Day 1

[constanceclum]

So far I am feeling pretty comfortable. I already spoke with my coach @ Quitline NC and that started my morning on a good note. Also talked with my AA sponser and am now on here.

My worse problem is insomnia which I have had for about 2 mo. except for a few nights here and there. I have a mild sleeping pill which I have stopped using because it is not working. I'm really hoping by not smoking I will sleep better. I get so aggravated with tossing and turning that I got in the habit of getting up and smoking and I think my body got use to it.

My 2nd class of my cessation class is tonight and I certainly don't want to be the only student who smoked today. Plus there are no cigs here. And I have all the resp. therapists in pulm. rehab rooting for me. Plus you guys. I couldn't ask for more support.

Well I'm off to re-read Dale's page so have a great day everyone.

Connie

[HealthyOrange]

So proud of you, Connie!  Keep up the great work!  You can do this!!  xoxo Jamie

[jonilou]

You are off to an EXcellent start Connie! You've got your determination, your support groups and you have great reading material (Dale's page). Come here often to post or read or just let off steam. We are with you!

[JACKIE1-25-15]

I have been waiting for you this morning.  Congrats on day one.  You mentioned insomnia.  I truly understand insomia

Here is an excerpt from a blog that I posted on May 2015 about insomnia.

How we handle it has to  be based on our lifestyle and our determination not to smoke, no matter what.   For me I made up in my mind if this is what it took to be smoke free then let it be. I believe my insomnia started within the first 48 hrs. Sometimes I would get back to sleep sometimes I wouldn't.  Only once or twice did I use medication to go back to sleep.  This was not an easy time for me.

I asked myself what was I going to do?  Lots of things! Housekeeping, clean closets,  drawers, cabinets,  write,  read blogs, read books.  Between 30 and 60 days I think I had arranged my furniture in my house at least 3-4 times. My mind was made up,  I was going to use the time wisely and not focus on not being able to sleep,  however I had true compassion for those who were going through the same thing but had to go to work the next morning.  To this day I don' know how they survived.  One day at a time is all we can do.

[Puff-TM-Draggin]

Used to be that by the time I got to work I'd already put in a full day of lying awake in bed.  I was tired, of course, but part of insomnia is that you can't sleep, even though  you are tired.  Things have eased up a bit, less stress ... same depression, but I've gotten into the bad habit of being fatigued when I get home from work, falling asleep early, and then waking up too early.  Perhaps I should take Jackie's cue and just up and be productive, but I don't want that to be my new sleep cycle.

One day at a time ... 

[JonesCarpeDiem]

My cat gives me insomnia and makes me a "peeping carp."

Peeping because my eyes are half closed most of the time. 🙂

Take the knife (smoking) away from your throat. You are the only one who can.

[Puff-TM-Draggin]

Ditto the peepingcarp.  

Close your eyes and smile, Connie.  Imagine beautiful things.  Recall the beautiful person you were before addictions made you their slave.  Today is your day of emancipation!  Pull the curtains wide and let the sun shine in!  Take plenty of deep breaths and rejoice in them.  You only get so many.  Hold them as long as you can and when you no longer can, exhale slowly, repeating in your head ... FREEDOM!

Make this quit a CELEBRATION, not a wake.

[constanceclum]

My therapist has been working on "guided imagry" with me. I'm not very good at it yet because I have a restless personality and get distracted easily. She tells me to keep practicing and I will get better. That is what I will do instead of smoking. Can't make a lot of noise because Scott is a light sleeper and our apartment is small with thin walls. Thanks for all the advice.

[Puff-TM-Draggin]

Good.  If I may make another suggestion, stay as actively busy as you can while you're imagining.  Remember ... "Idle hands are the devil's workshop."

Do something besides sit around thinking of not smoking.  Like wash my car for me.  = )

[kristen-9-7-15]

I always got up to smoke; about 4-5 times.  Now I sleep through the night.  Its great!

[Thomas3.20.2010]

There are dozens of things you can do to help you with insomnia. Smoking isn't even close to being on the list, Connie! Nicotine is a stimulant!

COPD contributes to insomnia and smoking exacerbates COPD which causes more insomnia. You've been in a viscious cycle and it's time to ump out!

Congrats on Day 1!

[kristen-9-7-15]

Another thing... You mentioned your therapist is doing guided imagery.  There are a ton of videos on youtube for that.  And the sleep headphones are awesome....ear buds hurt my ears.  I would look into that.  I use it quite a bit.

[cpsono]

Until a few years ago, I had no trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep.  As I have gotten older, it has been more difficult.  I work full time, start at 7AM, so sleep is necessary.  I feel your pain.  There is an OTC sleep aid called zzzquil, which is just benadryl.  When I have a particularly bad night, I take that and it seems to help-a suggestion.  CP

[MarilynH]

In the beginning of my quit I used melatonin 5 mg for the first few weeks to help me sleep, check it out with your pharmacist to see if it would be good for you. You must believe in yourself Connie, believe that you can quit and keep your beautiful quit. Stay strong and keep your mind as well as your hands occupied and blog help if you are having a rough time, I am rooting for you my friend. 

Marilyn 

[bonniebee]

Congrats on day one Connie ! I am proud of you !

[Strudel]

Congrats Connie! 

[marla_10.12.15]

I take medicine to help me sleep, but still get insomnia from time to time. My first night quit was the worst. Ever since, I've been sleeping great. My therapist taught me about sleep hygiene. Keep doing the same routine every night and turning out the lights around the same time. It helped me. Reading before bed helps a lot too. Maybe a relaxing bath or candle. Lavender spray is relaxing, too. Good luck. Remember, one bad night isn't the end of the world. But see your doctor if it persists. 

[Sootie]

I have to echo Marla on the lavender........it is aa fantastic aide to falling asleep.......you can even get linen spray in lavender. It's NOT like spraying your sheets with perfume......it's very, very faint. Dried lavender in bowls is just such a calming scent in the bedroom and really encourages relaxation.

Other tips are.....

Do not sleep with a TV on.  Even though people think it helps them sleep, a TV can actually keep you from a restful sleep. 

Do not lie in bed and worry. Try to relax and clear your mind. Think of something pleasant. 

Try to relax all of your muscles starting at the neck and going down. Lie on your back and consciously think of each muscle.......neck, arms, torso, legs and consentrate and relax each of them.

This one is HARD for us EXERS.......but, current thinking is that you should not be online right before you go to bed. Not sure of the actual reasons here but surfing the web seems to keep people from sleep. 

Have a "good night"