Facing my fear: my insomnia almost drove me crazy. Then I got help

By Dutch Godshalk

My hours in bed are an exercise in diminishing returns.
Back in college, I’d call myself a night owl. It was a point of pride for me: here was the aspiring writer, up all night, reading the classics, writing (bad) poetry, chain-smoking, thinking tall thoughts. I was a walking cliche, of course, completely run-of-the-mill. In my mind, though, I was mysterious and artistic. I liked not sleeping. So I didn’t sleep. It was a choice.
Then college ended, and I started working at a law firm. Rest became slightly more important. Every other night, as 2.30am rolled around, I’d pop two Tylenol PM tablets and drift off. It wasn’t long before I was swigging Nyquil straight from the bottle.
During this period, “I’m a night owl” morphed into: “I’m not really a morning person.” Ever so gradually, it morphed again into: “I haven’t slept in days.” Suddenly I’m pushing 30, and sleep remains as elusive as ever. I’m not a night owl. I’m a chronic insomniac. And recently, my insomnia hit its nadir.
It was 8.30pm on a Tuesday in June. I was sitting on my sofa, staring at a three-month-old copy of the New Yorker and struggling to make sense of it. The words wouldn’t sit still. They kind of shifted in their rows, but slightly, like hesitant foosball figures. I dropped the magazine and stared at the floor. The carpet swirled a bit.
At this point, I’d been awake for more than 72 hours. My hands and arms tingled. My eyes were warm to the touch, soft-boiled and bloodshot. My skull throbbed. I couldn’t stop yawning, but each yawn felt mocking, a laugh at my own expense.
For the first time in my life, insomnia moved beyond exhaustion and into the realm of physical and mental anguish. I’d become sick from an excess of consciousness. Sleep became my only thought, the sole object of my anxiety. The more I obsessed over it – the more I needed it – the more I couldn’t do it.
As a result, my days were spent half-awake and dreading the coming night. For an insomniac, nights are an eight-to-10-hour prison sentence, long stretches of pillow flipping and staring at the ceiling, of racing thoughts and eventual frustrated pacing. And panic. A panicked disbelief often takes hold: “This is actually happening again.”
Most nights I would eventually sleep – about two hours here and there – and wake with a jolt, disoriented and unsure if I’d drifted off at all. I’d search my memory for the remnants of dreams. Delirium set in.
I considered swallowing a handful of sleeping pills. It’s not that I wanted to die; it’s that I couldn’t fathom another day awake. I was the cartoon character stranded on the desert island, and the bottle of temazepam on my bedside table was beginning to resemble a glistening ham.
I needed someone to tell me not to eat it. So four days in, somewhere around 3am, I called a suicide hotline. The man on the phone didn’t quite know what to say, but it was a human voice after hours of late-night bedroom silence, and that was enough. I threw the pills away and remained awake until dawn, watching the shadows on the wall soften into morning light.
When I got out of bed, I began making appointments. I called hospitals, sleep centres, therapists. Until then, it had been years since I’d stepped inside a hospital. I work in print news, so, naturally, my income is low and my health plan dismal. Nevertheless, when you’re gazing lustily at prescription drugs, it’s time to take action.
It took years of denial, and one week of hell, for me to finally acknowledge insomnia as a legitimate illness, one that afflicts roughly 60 million Americans.
Now my evenings comprise running down a lengthy doctor-and-internet-recommended checklist, an inventory of dos and don’ts. Do: turn off all screens an hour before sleep. Don’t: drink alcohol. Do: make some tea. Don’t: think about work, at all, not even a little bit.
I’ve been sleeping fine enough the past couple weeks. But I know a drought’s coming, sooner or later. It always does. During the next bout of insomnia, though, I’ll concentrate on remaining calm and remembering that it doesn’t last forever. As bleak as the wakeful nights can be, there’s always an end to it. Sleep does come. There’s comfort in that.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/29/insomnia-drove-me-crazy-help-sleep-facing-my-fear

Sleep Better at Night, Feel Better During the Day

From news-journal.net

Sleeping should be simple, but insomnia and other sleeping disorders prevent many people from getting the rest they need for good health. Internet data suggests that approximately 246,000 searches are done on "insomnia" per month, and 60 percent of American adults report having sleep-related problems several nights a week, according to the American Psychological Association.

