Problem solving in the middle of the night

Flopsy · ‎09-14-2010

Does anyone else do this? I wake up usually around 2.00 am and start worrying and stressing about big issues/little issues. I play out scenarios and try to fix them. I do have one or two things going on in my life (sick dog, surgery, etc) but I really can't complain as I know many people are going through stuff and this time of year can be very emotional.

The thing is, everything seems much better/calmer in the morning and I feel more composed. Still it happens again most nights along with strange dreams. My husband doesn't get it and probably thinks I'm a little crazy, I'm not, I don't think.

Any kind advice or fellow problem solvers out there would be really appreciated.

Chopsmom · ‎10-19-2022

@Flopsy

Absolutely!!

I'm always dismayed when I wake up in the night and it's before 5:00 a.m.

Rarely is there a positive thought. My mother-in-law calls it the kaleidoscope of thoughts you just can't turn off. If I manage to get back to sleep, that's when really bizarre dreams happen.

There have been times where a really great, problem solving idea comes to me. One that comes to mind was an electrical issue we were having and I found a solution at 4 in the morning - and I know zip about the subject.

For me, if I just can't get back to sleep and get up, it only gets better with daylight.

Looking forward to other comments/advice on this.

m0rgan · ‎09-30-2012

This used to happen to me all the time. I find that if I get in bed and read for about 1/2 hour I can stay asleep. When I read, it's usually a romance novel with no suspense or murders. It sort of clears your mind and your "other stuff" waits till morning when things seem better. It takes a while to get in the routine but it works for me. Good luck, I know it is annoying to be awake in the middle of the night.

On It · ‎03-15-2021

I regularly wake about 3:00. If I have been trying to make a decision the previous day, I often know exactly what to do at that early morning wake-up. A quick trip to the bathroom, and I usually can fall back to sleep. I keep a loop of 20 Law & Order episodes playing softly in the background. For some reason they help me sleep.

Ainhisg · ‎03-09-2010

I don't do this per se, but what I "do" do is remember something that needs to be done the next day. Usually, I remember it the next morning, too. BUT! I am SO glad you posted this question, because it reminded me that I woke up in the middle of the night realizing that we had not put our trash out at the street. This morning, I did not remember it (unusual for me) until I saw your post, so thank you!!!!

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

I try to live odaat and live in the moment. That seems to work best for me. I approach problems as they come along in my life. I'm not sitting around waiting for $%@& to happen. I'll take care of it when it happens and make plans to prevent it from happening again if possible.

Chopsmom · ‎10-19-2022

@SilleeMee wrote:
I try to live odaat and live in the moment. That seems to work best for me. I approach problems as they come along in my life. I'm not sitting around waiting for $%@& to happen. I'll take care of it when it happens and make plans to prevent it from happening again if possible.

I feel the same way as you during the day. For some reason, there is a bleakness (for lack of a better term) in the night that magnifies even the smallest of issues.

Harpa · ‎03-10-2010

Sometimes those wee hours of the night and early morning have pressed me for ideas for lesson plans and song rehearsals.

Often I have gotten up to jot things down. But I'd much rather sleep through the night, so take extra vitamin D, magnesium & turmeric (Dr. Becker's advice) also vitamin C before bedtime.

LindaSal · ‎05-15-2014

@Flopsy You are not alone. I do this at times, thankfully not every night. I wake up usually around 3:00am and just lay there and think of things beyond my control......I do worry about the kids, our health and safety. I think the state of things is certainly adding to people's stress levels and I have never been a super stressed person! I worry more now at 62 than I ever have before.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

It's a symptom of anxiety. At night, when your brain is suppose to sleep, the anxiety issue overpowers the ability to sleep, out-of-control thoughts and worries prevail. It can become cyclic unless the anxiety issue is resolved.