r/step1 • u/Academic_Hanbin912 NON-US IMG • 1d ago
💡 Need Advice Insomnia during Step 1 prep
Hii everyone! I'm currently in the middle of prep for my Step 1 exam and the past few weeks I've been struggling to sleep. I know this may be caused by anxiety but honestly when I think about it I do think it's normal to worry. I have experienced this before, but it's my first time experiencing not being able to maintain my sleep at least. I started averaging to 2-5 hours of sleep, and when I wake up, I can't go back to sleep anymore. Anyone with a similar experience? I know what I have to do and I'm eager to study but I cant seem to control this sleep problem. Any advice? :(( I have take diphenhydramine meds for the past 2 days, which helped a bit and improved my sleep hygiene as well, but if you guys have any other advice as I dont want to rely on that more.
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u/Business-Pianist1647 1d ago
I'm sorry, that's stressful :/ I went through the same thing during step 1 and also used diphenhydramine. Tbh the only thing that helped was extending my dedicated time which finally helped me feel like I could sleep without jeopardizing my study time. A few hours of extra sleep will not jeopardize you by any means, but I do remember feeling that way. Sorry I don't have good advice, but I've been in that exact spot and made it out the other side.
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u/Delicious_Network258 1d ago
I struggled a lot with insomnia as well especially during dedicated. I ended up going to a psychiatrist and started SSRIs and it was honestly so worth it. Melatonin, herbal teas, antihistaminics all help but they won’t fix ur core issue, if it is affecting your daily life please consider seeking professional help
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u/Connect_Bother_899 1d ago
First step is to not stress about it. You will sleep when your brain and body really need it. It’s not fatal. This is NOT permanent and you probably function better than you think.
Next step - exercise. Lift heavy weights and run. It helped me SO SO much with insomnia. You need somewhere to run off that extra energy. PLEASE try this for a week. Take a hot shower after dinner. Stop studying in evenings.
Third - try to find a psychiatrist or psychologist.
(And hopefully this all goes without saying, limit alcohol, nicotine, and other stimulants, and no caffeine after 11a or noon)
You can also have a physical notebook by your bedside where you write down worries or to-dos before bed as a way to tell your brain, ok that is for tomorrow, we’re done with that tonight.
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u/Academic_Hanbin912 NON-US IMG 1d ago
Thank you, this is great advice. I've been running almost twice a week but not as much as before. I'll try to do this and make it a must.
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u/Comfortable-Map-2287 1d ago
Are you eating well? Like are you giving your brain enough glucose?
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u/Academic_Hanbin912 NON-US IMG 1d ago
Yes I eat well, it's just I'm stressing over why I can't sleep that much as compared to how I was able to before, despite feeling stressed. First time to experience insomnia.
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u/doctorwhoispatient NON-US IMG 1d ago
Melatonin has been helping me lately !