Sleep is one form of rest, but not the only way to rest. A "certain state of ease," according to the yogi Sadhguru, provides the body with rest, even if it isn't asleep. "Learn to keep your body restful," he adds in a YouTube video on the topic of sleep quality.

When it comes to getting a good's night sleep, quality matters more than quantity. An easy, yoga-style practice called Inner Engineering has demonstrated improvement in quality of sleep without the need for sleep medication.
The Inner Engineering program features a comprehensive process that promotes optimal health by aligning the mind, body, energy and emotions. A key element of the program is Shambhavi Kriya, or Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya. Shambhavi Kriya is a type of meditation that has been shown to improve mind and body.
In particular, Shambhavi Kriya can help improve sleep quality. A survey of participants in Inner Engineering showed that 84 percent reported improvements in insomnia symptoms with regular practice of Shambhavi Kriya.
In a recent study, adults who practiced Shambhavi Kriya had twice the amount of REM sleep (the deepest, most restful part of sleep) as those who didn't practice. In addition, those in the Shambhavi group fell asleep in one-eighth the time and reached REM sleep in one-third the time as nonpractitioners.
The Inner Engineering program, developed by Sadhguru, is designed not only to improve sleep, but also to serve as an antidote for stress and help promote restful feelings throughout the day. "Being restful alleviates chronic ailments and improves your immune system and healing," according to the Inner Engineering website. "[Being restful] also improves mental health by reducing anxiety, stress and depression, allowing you to be happier."

http://www.news-journal.net/online_features/health_and_wellness/article_712ebeca-5637-587d-baab-af87988dc007.html

5 natural ways to deal with insomnia

By asiaone.com

Are you sleeping well? If not, you could be suffering from too much stress.
When you are stressed, your body produces chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline that over a prolonged period can cause symptoms such as sleep problems, depression, digestive problems, headaches, heart disease and weight gain.
Inadequate sleep also triggers the body to produce more cortisol, so it is important to deal with any sleep difficulties you might have if you want to manage stress.

There are commonsensical approaches to sleep difficulties: avoid caffeinated drinks after noon, cut down on alcohol, avoid napping during the day, and try to exercise regularly (but not too close to bedtime).
If you've done all that, but sleep still eludes you, try the following tips:
1. Get into a routine
Mayo Clinic recommends establishing a relaxing bedtime routine to prepare one for sleep. This helps to ready your mind and body for sleep.
For some, this includes having a cup of herbal tea, a warm glass of milk, reading a book or having a warm shower. This will help you unwind and make it easier to fall asleep.
2. Beware blue light
Blue light - such as those found on your handphone, tablet, computer and television - interferes with the production of melatonin, a hormone produced by your brain which is crucial to regulating your sleep-wake cycle.
To reduce your exposure to blue light before bedtime, limit your use of such devices after dinner. Another alternative is to download and use blue light filters on your devices.
Short-term supplementation of melatonin has been shown in studies to help induce sleep, but long-term supplementation can cause dependency and is not encouraged.
3. Take a supplement
After 12 years of research, in partnership with Universite Henri Poincare-Nancy in France, a peptide was found with its calm & relaxing properties within a milk protein hydrolysate. The research stemmed from the observation of the calm state of a baby after drinking milk.
PNT200 is a natural supplement derived from organic cow's milk. Its active compound - a decapeptide called Casozepine - works like benzodiazepines, a type of sleeping pill. However, unlike benzodiazepines which can cause memory loss, dependence and addiction, Casozepine in PNT200 produces a calming effect without adverse effects. It binds to the brain's GABA-A receptors and reduces the brain's response to perceived stressors.
PNT200 is clinically proven to be effective, safe for long term use and is free from lactose, fats, steroids, hormones and antibiotics that are commonly found in milk and dairy products, so individuals who are hyper-allergic to specific dairy products can also consume it. The recommended dose for adults is four capsules half an hour before bedtime. Children aged 12 and above can take one to two capsules.
Fung and Goh recommends that individuals that are hyper-allergic to specific dairy products should try 1 capsule of PNT200 for the first couple of days or nights. If there is no negative allergic reaction, the dosage may be increased to 4 capsules a night & 2 capsules for day-time consumption.
For better quality sleep, Fung and Goh also recommends that the supplement should be taken half an hour before bedtime. Adults should take 4-6 capsules for 15 days and 4 capsules nightly after that whenever necessary. Children and teenagers can take 1-2 capsules whenever necessary. For individuals who suffer from anxiety or high-stress during the day, they can take 2 caps of PNT200 to calm nerves & relieve stress.
4. Harness the power of scent
Aromatherapy has long been used as a stress reliever. Studies have shown that using essential oils such as lavender can improve sleep quality and promote relaxation.
Besides the ubiquitous lavender, you can try other essential oils such as marjoram, ylang ylang and geranium to relax. Use them in massage oils or place a few drops in a diffuser to enjoy their soporific and sedative effects.
5. Cool down
Have you ever noticed that it is easier to fall asleep in a cool environment? This is because sleep sets in when your body's core temperature is dropping. Set your air con to a comfortable temperature setting - this could mean 24 degrees C for some and 18 degrees C for others.
If turning on the air con is not an option for you, try placing a cooling mat on your mattress instead.
In conversation with Dr. Jimmy Gutman (McGill University, Canada), he points to some very concerning research regarding stress levels in society - "It has been estimated that upwards of 80 per cent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related problems. These range from the obvious diagnosis of anxiety to more occult diseases like high blood pressure or stomach ulcers. Take it a step further, many of the issues from alcoholism or drug abuse stem from the original attempt for these individuals to self-treat for stress".
When asked about sleep problems, he was equally emphatic about its frequency as a health problem. "Almost half of us will have difficulties sleeping at some point in our year. The results go beyond just poor performance at work or at school. Insufficient sleep is associated with heart disease, neurological problems and even weight gain. More focus needs to be paid to adequate sleep as part of our lifestyle management".
"Often exercise, good nutrition and relaxation techniques are not enough, we must take advantage of drugs or supplements to give us some help. The problem is that these drugs and supplements are often fraught with unwanted side effects. The discovery of this natural sleep aid (PNT200) is a big step forward in dealing with this epidemic." Dr. J.Gutman, M.D, FACEP.
When you get enough proper sleep, you are better able to manage the stressors in your life. Start sleeping well by incorporating some of the above tips into your lifestyle.

