does anyone out there have problems sleeping? i have tried most of the typical expensive “sleep aids” and they do nothing for me, so i am currently on an anti-seizure medicine that is off labeled for insomnia. it helps me fall asleep but evidently it’s not a very deep sleep, as i wake up every hour or so when the train outside goes by. so, except for maybe one night this month, i have not been able to sleep through the night. if i increase the dosage, it just makes me feel drunk the next day but doesn’t help me stay asleep any better.
besides drugging myself into a coma, does anyone have any advice? i do breathing exercises and the whole “head-to-toe” relaxation, but like i said, the problem isn’t going to sleep – it is staying there.
Anne,
I feel your pain. Been down that road lately, but have determined much of it has been caused by high blood pressure (for which I am now being treated).
I hope the anti-seizure medication is not Neurontin. I was on it for about a year (for migraines) and I think it just about ruined my life. I gained 50+ lbs. and my current doctor (not the one who prescribed it in the first place) believes it contributed greatly to the depression I suffered under.
Just my 2 cents.
Physically, everything is great – my blood pressure is awesome (100/60), I’ve lost the weight recently, and I even had some sleep tests done last year (they said my brain “woke up” over 200 times over the course of the night) although I don’t have sleep apnea!
The medicine I’m on is an extremely low does of Klonopin (1 mg-1.25 mg). It’s a benzo, which in higher doses can be really addictive but my dad has used it forever to help with his insomnia, so I’m giving it a try for three months (on month #2 now).
my assistant was having trouble sleeping, she is now taking this herbal thing called melatonin and is sleeping like a baby. Jacinda and I have talked about if someday we were ever filthy rich, we would have someone give us a massage to fall asleep every night. so relaxed, we would probably oversleep.
pilates before going to the sleep helps me.
Haven’t slept well in 8 years, up just about every night, any inspired ideas I am open, doctor was unsympathetic and unhelpful, I’m waiting for an appointment with the sleep clinic.
If you think you’re tired, I saw a documentary on Discovery Health (or some such channel) about sleep that discussed an extended family where they discovered some genetic condition that caused those afflicted to not be able to sleep. Apparently, the condition would become apparent in early adulthood. As a result of not being able to sleep (apparently, just about at all), the person’s body would just wear out after a few years and they’d die (not directly from the disease, but indirectly from the damage caused by not getting the rest the body needs to stay alive. (Hope you aren’t prone to hypochondria!)
As far as “how to” I have no good ideas, particularly. I tend to have trouble falling asleep not staying asleep. So Ambien is my friend now, and I don’t even need the extended release version!
Um, have you thought about moving someplace where a train doesn’t go by every hour or so? (Really good, comfortable ear plugs could also be helpful!)
I’ve been doing some research (for a family member) into Restless Legs Syndrome and the other things that sometimes go along with that.
Not much help, I have trouble falling and staying asleep at night–no problems at 2 pm. I’ve used ear plugs, slept by myself, taken a pregnancy test. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. The pregnancy test won’t help you sleep but it might tell you why you wake up in the middle of the night! :)
I used to have chronic sleep problems. I started taking welbutrin this past year for other issues and, as a result, am no longer taking 2 and 3 hours to fall asleep. I listen to an audiobook cd at night; one that I like, but also have heard a lot, so my brain will listen to it enough to block out the pop up video that is my thoughts, but I’m not too interested in to go to sleep.
Honestly, if I don’t exercise during the day I don’t sleep as well. I get restless and can’t sleep if I haven’t worked out. And I HAVE to stretch before I go to bed. I’ve also heard not to watch TV right before bed. But if it’s something in your brain these things might not help!
Heather’s dad runs 3 sleep clinics. I would call him and ask him. he will hook you up. The man knows sleep. If you want his info jingle me.
Oh. And for me?
Gin Tonic
yes, it’s 4:43 a.m. and I’ve been up AGAIN since a little after 3. I forgot to take my sublingual B-12 3 days in a row. It happens every time I forget for a couple of days. Please I am being Chicken Little at the moment which doesn’t help. http://www.trivita.com