Anyone dealt with or is anyone dealing with Insomnia?

KNemo · April 2011

I have it bad. It's driving me crazy. I am drained, physically and emotionally. I can't tell you why the wheels are spinning in my head, but I can't get them to stop. I am not thinking about anything of consequence, but I just can't settle down enough to sleep at night. When I do finally go to bed at 11, 12, or 1, I lay awake for hours. I feel like I finally fall asleep around 4 or 5, only to be woken up at 6:30 or 7.

I should probably go talk to someone, but I don't really want to. I don't know what we'd talk about because I can't nail down any particulars. I know I have a lot going on right now, but I have in the past and never had the problem quite this bad before. It's such a vicious circle too. The less I sleep, the more anxious I become and the less I can sleep. I got an OTC sleep aid tonight because I can't take one more night of this. Hopefully, I will get some rest tonight.

Has anyone dealt with this? What helped? What didn't help or hurt? TIA!

~Lynchie~ · April 2011

This happens to me a few times a year. Its happening right now, but I'm pretty sure its mostly pregnancy related this time. What always helps me is a few nights of taking Tylenol PM, I think it resets my system or something so I can sleep through the night..

Alli923 · April 2011

I had it as a symptom of my PPD. It sucks and is so frustrating! The only things that helped me were adjusting my Zoloft dosage (but there were other things that indicated that needed to happen), going to therapy, and an occasional Benadryl. The anxiety was what always got me too...and just like you say, it would work itself into a frenzy.

Hope you find a solution soon! Insomnia stinks!

chibipoe · April 2011

I get it a few times a year, less so now that I've stopped working since mine is tied to stress and I was REALLY stressed at my job. Try eliminating as much stress as you can (I know, easier said than done). Also, check your caffeine intake, even tea and soda, don't drink any after at least 2 in the afternoon but probably earlier. You can try a Tylenol PM but for some people it doesn't work and will keep you up more. If it lasts more than a couple weeks it's worth seeing your primary care doctor, they see a lot of this and will be able to give you some advice or write you a script for a stronger sleep medicine.

BethS2006 · April 2011

Lunesta... but at 14 pills for $90 its beyond pricey. BUT it does help me to break the cycle and get back into other regular sleep patterns again. My Dr gives samples too... I would talk to your primary care person...

also, i take wellbutrin for depression, and the occaisional xanax. And I've been in therapy for.ever. and wouldnt give up my weekly appt my psychologist for anything.

but, 2 benadryl might just knock you out enough to get a good night... also, no caffeine past noon... go to bed at a reasonable hour, exercise (you do!)

hope it helps...

cwhip77 · April 2011

I don't usually have problems, but my husband has had sleep issues for years. He started taking a melatonin supplement and it's helped a lot. You can buy it at any vitamin store, I've taken it myself at times when I've needed to get to sleep quickly and it works pretty well - doesn't really knock me out exactly, just helps me fall asleep easier and I feel like I sleep deeper when I use it. We've suggested it to a few friends who have insomnia problems and they've all said it's helped.

Man, not being able to sleep must be really hard, especially with a kiddo!

dawnies79 · April 2011

I'm so sorry you are going through this, K. I've battled insomnia off and on for a few years now. I'm in the middle of it myself. I think I've slept 9 hours since Friday. I wish I had a solution for you. I've heard that learning relaxation can really make a difference. Obviously I need to learn that myself. My biggest problem is not being able to shut my mind off. I hope you find a solution that works for you. {{hugs}}

KNemo · April 2011

Thanks, ladies.

I don't drink much caffine. I have one cup of coffee in the morning and that's it. I don't drink soda and I don't eat a lot of chocolate (although I do talk about it a lot).

I exercise a lot, maybe too much right now, but it relaxes me! I may need to go talk to a doctor, but doctors are always my last ditch effort!

I have never had a depression or anxiety problem, but EVERYONE else in my family is on antidepressants for one, the other, or both of these things. I have never ruled out the possibility that I too may need some help balancing out!

I am really hoping that Unisom helps me to reset tonight. I would rather not have to deal with this for much longer!

FutureFung · April 2011

cwhip77:
I don't usually have problems, but my husband has had sleep issues for years. He started taking a melatonin supplement and it's helped a lot. You can buy it at any vitamin store, I've taken it myself at times when I've needed to get to sleep quickly and it works pretty well - doesn't really knock me out exactly, just helps me fall asleep easier and I feel like I sleep deeper when I use it. We've suggested it to a few friends who have insomnia problems and they've all said it's helped.