http://health.asiaone.com/health/body-mind/5-natural-ways-deal-insomnia

Shuffle your thoughts and sleep

By Oliver Burkeman

If you have been losing sleep recently – and it’s not inconceivable that the ongoing collapse of the postwar global order has been keeping you up at night – I have good news. With fortuitous timing, the Canadian cognitive scientist Luc Beaudoin has invented a new cure for insomnia, which he calls the “cognitive shuffle”. Essentially, it’s a method for deliberately scrambling your thoughts, so they make no sense. And since the world these days already doesn’t, what have you got to lose?
Traditional ways of tackling insomnia, Beaudoin notes, are largely useless. If anxious thoughts are keeping you awake, counting sheep won’t work: it’s an utterly boring activity, which means almost any other thought – especially worries – will prove more compelling. Relaxation techniques are often doomed by the fact that you’re consciously trying to get to sleep – a guaranteed path to failure. And mindfulness meditation, done properly, leaves you more alert, not less.
The cognitive shuffle involves mentally picturing a random sequence of objects for a few seconds each: a cow; a microphone; a loaf of bread, and so on. It’s important to ensure the sequence is truly meaningless, otherwise you’ll drift back into rumination. One option is Beaudoin’s app, MySleepButton, which speaks the names of items in your ear. Another is simply to pick a word, such as “bedtime”, then picture as many items beginning with “b” as you can, then “e”, then “d”, then… Well, by then, if my experience is anything to go by, you’ll be asleep.
In part, Beaudoin argues, this works because the brain has evolved to determine whether it’s safe to fall asleep by checking what one specific part of the brain, the cortex, is doing. If it’s engaged in “sense-making” activity, that’s a sign it may be weighing up dangers. But if thoughts have degenerated into rambling nonsense, the coast is probably clear. By filling the mind with nonsense, you trigger the sleep switch. Yet the technique also works for a simpler reason: it’s hard to focus on multiple things at once. While you’re busy generating a mental image of a microphone, it’s tricky to fret about your mortgage.           

