"loud" thoughts when trying to sleep?

[NightFox]

I'm feeling extremely anxious lately (a lot more than usual) and was wondering if any one has "loud" thinking or thought's when they try to sleep or rest?  Just complete flurry of thoughts that go through your head, almost like an overflow.

This part might be hard to explain, but let me try. You know how you can close your eyes and think of some ones voice or a song, and kind of "hear" it in your head? Well it's like that only more intense and completely random. Ever since I've had GAD (about a year or so) this happens when I'm feeling really anxious and I try to sleep, it's quite uncomfortable at times. And no, I'm not talking about honest to god voices, as in hallucinating. 

[Melanie08]

When I try to sleep I often get overwhelmed with random racing thoughts. I’ve found that focusing on my breathing quiets these thoughts down. When that doesn’t work I try to force myself to focus on something that makes me feel good, like my husband, or a book I just read that I enjoyed. Eventually these good thoughts overpower that random thoughts and I am able to fall asleep.

[Thatgirlash]

yes i definitely get that at times. a panic attack usually follows. try meditating sometimes during the day or before bed. if that doesnt work, i find keeping the tv on (like a happy show a sitcom or something) drowns out these "voices"..

[brk3]

Oh man I cant believe this post, it is exactly what I experience you have no idea how much it means to hear someone else with the same.  Its just another one of the things that really contributes to my anxiety.  Its the very same for me and well described, someones voice or a song but very vivid or loud and totally random.  Very annoying and disconcerting 

[anxious kel]

hi, im so glad I signed up to this site, cos the more I read on here, the more I find out that other peope have experienced the same things as me. I totally had this when I first had panic attacks, but still get it now sometimes when I'm going through a really anxious stage. I thought I must have been scizophrenic or something because there would be alot of voices rambling on and sometimes if I was really close to falling asleep I would suddenly hear a voice say something quite loud which would make me jolt up in a panic. I mentioned it to a counsellor and she said it was part of anxiety, which made me feel alot better. So try not to worry because the more you think about it, thew more likely it will happen. Just tell your self that it is just a symptom of anxiety.

[ocdengineer]

I used to have that problem all the time.  As an engineer, I get into work mode solving problems.  Sometimes it is really difficult to shut that part of my brain down after a long day.  I have sat up late at nights with all kinds of random thoughts running through my head.  It IS really uncomfortable, not to mention the lack of sleep.  I agree that meditation will help.  The last couple days have been pretty stressful for me and I have wandered from my meditation regimen, so this morning it is "back on the horse".  I also take Xanax 2mg per day and that really helps me to squash the noise and get some sleep.  If you aren't having Panic Attacks though, medication should be your last option.  Exercise and meditation will probably get you sleeping pretty quickly and if that doesn't work try some Valerian Root tea or Melatonin.

Take care,
OE

[(HAWK)]

When I try to sleep I often get overwhelmed with random racing thoughts. I’ve found that focusing on my breathing quiets these thoughts down. When that doesn’t work I try to force myself to focus on something that makes me feel good, like my husband, or a book I just read that I enjoyed. Eventually these good thoughts overpower that random thoughts and I am able to fall asleep.

YEP thats me when I lay down all of a sudden my mind starts racing with wierd thoughts that don't even make sence sometimes!  And out of nowhere I hear a beep or someone say somthing!    This has made me afraid of sleep!

[suzymosh]

I get racing thoughts and hear cell phone beeps or voices too.
Problem is, sometimes I hear voices earlier in the evening, but always after dark.
Maybe its part of a night phobia?  don't know
anyway, you're not alone.

Suzanne in Tennessee