Ugh...This is awful. I can not sleep! I have been up since 2:30 and I have tried to do everything that I could do. Minimal lighting, ironing, laundry. I went back to bed and tried to meditate my way to sleepiness but it just didn't work. I have been avoiding the computer because once I am on I can not get off!
Anyways, I have to work at 7:00 and now I am getting scared b/c I haven't slept. Sometimes when I am tired like this I can get by, but other times it feels like I have gotten run over by a Mac Truck.
Ugh...This is awful. I can not sleep! I have been up since 2:30 and I have tried to do everything that I could do. Minimal lighting, ironing, laundry. I went back to bed and tried to meditate my way to sleepiness but it just didn't work. I have been avoiding the computer because once I am on I can not get off!
Anyways, I have to work at 7:00 and now I am getting scared b/c I haven't slept. Sometimes when I am tired like this I can get by, but other times it feels like I have gotten run over by a Mac Truck.
Anyone else been in this situation?
Try some short term melatonin before bed.
Good physical activity is a must. I get problems with it every now and then, but my worst days are predictably when I haven't done much physical activity.
Maybe go to your doctor if it continues. I had insomnia and when I went to the doctor my tsh level was 247 (major high) and my hgb was 7. Whenever I went to sleep my heart rate went below 40 and I was having bursts of adrenaline that were waking me up. Doing much better now on synthroid and folic acid and sleeping almost all night.
As a night shift nurse for 15 plus years I have had my share of insomnia!
Plus, I just did a unit teaching project on insomnia, and learned some things that might help.
There is so much information out there now, it is becoming a national health "spotlight" and be sure to keep trying till you find some help.
Take some of the self assessment tests you can find on the web and then go talk to your MD. Insomnia can be related to cardiac dx, DM, prescription medications, sleep apnea, PTSD, recreational substances (no one here does that) mealtimes, caffeine, too much or not enough exercise, GERD and more.
The best way I have found to take the valerian is in the Sleepy-time "extra" tea by Celestial Seasonings. You may need to look in the health food section, but most grocery stores carry it. The "extra" version (or some synonym) has higher doses of valerain and also contains chamomile and I think kava. At any rate it is a little more palatable than straight valerian.
Also, Benedryl is pretty effective for a lot of folks, if you don't have a paradoxical response and get more wired.
Don't let the name put you off, it does have lots of sleep hygiene hints that actually work!
Some antidepressants such as trazadone or pamelor have been effective: if you have racing or intrusive thoughts a small dose of risperdal or even a small dose of mood stablizer such as neurontin can be effective.Some of the newer sleep meds such as lunesta or ambien have helped with less of a "hangover" effect than the longer lasting restoril.
Most of this info is evidence based...there was a study or two as well that shows relaxation music with or without a relaxation voice over was moderately effective.
If you put together a "menu" or sleep plan with all of these elements including prescription meds if needed, you might find a combination that is effective for you.
What works for *me* is working out most days of the week (this also helps with stress and mild depression for me) and Valerian Root (smells like warm dog poop!!). I find that if I stop working out (which I tend to do, I'm lazy) I start sleeping worse and worse and worse. Actually my insomnia often drives me back to the gym just for the sleep benefits!
I did see a Valerian Root that is ODOR FREE at the health food store!!
Thank you all for your replies! I never tried Valerian Root. It sounds like it may be the way to go. Benadryl either makes me wired or gives me a hangover effect the next day. And then of course, every now and then, it works like a charm. Who knows? Exercise...ugh...I was such a workout queen and now just walking around the block is enough for me. I agree though, I definitely need the exercise.
Well, I wasn't tired at work...too crazy to be. I was secretly hoping that they would cancel me but the powers that be....
vloho
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insomnia is also a s/s of menapause ,along with night sweats,and freq. urination.