What do I do about my insomnia?

17 Feb 2011

Hey there Eclipse2. I'm sorry to hear about your sleeplessness. What sorts of things do you do to help you relax or sleep? What do you do prior to your bedtime? Instead of actually writing in a journal, would you be allowed to use a micro recorder & just talk & tape? Would that idea appeal to you?

17 Feb 2011

17 Feb 2011

Hi i think that last response is a great example of how to make you relax and sleep without using medication. I have also used Melatonin and they worked for me. I did have to wait a while until they got in to my system (1 - 2 weeks +), but persevere and take them every night.

If you try all these things and still do not sleep, like me, some antidepressants work to help you relax and fall asleep when taken at night. My doctor put me on Amitriptyline 50mg a night and they are the best thing I have ever tried!

I'm not advocating the use of prescription drugs but sometimes they are the only thing that work. I also went to sleep therapy and tried loads of stuff first. Anyway, good luck and i hope you get some sleep soon!

17 Feb 2011

I agree with all these posts so I have nothing new to add except a listening ear when you need it. I had insomnia all my life until about 30 yrs of age when I started all these meds for depression , anxiety, and pain! But I remember being only 5 and staring at the ceiling for hours but I've always been a worrier. Along with the other gal please write me whenever, I'm always on my computer. Cathleen

17 Feb 2011

Hello Eclipse I feel for you ,there is nothing worse then not sleeping ! I have allways been a very light sleeper due to anxiety & stress also at the moment I have just come off a addictive drug & now starting on a new drug which is a low mg dose that has so far not helped with my sleep insomnia,however there is help at hand because I have just started taking 1/2 a tablet of Valerian Forte in the morning as directed by my chemist, also 1 tablet at night before going to bed.So far it is helping with my sleep so you might give this vitamin a go or go to the Health Food store where they sell a herb sleeping pill that I know works fantastic because a neighbour of mine who was in his 90 s used to take these sleepers & told me they worked like a dream ! The sleepers cost $35.00 dollars australian at our health store's, I am sure you will find them if you are outside Australia, I will try to get you the name next time in the city shopping ok ! otherwise look on the Internet for help. take care

18 Feb 2011

18 Feb 2011

I have the same problem and am taking ambien for the very short term.
I would acquire somehow a great book with a wonderful chapter on sleep. It is called The Mood Cure by Julia Ross. I think this book is going to help me solve insomnia once and for all --- no simple answers - no heavy drugs -- the right neurochemistry explained. It is a godsend.

10 Mar 2011

I have the same problem falling asleep at night. My doctor explained to me that if I don't begin relaxing within 15-20 min. that I needed to get up and function for about 20-30 min then try going to sleep again. He was very explicit about not lying in bed for long periods of time because I would begin to build a love hate relationship with sleeping in my bed. Since trying what he said I have found it easier to go to sleep.

10 Mar 2011

Ya know, I been thinking about this, & you sound like an "A" type personality. I am also, & you need something to shut your brain down. I'm not so sure talking or even writing in a journal is the right thing for you. Just my opinion! Maybe journaling before you go to bed, but not in bed. You want to quiet the brain, not rumble it all up with thoughts. You'll just keep thinking about things. Are you the one I suggested white noise too? It really helps me. I wish you all the best with your endeavor to get a good nites rest. I personally use Xanax, & it dulls your thinking enough to actually go to sleep. Hope this helps.

10 Mar 2011

11 Mar 2011

12 Mar 2011

Hi there Eclipse I am not so sure if the vitamin you have ordered with other herbs combined in the mix will work for you but at least you can at least give it a go !! shame you couldn't get the Valerian Forte by the company called Blackmores which is a fantastic product because its worked so well for me in a very short time ,its a amazing a miracle Herb.I will pray for your sucess & that your sleeping problem improves. Take Care much love Candypq

23 Mar 2011

I suggested yesterday the medication Doxepin. From what I understand, it's a drug that's been around for a long time. My psychiatrist prescribed this for me several years ago and it's been fairly helpful. Sometimes I have to supplement it with Ambien CR, but I really don't like taking Ambien because I think it messes with my memory too much - plus it seems to increase my appetite, and I don't like that. Another good thing about Doxepin which is the generic version of Sinequan, is that it is pretty cheap, I think with my insurance, it's only $3.00 for 30 days. But I can also relate to taking sleeping medication, sleeping for a few hours and then waking and being wide awake for the rest of the rest of the night -- it's so frustrating! I was encouraged to "journal" and I've done that in the past, but there's a lot of nights I just don't have much to "say" - at least on paper... Just know you're not alone. I hope you start to feel better soon - keep in touch.

Blessings!

Mag <3

1 Apr 2011

There are many different avenues you want to explore and my suggestion to you is stop taking Ambien. If you do not fall asleep within a specific period of time, it will end up having a paridoxical effect, i.e., you will become wired instead of tired.
Firstly, put your phone away and shut it off.
Do not lay in bed unless you are sure you are going to sleep. You will develop a relationship with the idea of being in bed and right now the thought of laying in bed is staying awake.
Read a book on your couch, or watch t.v., that's fine. But don't lay in bed!
Wake up early, so your eyes get exposed to sunlight for a long period of time. The will help re-set your circadian rhythm.
Exercise at some point during the day, like actually break a sweat.
You can journal all you want but I don't think that's gonna help you sleep. If anything it will probably make you think about more crap than you should be at that hour, worsening your cyclic thoughts before sleep.

4 Apr 2011

Hello,
Yea, I agree, insomnia is the worse! What I do, to manage stress throughout the day so I don't take it all to bed with me, is keep 3x5 cards ready. At home, in my office desk, always one in my pocket. Whenever I feel uptight or stressed, I'll jot down that I feel that way. And next to it, write what it is thats making me feel that way. Believe it or not, it works. Then you kind of have a journal already! Just a bunch of 3x5 cards. he he. So I make sure to date each card. Sometimes I'll have 5-6 cards on just one day. Sky's the limit.
Just thought I'd throw a suggestion. Good luck!