And the “cognitive shuffle” has implications beyond insomnia. Attention, as you’re doubtless aware by now, is a finite resource. This means it’s important to steward it carefully; if you let yours be seized by panicky headlines, there’ll be less left over for what matters. But it also suggests a clever way to silence negative thoughts: deliberately overload your attentional bandwidth. A screaming baby, faced with a grownup making silly noises, will often fall silent; it can’t focus on being distressed and intrigued at the same time. Adults aren’t so different. That’s why the best cure for anger isn’t venting, but switching to something sufficiently complex that anger isn’t an option. (Ever tried doing sudoku while ranting internally?) It’s also why it’s fine if your Brexit coping strategy includes some distraction. In moderation, fiddling while Rome burns has its upsides.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/jul/15/shuffle-thoughts-sleep-oliver-burkeman

Tips to relieve your insomnia

By Gretchen Stelter

If you’re suffering from chronic pain, chances are you are having a challenge sleeping through the night. The inability to sleep is called insomnia and affects two out of every three people.

Insomnia can be defined as:

• Having difficulty falling asleep
• Waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to go back to sleep
• Waking up too early in the morning

A person with chronic pain might take a good hour to fall asleep due to being uncomfortable in bed or just not being physically tired. When one awakes frequently, it may be because turning a certain way causes pain. This can start a vicious cycle, where you can’t get back to sleep because you’re thinking about the pain. Perhaps you are someone who can fall asleep alright but always wakes up too early. This may be due to pain or depression from chronic pain. All of these problems have indicated your sleep patterns are interrupted. When you are tired, it makes it difficult to cope with pain.

To cope with your insomnia try doing the following:

• Make sure your mattress and pillows are comfortable. Especially if you are suffering from back pain.
• Avoid caffeine before bedtime. Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, some tea and soda and disrupts sleep
• Avoid alcohol and nicotine before bedtime. Although it may relax you before going to bed, these two stimulants generally wake you in the middle of the night.
• Control the temperature of your room. Don’t make it so warm to where you will perspire or so cold to where you are tense and rolled up like a ball in bed.
• Exercise during the day. This will help you sleep better at night, and it also relieves some of the pain you may be experiencing.
• Don’t take naps during the day. You may be drowsy enough to sleep at night.
• Get up at the same time each morning. Your body will get into a natural sleep rhythm.

Some other habits that will encourage a good night sleep are:

• Do not use your bedroom for activities other than sleeping. Do not keep a television or books in your bedroom.
• Develop a bedtime routine. The hour before bedtime should be one to prepare you for sleep. Take a warm bath or use a relaxation tape.
• Create a sleep diary. This will help you keep track of your progress.

There are many articles and books available on sleep and chronic pain. One resource book Michigan State University Extension suggests is “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions” by Kate Lorig. MSU Extension PATH classes use this resource as part of their curriculum. To sign up for a Chronic Pain class, call your local MSU Extension office to find out when the next program will begin. For more tips on health and nutrition visit Michigan State University Extension page on chronic disease.

http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/tips_to_relieve_your_insomnia

Too much AND too little sleep is 'as damaging to your health as a bad diet and sitting all day - raising your risk of heart disease, and diabetes'

By Lizzie Parry

Not achieving the recommended eight hours sleep each night, is as damaging to a person's health as a high-fat diet or sedentary lifestyle, experts have warned.

Both too much and too little sleep increases the risk of inflammation in the body, a new study suggests.

Insufficient sleep is considered a public health epidemic by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Common conditions, such as insomnia, have been linked to increased risk of inflammatory disease and a greater risk of early death.

Dr John Krystal, editor of the journal Biological Psychiatry, where the new findings are published, said: 'It is important to highlight both too much and too little sleep appears to be associated with inflammation, a process that contributes to depression as well as many medical illnesses.' 

Inflammation causes a number of substances to increase in volume in the blood stream.

These include, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
An increase in these substances can be an indication of adverse health conditions, including cardiovascular problems, hypertension - or raised blood pressure - and type 2 diabetes.

Many past studies have investigated the mechanism behind the link between sleep and immunity.

But variations between pieces of research have made it difficult to understand the effects.

A team of researchers from UCLA set out to review past research to further understand the association.

Michael Irwin, Richard Olmstead and Judith Carroll, all of the Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, examined 72 different articles.

Their systematic review encompassed more than 50,000 participants from population-based, and clinical trials.

 

The researchers focused on CRP, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), as signs of inflammation in the body.

They defined - as per various national guidelines - normal sleep duration to be seven to eight hours of shut-eye a night.

Their analysis showed that sleep disturbance - poor quality sleep, or insomnia - was linked to increased levels of CRP and IL-6.

