Can't Sleep

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Specializes in Med/surg.

Hello everyone,

I was hoping someone could give me advice. A manifestation of my depression was the inability to sleep when I began nursing school. I was so irritable all the time which compounded my depression. So my therapist prescribed Ambien 5mg. for me which was really helping my body and mind to get the rest I needed.

The problem is that I think now I don't know how to sleep without it. I apprecite any sound unjudgemental advice from my fellow collegues.:o

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Specializes in critical care transport.

from one student, to another...

worry about that when you are done with school, and be thankful that there is something that assists you with your health problem. nursing school can drag out any mood that is lurking, depression being one of them.

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listen honey if i was you i would not take any medication..............all you need is prayer , medication is not the answer 'GOD IS!..... YOU ARE JUST TO WORRIED ............. BUT YOU DONT NEED TO BE, HAVE FAITH........... IF YOU NEED ANY QUESTIONS OR HELP LET ME KNOW. BEST OF LUCK

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Hi shabbychic . . . love your avatar!

We can't give medical advice here - I'd check with your doc.

Best wishes!

steph

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I have always been a pretty light sleeper and have had a hard time falling asleep (especially now that I work nights and my schedule is different than most of the other population both of my household, apartment complex, and world at large). I have thought about using medication but have really had alot of luck lately with a different routine. I take a quiet bath an hour before sleep. I have downloaded some soft instrumental music that is designed to promote sleep and I listen to it and actively try to quiet my mind. It has worked. Very well actually. I'd encourge you to play around with things like that and see if anything works for you. Everyone is pretty individual in their needs and what is effective. Sleep is essential for sure! I sympathize with you!

Good Luck!

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Specializes in EMS, ER, GI, PCU/Telemetry.

hi shabby... i had a very difficult time from transitioning to working days from working nights and i found that doing some physical exercise before bed helped me (i prefer cardio or stability ball). it helps you get out that excess energy and when you get home from the gym, you are tired and more relaxed!

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Shabby, if you're worried about addiction, talk with your doctor. Other than that we can't give medical advice. Best of luck. Nursing school is enough to give anyone insomnia!!

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I don't think giving advice of prayer is appropriate here either. I looked it up in the PDR and God is not init as a remedy for insomnia. I am not against praying but come on, this poster has a real and difficult problem. Sometimes drugs are needed, sometimes a physical exam can reveal causes besides stress for insomnia.

This is a medical question but you need to work it out with your doctor. Alot of us have a hard time with sleep myself included.

(Prayer I tried by the way and it still didn't work...)

I wish you luck and the best.

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What works for me is exercise, eating healthy, and taking my vitamins, including 5-HTP which can be found at any healthfood store. Good luck!

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Specializes in Cardiac, ER.

Shabby,.I took Ambien to help me sleep for about 2 yrs. I work nights and as many others have pointed out,.the rest of the world goes on while I'm trying to sleep! Just a personal observation I have,.in no way meant to be medical advce,..the longer I took the Ambien the less it worked,.and the harder it was to sleep w/o it!

I haven't taken an Ambien in almost a year and I sleep great now,.my trick? I changed jobs, I still work nights but I'm much happier where I am now. I do take Melatonin about 30 minutes before bedtime. I had tried Melatonin in the past and it didn't seem to work,.it works fine now. I will admit the first few weeks of "comming off" the Ambien I had trouble staying asleep,.but slowly it got better and now I can sleep.

You mentioned your sleep problem was due to depression. I think mine was more stress and frustration than depression,.but I got rid of the stress and viola I can sleep!!

Just something for you to think on!!

Good Luck and BTW I agree prayer is a great thing,.pray about the depression and the sleep will come!!!

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

I need to close this thread and refer you to your provider. Good Luck to you.

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