My understanding, and some claim they can do it, is that you can "cue" the relaxation response after you become adept at it.
The people who claim this state they can work out at the end of their day and go immediately asleep. I can't lower my pulse that quick(like those oil prices which "feather" down, but prices jump up, creating abnormally high fuel prices) so I have to schedule working out before 6pm. In fact that is a suggested basic sleep hygiene tip.
Sleep is important to me since i have sleep apnea, and have tried the natural sound machine(birds, water rippling, etc) so I try to inquire when these grounded people make claims about being able to accomplish what I think is exceptional
So a current book for example, Mastery of Anxiety and Worry, states pretty clearly that you can start with the long form of the exercises, and then just focus few major muscle groups, as a bonus, with practise. I'm just overweight now, getting over some sports injuries until I get like my friends with the luxury and knack of cuing the relaxation response
Thank you Sunny ... a good reminder. I do tend to let it slide.
You can't just pull this [relaxation exercises] out of the hat when you think you need it. This is something which needs to be practiced every single day whether you think you need it or not.
I have also an huge problem with my sleep. I do not have problems to fall assleep but everyday I wake up at about 5 am, and from then on I could not sleep anymore leaving me unrested and very tired during the day. This week I have bought a more confortable maitress to see if it helps my sleep. I am having 20 mg of Lexapro and 15 mg of Mirtazapine each day and my doctor didn't wanted yet to prescribe me another drugs so I can not get adddicted to them.
Hi all: I'm going to sound like a broken record here; honestly, you need to learn to relax before you can get your sleep pattern back. Continue with the relaxation exercises; the progressive muscle relaxation ex. and then a visualization of whatever you would like or a relaxation music tape. You can't just pull this out of the hat when you think you need it. This is something which needs to be practiced every single day whether you think you need it or not. Because then when you need it for real, it will work, your body won't be struggling to "learn" it, it will already have been registered and be ready to use. It really does work. It's like anything else you study, you may know the theory but it takes practice to make perfect.
I forgot to add that, that is just my opinion, although it is not it does come from my therapist. Your doctor may or may not agree. Some Doctors do not like benzos so they prescribe Ativan because it is considered by them to be mild because of the short half life. But no one can understand the heart ache from the constant rebound that comes from ativan use like a person who was dependent. Once dependent it is very hard to get off. My therapist explained the changes in my mind that happened. These changes are close to those that happen with heroin.
Ativan is not considered addictive but it is. Again this is just the word of some one who was an Ativan addict. I just know that for long term use there are safer drugs. Ativan is the drug of choice for short term quick use but it is too easy to abuse.
I hope your Doctor will put you on something safer if you are going to be on long term. Or even if you are not.
Please do seek consult from your doctor or healthcare professional regarding any side effects you may be experiencing from your medications. They will be able to answer any specific questions you have and explain to you the common side effects. You can also take a look through the leaflet that is provided to you with your medication.