Furthermore, sleep for longer than eight hours, had the same effect on CRP and IL-6 levels.

Shorter sleep duration was linked to raised levels of CRP but seemingly had no effect on IL-6 levels.

And the researchers noted no associations to TNFα.

Dr Irwin said sleep disturbance or insomnia should be regarded as behavioural risk factors for inflammation, similar to the adverse effects of a high-fat diet or sedentary behaviour.

Treatments targeting sleep behaviour could be a strategy for reversing the inflammation and reducing the risk of inflammatory illness.

Dr Irwin concluded: 'Together with diet and physical activity, sleep health represents a third component in the promotion of health-span.'  

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3677689/Too-little-sleep-damaging-health-bad-diet-sitting-day-raising-risk-heart-disease-diabetes.html

 

Can't sleep? 9 habits to counter insomnia for deeper sleep

From Ammon News

AMMONNEWS - The relationship between sleep and cognitive function (concentration, memory, learning, reasoning etc.) has been at the heart of much psychological research over the years. Google Scholar alone lists 3 million studies investigating the effects of sleep deprivation, conducted since the early 1800s. And the results are not pretty.

The negative impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive function is well-known. Even without reading the research, most people are aware of how poor sleep can affect their ability to perform even the simplest of tasks. I remember once, after 2 consecutive nights of virtually zero sleep, it wasn’t until I got into my car to go to work I realised I had forgotten to put my shoes on.

What is causing greater concern more recently is the evidence showing a direct link between sleep deprivation and major health issues. Studies have shown that chronic insufficient sleep not only increases your risk of heart attack, diabetes, depression and anxiety but also Alzheimer’s Disease.
The importance of getting enough sleep has never been clearer. So what can we do to ensure that we get those 7 to 8 hours of blissful zzz’s every night?

1)Reduce your stress levels

Chronic stress plays havoc with our cortisol levels – and our sleep. Stress leads to high cortisol levels which in turn prevent the production of the sleep hormone melatonin in the evenings – resulting in a poor night’s sleep. Managing your stress levels and removing potential sources of stress are key to restful sleep. Gentle exercise and meditation in the early evening have been shown to help lower cortisol levels. More intensive exercise has also been shown to help improve sleep – but must be conducted earlier in the day as it can temporarily increase cortisol levels. Other ways to reduce your stress levels can be found here. And if you’re really struggling to get your stress under control, seeking the help of a professional therapist or life coach can help.

2)Brain Dump

Many people can’t sleep because they seemingly can’t switch their brains off. They are physically tired but continuous thinking stops them from falling asleep. One exercise that can help is to literally dump all of the thoughts going on in your mind on a piece of paper before you go to sleep. Make notes of all the things you have to do or any ideas you have, or simply write down all of the thoughts that might be bothering you. Get it onto the piece of paper and out of your mind.
3)Throw it in the trash

If you still can’t sleep because of over-thinking, another exercise you can do is to imagine putting all of the thoughts going around your head in a box and closing down the lid. Then you simply take that box, crumple it up and throw it in the trash!

4)No screens an hour before bed

Research has shown that looking at phones, laptops, TVs – anything with a screen – stimulates brain activity. Not exactly what you want when you’re trying to get some shut-eye. The “glow” from the screen also impairs the production of melatonin and can reduce your ability to sleep even further. For better sleep, put all of your electronic devices away an hour before bed and don’t look at them again until morning.

5)No caffeine after 1pm

Caffeine can stay in our systems for up to 7 hours. So if you’re drinking it at 5pm or 6pm – it could be midnight or 1am before you start to get sleepy. Have your last caffeine fix (including tea, hot chocolate and energy drinks) at lunch time and notice how much more easily you fall asleep in the evening.

6)Dim the lights
The unnatural light we use in our homes in the evenings tricks our bodies into thinking it’s still daytime – meaning our cortisol levels might not come down as they should. Dimming the lights, using small lamps and setting your electrical devices to “night shift” can help reduce this effect significantly, aiding better sleep.

7)Read a book

Some people find reading before bed can help them “switch off” from the day’s events. Others have also found that if they can’t sleep within 15 minutes of being in bed, getting up and reading in another room for 10 - 30 minutes can help calm the mind down.

8)Recharge your batteries

Did you know we actually need energy to sleep? This is why some people who are really tired still find it hard to sleep. Our parents would probably say we were “overtired”. To keep your batteries recharged it’s important to find time for relaxation, as well as support your body with the right nutrients that will allow it store energy. Read here for more details.

