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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Can I manage anxiety without taking sleeping tablets?

    Related Topics
    Anxiety Insomnia Mental Health
    I started taking sleeping tablets 8wks ago only 5mg at the moment. Prefer to manage without tablets.

    Can I retrain my brain to sleep without these? I only seem to have trouble going off to sleep once I fall asleep I seem fine.

    I think the tablets probably create more anxiety because I just lay there waiting for them to kick in.

    Would like to come off these before I get hooked on them. At this point my anxiety is only mild.

    Any advice would be great.
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    Renata Wosik

    Psychologist

    RW Psychology focuses on the treatment of children, adolescents, couples, and families. We are committed to working in partnership with you to meet your therapeutic … View Profile

    Hi there,

    Most certainly there are ways of assisting you manage your anxiety…

    Mindfulness can be a wonderful way if assisting you to gain some control over anxious thoughts, especially at night time! It may be useful to see your GP for a referral to a psychologist, as there are many ways of assisting you with this issue. 

    I wish you all the very best!

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    Dr Melissa Ree

    Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist

    Dr Melissa Ree is an Insomnia and Anxiety specialist. She has worked in both clinical and research roles at private psychiatric hospitals and Universities in … View Profile

    Hello,
    There are certainly psychological (non drug) treatments that may assist with anxiety and insomnia.
    While several approaches may benefit, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is the treatment with the most evidence behind it, it has been evaluated in thousands of scientific treatment studies. 
    You can speak to your GP about a referral to a psychologist with experience in treating anxiety and or insomnia. There are also some good internet based programs such as Sleepio and MoodGym that may help. People do, however, need to be quite self motivated to make these self-help approaches work for them.

    Wishing you the best.

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    Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith

    Health Professional

    My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile

    I agree with what Dr Ree wrote about CBT as well as with Ms Wosik's thoughts about mindfulness.

    For a couple of years I went to weekly group therapy sessions, run by a clinical psychologist - it was a mixture of learning CBT and mindfulness methods.

    In my case both methods helped me to recover from my illness (Major Depressive Disorder).

    Other group members who were dealing with Generalised Anxiety Disorder found that combined approach equally helpful.

    All the best.

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    Bruce Jenkins

    Psychologist, Psychotherapist

    ABOUT BRUCE Registered psychologist since 1991 Broadly Humanistic approach with special interest in Person Centred therapy Over sixteen years experience as a supervisor Taught Counselling … View Profile

    Hi.

    All of the above responses are relevant and hopefully helpful!

    Just to round out the conversation a little, I'd like to mention another benefit from talking to a psychologist or other registered practitioner.

    Anxiety is often connected with stress in our lives - either present events or unresolved things from the past. It is quite common that when people find a good match with a therapist, the process of dialogue and unpacking what's going on ‘inside’ is very helpful in reducing anxiety. Indeed, it often leads to an increase in feelings of well-being.

    Best wishes for your on-going journey.

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    Kristen Ross

    Counsellor, Kinesiologist

    Kristen Ross is a qualified Kinesiologist, Counsellor and Sports Therapist.Affinity Wellness is her holistic wellness practice offering a holistic wellness experience by focusing on all … View Profile

    I would add to the above suggestions by encouraging you to research diet and the role of various vitamins and minerals in aiding the symptoms of anxiety. Specifically your B viamins and the minerals zinc and magnesium. I would reccommend that you see a professional to discuss.
    If interested you can read an article I have posted about the importance of nutrition on my website/blog  

    Kind regards, 
    Kristen

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