Man, not being able to sleep must be really hard, especially with a kiddo!

Melatonin, hands down, no question. Take it. I don't have insomnia, but I often have a lot on my mind and it takes me a long time to wind down, and I'll wake up in the middle of the night suddenly, thinking of something I need or forgot to do. Even when I don't have a lot on my mind, I wake up several times per night. Melatonin's made a huge difference for me. Like Deb said, it doesn't knock you out or make you feel groggy. I still wake up at night sometimes, but it's so much easier to get back to sleep. Take it about an hour before you want to go to bed so you don't just lay there waiting for it to work.

Good luck. Sleep issues are the worst.

coribecca · April 2011

Here's what helps me:

1. Bedtime routine. Seriously, it really works. Mine is simple--I take my vitamins, grab a glass of water, check on the kids, brush my teeth, and go read in bed for a half an hour before I turn off the lights. Even if DH and I have been out on a date and get home late, I still have to read in bed before I turn off the lights.

2. No t.v. or computer for 1 hour before bed. Apparently the type of light they emit can stimulate your body into thinking it's still daytime.

3. Don't lay in bed and stress about not sleeping. I actually put the clock on DH's sid eof the bed adn have it turned so I can't see it when I'm laying down. Just tell yourself that you've survived on less sleep before. You'll be fine.

4. If you don't fall asleep within 30 minutes, get up. Read a book or magazine for 20 minutes or so and then try again. Whatever you do, don't stay in bed and stress out!

5. Take a hot bath or shower before bed. The drop in your body temp can induce sleep.

6. Have a high protein snack, like cheese or almonds. It's hard to sleep if you're hungry,

7. If all else fails, Benadryl. I take 1 or 2, depending on how I'm feeling. It does make you groggy in the morning, though.

8. See a sleep doctor. I did an overnight sleep study at Overlake. Sometimes insomnia is due to something like restless leg syndrome, and they can deal with that issue and solve your sleep problems that way. I saw Dr. Bonvallet. Let me know if you want his contact info. Unfortunately, my problem is "primary insomnia," which means that it isn't due to any underlying problem, so the only solution he had for me was sleeping pills.

IdahoGirl · April 2011

I get it when I'm stressed, depressed or have too much going on.

I generally take Tylenol PM, but I've also done melatonin and that works well when I take it regularly.

Hang in there sweetpea!!!!

indigo91804 · April 2011

I never sleep (unless medicated). It sucks. I spend the whole night frustrated and it has been since I was a teenager. I have anxiety issues. You can go to your PCP and just tell them flat out, I am not sleeping and it is driving me nuts. It an uncommon thing to go in for. Your PCP won't even think it's weird.

I can't take melatonin or Tylenol PM because I get "hungover". I'm super sensitive to medications, though.

My co-worker is doing a sleep hygiene method right now. Calm place, same routine each night, go to bed the same time every night, read a little, etc. Kind of mind over matter type thing.

ChubbyCheekiesMom · April 2011

I can relate K. I am not sleeping as well since Ryan is away so much, and all the stress in our life right now. I've started taking St John's wort to help with my Anxiety, and sleep issues. My cousin told me to try Meletonin as well, she takes it and it helps her sleep or at least relax.

The first couple of nights I started taking SJW I slept better which surprised me. I usually take Unisom or Tylenol PM if I have issues sleeping but I know it's more related to my anxiety.

I hope the unisom helps tonight!

iheartstuart · April 2011

indigo91804:
I never sleep (unless medicated). It sucks. I spend the whole night frustrated and it has been since I was a teenager. I have anxiety issues. You can go to your PCP and just tell them flat out, I am not sleeping and it is driving me nuts. It an uncommon thing to go in for. Your PCP won't even think it's weird.
I can't take melatonin or Tylenol PM because I get "hungover". I'm super sensitive to medications, though.
My co-worker is doing a sleep hygiene method right now. Calm place, same routine each night, go to bed the same time every night, read a little, etc. Kind of mind over matter type thing.

