Awake | A short film investigating sleeplessness and MS
AWAKE' is a short film by Shift.ms that explores the interplay between Multiple Sclerosis, sleep and mental health. It is an experimental documentary film that unfolds over one night. Voices from real late-night phone calls are woven together to reflect on life and death from the unique perspective of those experiencing both insomnia and a neurological disease.
Do you experience insomnia? What goes through your mind when you're lying awake in bed? Do you have any tips for coping with sleeplessness?
Share your experiences in the comment section below 👇
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1RpZtnUrsw
Tips - Soldiers are encouraged to visualise themselves wrapped in a velvet hammock feel the texture of the material, imagine feeling it against your skin, the warmth and cosiness and if other thoughts enter u head just acknowledge them and then try to return back to imagining the sensation of the velvet hammock- I struggled at first but then I found a velvet blanket and the exercise really helps- Occupational therapist also suggested- 1. Progressive muscle relaxation exercise 2. No exercise or caffeine within 6 hrs of bedtime 3. Sleep hygiene - strict pattern of awake time/bedtime - bedrooms should only be for sleep & (sex- her words not mine) ie no tv. Wind down time before bed I.e no screen time, no eating, drinking or mind alerting activities etc 30 mins - 1hr minimum 4. STOPP technique 5. Napping should be no longer than 20 mins and asearly in the day as poss. What goes through my head anything & everything -from worry to random memories & thoughts , to food, to ‘ I wonder what so & so’s fav colour is to if I don’t go to sleep soon im gonna be freaking recked 😂🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️🤞💪✊🍀👍
I watched the video and enjoyed watching it in the early hours of the morning. I find that I can get to sleep, I can’t stay asleep. Funnily enough it makes my fatigue worse and I sleep in the day. It is becoming a vicious circle. Aaargh. Oh well. Great advice from above. Many thanks shift.