Question about anxiety & drinking...*might trigger?*
 

So...I haven't drank since Saturday evening. :-)

However, I've noticed the past few evenings I have been extremely anxious to the point where I cannot sleep. IE: On Monday I was up until 4:30 AM and last night until midnight, but I woke up numerous times and couldn't fall asleep for a half hour each time. (I have to work at 9 in the morning, so it's been rough.)

Now, during these times, I was worrying about tons of things, but I'm not consciously craving a drink. I'm kind of confused and wondering if this is related to my alcohol consumption. For those of you that have drinking and sleep problems, are you consciously craving a drink while you are awake, or is it more of a feeling of general agitation? I have a history of anxiety problems as well, so it's hard for me to decipher...

Hope this made sense. Thanks for the input.

Firstly well done for not drinking since Saturday =)

I can't really offer much but I can say that personally when I get anxious it's not always about craving a drink. Don't take my word for it but I think it's quite a 'normal' thing to be so anxious and I'm assuming it'll calm down.

Sorry I couldn't really answer your question properly.

Asphyxia well done! From my own experience I would say a Big Yes to alcohol cocking up your sleep. I am now a vampire cos I cant sleep at night & have been catchin a few zeds early evening. Tomorrow I have vowed to stay awake till midninght no matter what to try & get a normal pattern back...

And the first few nights not drinking for me were hell in terms of anxiety; all I can say is that after a good few days eating a decent amount of grub & drinking plenty of fluids these feelings have subsided.

Remember everyone gets anxious - my belief is people like us/me have lost the marker of what is a "normal" level of anxiety cos of drinking habits. Something I am trying to figure for myself at present. (Deep breaths eyes shut relax from your toes to your head for 10 mins whilst blocking horrible thoughts out your mind helps - the mind is your most powerful tool.

I am wishing you all the best here. Surprising myself with willpower, & trying to transmit some down my phone line.....!

Love from your friend Harry Monk x

Thanks for the replies everyone. :-)

Yeah...I was a little confused because I also have a history of insomnia, but haven't had a bout like this for months. I wouldn't doubt that it's just a combination of my anxiety, drinking, and insomnia problems all rolled into one. lol Awesome.

Tonight I worked out and did some yoga....I think I might try start writing in my journal again to get the jumbled mess out of my head before I try and go to sleep.....*crosses fingers that it helps*

I often feel very anxious if I've been drinking heavily and then stop. It will get better, although as someone mentioned above, perhaps you should see a doctor about your anxiety.
xx