry for your loss. It is really difficult to go through grief time all alone. The symptoms you are experiencing is because you are going through all the pain on your own. And that is why these have become part of you and now disturbing you in your dreams and sleep as well.

I suggest you to consult counselor for talk therapy and grief counseling and also continue for your life skills and emotional management. Meanwhile, follwing may help:

1. Talk to a friend.

2. Write down your feelings on regular basis.

3. Do excercise regularly.

4. Decrease smoking.

5. Increase water intake.