Emotion: anxiety
Problem: Sleep Problems
Situation: Anxious about health concerns and family members health issues, interferese with sleep

assistant: Hi there how are things with you?

user: Hi I'm having trouble sleeping, have a lot on my mind...sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep

assistant: I am sorry to hear that. I have insomnia and I know how horrible it is. Have you seen your doctor?

user: not for this

assistant: It might be worth it. They might be able to arrange you some counselling.

user: hmm yes maybe i should make an appointment....any idea what else I could try? what works for your insommnia?

assistant: Nothing really lol. But there are things that can make it easier. There is over the counter medication available, for instance

user: hmm i can't take those, am on other medications

assistant: Oh that's a shame. Have you tried, for instance, getting some exercise an hour or two before bed?

user: it's weird because i fall asleep okay but then in the middle of the night i wake up worried, lol, most inconvenient. I haven't tried that....hmmm maybe an after supper walk would help

assistant: It sounds like there might be other issues at work too ... anxiety?

user: yes, am dealing with cancer and another family member had to go for some serious tests so I get anxious about that i think you're right I should put in a call to my doctor and get an appointment

assistant: Gosh I am very sorry to hear that. Have you spoken to your cancer doctor about it?

user: no actually i have not, perhaps i should

assistant: There may be some relation between the two things, it's worth seeing.

user: hmm yes you may well be right there, I hadn't htought of that

assistant: Did the two things start at around the same time, do you remember?

user: I have a nurse at the cancer center I can call, she can perhaps advise me

assistant: Yes - there may well be some physical thing going on as well as the anxiety.

user: hmm....i think so now that I think about it, yes

assistant: I would definitely advise talking to her then. There might be something helpful she can recommend.

user: i have too much living to do have to beat this cancer!! And getting a good night's sleep is important for my recovery

assistant: Yes it definitely is. Are you at liberty to nap during the day if you feel really tired?

user: ok so a walk in the evening and call my cancer nurse and make a appointment wtih my doctore, you've given me a plan of action

assistant: Try a nice milky drink just before you go to sleep too. Very soothing.

user: yes I do nap, thankfully i live alone so it's nice and quiet :)

assistant: Watch one of your favourite movies before bed too .. that might relax you.

user: thank yo9u so much for all your help today

assistant: You're most welcome - we have to talk for fifteen mins though so is there anything else I can advise you with?

user: have you tried meditation? i was thinking of trying it am not much of a movie person but maybe some meditation before bed would help.

assistant: I have not but my sister practices it and apparently she finds it really helpful.

user: how long has she been meditating?

assistant: I think for over ten years. A Buddhist friend of hers taught her.

user: oh cool....yes my sister meditates and has been encouraging me to try well thank you again :) hope you have a good eve