Anxious about health concerns and family members health issues, interferese with sleep
Hi there how are things with you?
assistant
Question
Hi I'm having trouble sleeping, have a lot on my mind...sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep
user
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I am sorry to hear that. I have insomnia and I know how horrible it is. Have you seen your doctor?
assistant
Self-disclosure
not for this
user
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It might be worth it. They might be able to arrange you some counselling.
assistant
Providing Suggestions
hmm yes maybe i should make an appointment....any idea what else I could try? what works for your insommnia?
user
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Nothing really lol. But there are things that can make it easier. There is over the counter medication available, for instance
assistant
Providing Suggestions
hmm i can't take those, am on other medications
user
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Oh that's a shame. Have you tried, for instance, getting some exercise an hour or two before bed?
assistant
Providing Suggestions
it's weird because i fall asleep okay but then in the middle of the night i wake up worried, lol, most inconvenient. I haven't tried that....hmmm maybe an after supper walk would help
user
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It sounds like there might be other issues at work too ... anxiety?
assistant
Restatement or Paraphrasing
yes, am dealing with cancer and another family member had to go for some serious tests so I get anxious about that i think you're right I should put in a call to my doctor and get an appointment
user
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Gosh I am very sorry to hear that. Have you spoken to your cancer doctor about it?
assistant
Question
no actually i have not, perhaps i should
user
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There may be some relation between the two things, it's worth seeing.
assistant
Others
hmm yes you may well be right there, I hadn't htought of that
user
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Did the two things start at around the same time, do you remember?
assistant
Providing Suggestions
I have a nurse at the cancer center I can call, she can perhaps advise me
user
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Yes - there may well be some physical thing going on as well as the anxiety.
assistant
Information
hmm....i think so now that I think about it, yes
user
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I would definitely advise talking to her then. There might be something helpful she can recommend.
assistant
Providing Suggestions
i have too much living to do have to beat this cancer!! And getting a good night's sleep is important for my recovery
user
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Yes it definitely is. Are you at liberty to nap during the day if you feel really tired?
assistant
Question
ok so a walk in the evening and call my cancer nurse and make a appointment wtih my doctore, you've given me a plan of action
user
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Try a nice milky drink just before you go to sleep too. Very soothing.
assistant
Providing Suggestions
yes I do nap, thankfully i live alone so it's nice and quiet :)
user
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Watch one of your favourite movies before bed too .. that might relax you.
assistant
Providing Suggestions
thank yo9u so much for all your help today
user
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You're most welcome - we have to talk for fifteen mins though so is there anything else I can advise you with?
assistant
Question
have you tried meditation? i was thinking of trying it am not much of a movie person but maybe some meditation before bed would help.
user
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I have not but my sister practices it and apparently she finds it really helpful.
assistant
Self-disclosure
how long has she been meditating?
user
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I think for over ten years. A Buddhist friend of hers taught her.
assistant
Self-disclosure
oh cool....yes my sister meditates and has been encouraging me to try well thank you again :) hope you have a good eve
user
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