9)Eat a light evening meal

Research has shown that people who eat a light meal at 7pm (or 3 hours before bed) sleep better than those who eat a big meal at 8pm or later. Choosing foods that contain an amino-acid called Tryptophan (which is believed to indirectly help the production of melatonin) might also be beneficial for a good night’s sleep. Foods high in Tryptophan are turkey, chicken, eggs and fish, as well as carbohydrate sources such as oats and brown rice. And if you get hungry towards bedtime, eating a small 30gm snack of carbohydrates has been shown to help curb the hunger and induce sleep at the same time!

http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleno=31875#.V3rmOIf6vIU

Brexit blues: Uncertainty, insomnia and lots of anxietyBrexit blues: Uncertainty, insomnia and lots of anxiety

From hindustantimes.com

Sadness, insomnia, frustration and confusion: the Brexit blues have gripped many European Union supporters since Britain’s shock decision to leave the bloc last week.
“I would say I am currently suffering from anxiety and/or depression,” EU backer Mick Watson, 41, told AFP.
“I hadn’t felt anything like this before Friday’s referendum result. I am worried, very worried.
“I am constantly online, my work and home life has suffered. I feel like my way of life is threatened and that’s scary,” added the University of Edinburgh researcher.
Turbulence ahead
The seismic vote has forced Britain to recognise the deep divisions within its society, a profound realisation that heralds a turbulent and uncertain future.
Around 17.4 million people voted to leave the EU, while 16.1 million voted to stay, leaving huge numbers fearful of life outside the bloc.
“Our reactions are multiple. The first is shock and a sense of betrayal felt by Remain voters, many of whom feel that they no longer recognise the UK they live in,” explained Jay Watts, of Queen Mary University of London.
“It has shattered people’s sense of what British values are.”
‘Worse than divorce’
Brexit proponents argue it is similar feelings of alienation and powerlessness -- ignored for decades -- that saw so many working class communities voting to leave the EU, and resent the blame cast upon them.
“Many Leave voters feel at times angry that they are being rubbished as ill-informed and racist,” she said. “The main emotion for everyone is uncertainty.”
Remain supporters have compared the trauma to a relationship breakdown, or a death in the family.
“The main feeling is of irreversibility, so in that sense its worse than a divorce, and more like an avoidable death,” explained Will Davies, from Goldsmiths, University of London
“It feels like a terrible accident, that should have been foreseen and should have been prevented.”

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British-US actor David Schaal, star of The Inbetweeners and The Office, said the result had triggered a bout of introspection.
“I am waking up in the night, worried about the future of the country and how I personally fit in,” he told AFP.
“This isn’t just a vote about coming out of Europe, it’s a vote about our national identity.
“It’s a sense of grief. A sense of loss of our tolerance and fairness for which I believe Britain used to stand for,” he added.
Some have turned to gallows humour to express their anxieties on social media.
“For the first time EVER I am working in my pyjamas. I think I have #brexitblues,” wrote Twitter user Lucy Mann.
“Resisted temptation to hug my Polish delivery driver and tell him I still love him. #BrexitBlues,” added Charlotte Day.
Physical symptoms
The fog of depression has also consumed immigrants, crippled by doubts about their adopted country, whose arms suddenly do not appear to be as open.
“I swing between depression, anger, sadness, worry and hope,” Aurore Valantin, a 37-year-old French blogger based in Worthing on England’s south coast, wrote on her blog Croqlife.
“I have very close friends that actually have physical and psychological symptoms.
“One hardly eats, has lost weight, and is tempted by Valium and alcohol as a way of dealing with Brexit,” she added.
But Aurore is in no mood to pack her bags, preferring to “drown her sorrows” and blog about the England she loves, a country of “tolerance and eccentricity”.
London newspaper the Evening Standard has already offered advice on banishing the Brexit blues, producing a “tour of the best food and drink the EU has to offer, without leaving London”.
The guide points readers in the direction of the finest French wine, Romanian porridge and Spanish tapas.
Others are seeking solace in a motivational poster issued by the government during World War II, whose message now suddenly appears to be acutely relevant: “Keep Calm and Carry On.”

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/brexit-blues-uncertainty-insomnia-and-lots-of-anxiety/story-dTuoZxRYDRBeEYAk5DFO1K.html