Mira Kirshenbaum has a great blog about getting along with your life partner, called Healthy Relationships. Recently she talked about the problem of getting sleep when you are having a rough spot in your relationship, or after a big fight. All of her advice is excellent. I want to talk a little bit about her first of five rules for getting good sleep while under this kind of stress: "You CAN go to bed angry." Well, yes and no.
Mira's point is that you can't keep arguing all night—you need some sleep in order to function the next day. This is true and important. However, NEVER actually go to bed angry. You might not be able to finish or resolve the problem, but don't be angry while you are lying in bed trying to sleep. Those of you who are familiar with my blog and the concept behind learned insomnia know that being angry, frustrated, anxious, or stressed out while lying in bed is one of the main reasons that people develop long-term insomnia.
At some point you need to quit arguing or otherwise let your anger pass. If you have stopped fighting and are still keyed up, I would recommend sitting in the dark or making a hot tea. Don't try to sleep when you know that you cannot. After a while, you might feel sleepy and then you can get into bed and try to sleep. Until then, lying in bed angry or stressed sets the stage for future sleep problems. You'll just have to get by the next day on less sleep—you have to anyway—so sit up if you cannot sleep.
"Don't' go to bed angry" does not mean that you have to keep fighting all night. During periods of stress you will sleep less. This is normal. Keep healthy sleep habits even during these times. Don't booze it up, sleep with the TV on, or be angry in bed. Also, sleeping pills are perfect for this situation—short-term stresses.
Sometimes it is the only way to get some sleep. Use them and follow the advice on sleep habits as well, and use them only for a week or two. And remember, no matter what, enjoy your sleep.
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