This is me, too. I have had insomnia through most of my life. It runs in my family, too. I can't fall asleep without something. I usually rotate between Tylenol PM, Motrin PM, and xanax.

keri1013 · April 2011

I'm sorry you are going through this! DH has battled it on off for as long as he can remember. I find for me it's definitely tied to my cycle, I always have a harder time falling and staying asleep right before AF starts. It sounds like what you are dealing with is more extreme, and you've gotten a lot of good suggestions above. I'm sending along my good-sleep thoughts and hoping last night was better!

martini-time · April 2011

I deal with it as a symptom of PPD as well. It's tough! I walk around in a haze half the time, and it really affects my memory and my mental clarity. I swear, I saw EVERY hour on the clock last night. I was drinking a glass of wine every night to relax, but realized that actually keeps me awake after a few hours. I talked to my Dr. and they gave me a prescription for Valium that's helped a lot. I'm almost out though, and don't want to keep taking it since it's supposedly pretty addictive. Next up for me is trying melatonin. Benadryl just gives me a hangover.

I hope you figure it out soon. I know how bad it sucks. Big hugs to you!

indigo91804 · April 2011

martini-time:
I deal with it as a symptom of PPD as well. It's tough! I walk around in a haze half the time, and it really affects my memory and my mental clarity. I swear, I saw EVERY hour on the clock last night. I was drinking a glass of wine every night to relax, but realized that actually keeps me awake after a few hours. I talked to my Dr. and they gave me a prescription for Valium that's helped a lot. I'm almost out though, and don't want to keep taking it since it's supposedly pretty addictive. Next up for me is trying melatonin. Benadryl just gives me a hangover.
I hope you figure it out soon. I know how bad it sucks. Big hugs to you!

So I take ativan/lorazepam, which is in the same family as Valium, at night to sleep. I have taken it on and off for about 5 years. I worked at a PCP office and went to a different office. Both of them tell me I take such a small dose that yes, if I go off of it I won't sleep for a few weeks (which I've done about 3-4 times) but as long as it isn't being abused (like taking more than prescribed) than it is fine. It is the only thing that I can take that makes me feel fine in the morning. I have never really had any issues with it and it is cheap (generic).

I am shocked at how many people on here take melatonin. It was the worst morning after I have had in a long time. So spacey. That's just interesting to me. I tried it because I though, hey, it's an OTC supplement.

coribecca · April 2011

indigo91804:

So I take ativan/lorazepam, which is in the same family as Valium, at night to sleep. I have taken it on and off for about 5 years. I worked at a PCP office and went to a different office. Both of them tell me I take such a small dose that yes, if I go off of it I won't sleep for a few weeks (which I've done about 3-4 times) but as long as it isn't being abused (like taking more than prescribed) than it is fine. It is the only thing that I can take that makes me feel fine in the morning. I have never really had any issues with it and it is cheap (generic).

I am shocked at how many people on here take melatonin. It was the worst morning after I have had in a long time. So spacey. That's just interesting to me. I tried it because I though, hey, it's an OTC supplement.

I'm surprised at how many people take melatonin, too--I tried it and felt drugged, plus I had horrible nightmares.

Like Indigo's doc, my PCP was willing to prescribe a benzodiazepine for me for sleep and said the same thing: as long as it's not being abused, it's fine, even though it can be addictive. I have had good luck with Benadryl, so I chose to do that instead, but I wouldn't hesitate to take a benzodiazepine for sleep if that's what worked best.

WatchPot · April 2011

You're doing a lot of cardio: Do you do any yoga or weight bearing exercise? Do your legs or muscle ache when you aren't able to sleep? THere are some great Yoga On Demand videos that are short and stretching right before bed might help your body and your muscles relax enough.

Good Luck, Lady! Get some rest!

KNemo · April 2011

WatchPot:

You're doing a lot of cardio: Do you do any yoga or weight bearing exercise? Do your legs or muscle ache when you aren't able to sleep? THere are some great Yoga On Demand videos that are short and stretching right before bed might help your body and your muscles relax enough.

Good Luck, Lady! Get some rest!

I am doing a lot of cardio, but my muscles aren't hurting anymore. I am also doing 2 days/week of resistance training. I don't have spasming or twitchy muscles that are keeping me up, it's more my mind. I can't shut off. I will try yoga/pilates though. I have a bunch of videos. Thanks for the suggestion, S!

The Unisom took FOREVER to kick in, but I did get a much better nights rest last night. The only problem is that I have felt "off" all day. Not drowsy or tired, just off. I am really irritable, grumpy, and I just don't feel like myself. I am going to give it a couple more nights and see if it just a biproduct of not sleeping for several weeks! If I don't get better by the end of the week, I am going to go see someone.

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