Hi Andy, sorry to hear about these problems you're facing. The term bruxism is new to me, but my dentist always observe my habit of grinding my teeth (due to an overbite, or constantly shifting of my teeth)
My dentist offered me a mouth guard to sleep with. I never got around to it though.
The less stressed I am the less I grind my teeth, so I hope you find a way to balance things, as your problem (restless leg syndrome and bruxism) seems drastic and difficult to cope with. I do hope you regain your healthy sleep patterns, as sleep is essential. I've never been a sound sleeper, but I perform way better when I get a good night's rest.
I have no doubt you'll continue to do your own research to see the best way to self-help the conditions, as much as possible.
These problems sound trivial, but they're all nerve related, so it affects different parts of the body in substantial ways.
All good wishes xx
Hey Miilly. So nice hearing from you.
It seems this issue has affected quite a few of us, I'm glad you've been able to find natural ways to deal with it. I think a big part is being able to identify the environmental stressors and work on reducing those as they are probably the quickest options to tackle.
You are absolutely spot on that they are nervous system related. I hate to admit it but my caffeine intake is probably also a major contributing factor and while I do drink quite a bit of decaf, it's just never the same as a full roast cuppa Joe ya know?
I hope you are well, I didn't pick up if you guys were able to do the video stream on 3speak after we last chatted??
Kind regards
Andy
For sure! We apply different coping mechanisms automatically, that sometimes we don't even get the chance to really focus or pinpoint the source of our stress.
It sounds cliche, and like a simple matter, but try focusing on your breathing. I have an inclination to taking shallow breaths. When I addressed that problem, I saw "breathe of life" with a new meaning.
No, we didn't get around to another livestream, but we're well on our way to Leicester, where we'll meet family. Tomorrow morning we take on a flight of locks, an amazing operation of ascending (which I hope to see volunteers assisting) to different levels. Hopefully the weather will be mild:)
Hi Milly
Ooh I've always wanted to see how those locks work, I find that kind of thing fascinating - I'm just so weird like that. I will be holding thumbs for you (wishing you luck) that you get the good weather for it.
I took Melatonin last night before bed and I think it helped (or possibly just the changes implemented have already had an impact) but I slept through the night last night for the first time in probably weeks and it was good quality sleep too. I felt like a different person this morning and my jaw was far less painful.
The breathing - I am the same as you - my breathing definitely is an aspect that changes depending on the circumstances and stressors. I have a sneaky suspicion that this is also tied to elevated levels of preparedness as in my body and mind preparing for fight or flight response.
A few years ago I did some training for the work I was doing at the time (it was linked to anti-poaching) and we were doing threat awareness training and environmental surveillance. My instructor said that he could see I am always in what he called "active yellow" mode. It was a compliment at the time because I aced the training in the top 3 of the class in both theory, practice and fire arm handling - but in reality, being on alert constantly is actually very bad for your nervous system and learning to find some "at rest green" is going to be a priority for me.
Sorry about the long comments, I really need to work on not writing novels when replying lol.
Have a super day and hope you enjoy the lock ascending :)
Hi Andy, I'm glad you found some Melatonin. I remembered it after I responded yesterday. I took it nightly for 3 months in the Philippines and saw much improvement in my sleep. I felt rested even after short hours of sleep. I guess it helps you to get deeper sleep. I was worried and warned that I might become dependent on it, but when I arrived UK, I slept perfectly fine without the need for it. It's all natural, so I think that's a great option.
I totally get being alert and in "active yellow" mode. I'm like that naturally, and I think you need to be, depending on your environment basically.
I became conscious of this after living in Holland for a year. I didn't understand a new feeling that came over me. It was the first time I ever let my guard down and relax.
Now, I think I've found a balance:)
It's a beautiful morning here, and doing the flight of locks was pleasant with a fresh breeze.
That's ok with the long comments. Sometimes mine gets out of hand, and other times it's just a short line; with no real reason. I guess it's just the mood and the topic, maybe :)
Hey Milly.
So delighted to read that you enjoyed the flight of locks. I know that there's a big one out close to Leicester (Foxton locks) which I wouldn't mind going through just for the experience you know?
This I can imagine would be a really strange phenomenon - would love to welcome that feeling to be honest! It's good that you've now found that balance!
I had the most stunning cup of coffee two days ago at a little place close by here which I think deserves a mention in 3Cs, will put it together soon :)
Hope the rest of your day is wonderful.
Enjoy
Yes, Foxton Locks is beautiful. We will take on that set probably tomorrow, and moor up there for a few days, so friends can pop up to see us for the day, before we get into Leicester.
Cameron and I used to visit it and dream about owning a boat many years ago. The locks are different and you need to follow the correct sequence.
The volunteers say:
"Red before white, and you'll be all right; white before red, and you wish you were dead."
They need say no more, for me to get the idea😆
Yes, please! I hope you get the chance to write about your coffee experience:)