Sleeping and Stress

[camrose]

Hi there,

I'm new to this page, and wanted some advice. I'm still not 100% sure I have HSV-2, but have been abstaining from any intimate contact until I find out. So far my tests have included 5 visual examinations, 1 viral culture (swap - came back negative) - bump was just below waistline not on gentials, and a blood test, non-type specific which came back positive for antibodies. I had a g/f who got coldsores and I may have HSV-1, a type specific test (upcoming physical) will confirm.

Firstly, I want to thank everyone here, and this website as a great resource in knowing we are far from alone in this.

I'm 24, successful in my eyes (good job, good, pay, good family and friends) but I do have problems with sleeping and stress.

I wanted to know if anyone could provide guidance on how to recover from my insomnia, which is caused by stress of my new job but also discomfort (for me not ulcers, but burning during urination - lasting a couple of months now), or general tingling/burning in my genitals. Is it possible the discomfort or need to pee is waking me up? Once I'm up I also have trouble falling back asleep as negative emotions can flood my head.

A lot of users have discussed not stressing to manage this, but what are actual techniques people use? The problem has a snowball effect as I won't sleep, won't feel like myself as a result, and stress gets increased.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I guess the central question I'm looking to have addressed is how do you clear your mind and rest peacefully with discomfort, or the thought of this virus are resting on your conscience.

[halffull]

I am also 24 and newly diagnosed however, I have never had symptoms. It makes it so unreal for me. I have always had troubles with stress and sleeping so I do have a few tips. Going to see a therapist was a great one, I also take Zoloft and I take a generic sleeping aid which is the same ingredient as bendryl to help me sleep and to really make the meds kick in I eat a grapefruit after taking them. The acid helps the meds get in your system faster.

[nomicon924]

I know exactly how you're feeling. Im 26 and was diagnosed last March (will be almost one year). I remember the first 2 wks. of symptoms with stress of being diagnosed and the absolute discomfort I was physically feeling. This would lead to a couple sleepless, painful, tired nights.

I was taking Advil for pain and a Benadryl at night time. The Benadryl would help with itching symptoms as well as make me tired to fall back asleep.

Eventually, time will be on your side to manage the stress. It does get better with time.