February 02, 2009
Insomnia Watch 2009
God.
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I'm so fucking tired it may be possible to keel over dead.
The insomnia is rough. Really rough. On Thursday night I had a grand total of one hour of sleep. One. Uno. En. You know what I mean. Saturday night I was up at 3 am. This morning? 5 am. I simply cannot sleep.
My nice doctor tells me that it's depression, and that if it continues he'll add another tablet to my anti-depressants, a little cocktail if you will. I feel that's a pretty slippery slope to ride on, I don't know if this is a good idea.
At the same time, I need some fucking sleep. I've tried it all - exercise. Melatonin. Despise milk warmed or otherwise, so gave that one a miss. Lavender oils, open windows, closed windows, have taken over-the-counter tablets and gotten trollied for the sake of some sleep, even if it means a hangover. And still. I'm stilll sleepless.
Advice for sleep welcome. Implored, even. Hell, I'll give you begged for.
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1
Pot.
Local bloggers, hook the girl up!!
Posted by: Ms. Pants at February 02, 2009 07:41 AM (O/IRp)
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Ahhh, insomnia. The gift that keeps on giving, even when you BEG it not to.
I assume you've tried an hour-long massage followed by Very Lazy Sex (with all the jollies for you, his being irrelevant for the purposes)? When I'm on a bad insomnia jag that can get me three or four solid hours, which stops me weeping while I kill people at work the next day.
It's gotten so ridiculous this time that I am meekly accepting homeopathic remedies from my mother-in-law. So far, homeopathy 2, May 17, SO, I rock. In a grey-under-the-eyes, mentally-defective-with-tiredness, migrainey sort of way.
One of my many uncles was on anti-depressants last year, and found to his intense distres that the only one that did not turn him into a drooling zombie also made him a raging insomniac for the first time in his life.
Umm. That's not helpful. It seems that all I am doing is empathy, which is a FAT lot of use to you right now.
Posted by: May at February 02, 2009 07:49 AM (3jesX)
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My husband has the same problem. We tried everything except chemical pills, neither melatonin nor sleeping pills (not allowed because of physical reasons). Here is a list of what we've tried up to now and which has worked for a little while to at least fall asleep:
- valerian pills 1 hour before bedtime
- Shiatsu of the feet before bedtime
- red light besides the bed when waking up(melatonin production in the brains)
- reading aloud of dull story or novel by his wife
- tea mixture in the middle of the night when waking up:
both sleeping tea (balm, valerian,hop, lavender, fennel camomile, rosemary, schafgarbe (?), aniseed, sage) put together with relaxing tea for a better taste(citronella and a few flavors like vanilla and orange .....)
Good luck, this is really a heavy problem, makes you mad, I know!
Posted by: Paula at February 02, 2009 08:14 AM (4bQGf)
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..forgot to say: and maybe your liver function should be checked, the possible physical reason No 1 for insomnia.
Posted by: Paula at February 02, 2009 09:05 AM (Nm4nm)
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Sigh, sorry I can be of no help on this one. I suffer from the same thing. It is a little after 4AM here, and I have been up for a couple of hours already. I have already cleaned up the kitchen from the super bowl mess last night. Sorted laundry so that I can start it when a decent hour comes about.And did a little budget work.
LOL, Ms Pants, maybe that's what we who can't sleep should try! But alas, I gave that up so many years ago. Thought it would be a good idea not to be a hypocrite when my girls started hitting the teen years LOL. Maybe I was wrong,so wrong!
Posted by: justme at February 02, 2009 09:29 AM (aQHSw)
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i dont know if you can get it, but Excedrin Tension Headache, has just enough muscle relaxers/brain relaxers that it super mellows me out, and i absolutley ZONK. Ive been treated to some lovely mornings where i wake up and i realize not to move because every muscle in my body is relaxed and melted into by bed......so i enjoy it for a bit. And its just mellowing not super zonking wonking gone for 3 days half alive like in princess bride out.....highly reccomended.
Sidebar, have you heard from Moira?
I was asking her info for our prayer chain and havent heard her respond if she wanted to be on it. thankzy!
annie
Posted by: annie at February 02, 2009 01:00 PM (GAf+S)
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When my wife has insomnia, the two things that seem to relax her the most are good massages (especially foot massages), and mind-blowing sex. So maybe a good screaming O is in order?
Posted by: diamond dave at February 02, 2009 01:03 PM (iBUsJ)
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Yeah, pot may be the go. It makes me too paranoid and intensifies my insomnia though. I tend to find a nice muscle relaxant helps but if I want to be drug free then I just have to ride it out. I have bad and good 'patches', just the way I am, I've decided.
Posted by: Ali at February 02, 2009 02:02 PM (6cqQW)
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I've got nothing. I assume because of my new head candy I haven't been sleeping well, but this usually just means that I have trouble getting to/back to sleep. I can cope with that. I am useless without sleep, so I feel your pain. I hope some of the others' suggestions help.
Posted by: MsPrufrock at February 02, 2009 02:23 PM (Lorry)
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Second the Valerian. It worked wonders for me when I had this problem. It's very gentle and not habit-forming, although I did find that it got less effective for me over time.
Posted by: lizvelrene at February 02, 2009 02:45 PM (jc0pg)
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Try to stay awake while reading some chapters of Helmut Schmidt's "Menschen und Mächte". Or learn lots of fascinating details about the different kinds of tissue in humans' eyes or kidneys... Sorry to sound flippant, but my experience tells me that the best remedy for insomnia (in my case, that is) is trying to keep my eyes open, no matter what.
Posted by: Lily at February 02, 2009 02:50 PM (Y8m4l)
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Have them Check your thyroid...I couldn't sleep at all...Turns out I have grave's disease and sleeping problems go hand in hand!
Posted by: Badkitty75010 at February 02, 2009 03:36 PM (OgqJG)
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I've taken to listening to spoken-word podcasts when I can't sleep - as long as it's not too interesting/funny, and just audible, I find it works well as a thought eraser and I discover I've difted back off to some form of sleep. (I also listen to the complete John Betjeman, to the same effect - his wonderful voice is an aural comforter).
But the booze doesn't work - yes, you sleep, but the quality of that sleep is questionable, at best.
Posted by: notmyrealname at February 02, 2009 04:07 PM (3NryK)
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Only thing that helps me is having something (good book, crossword puzzle, anything) to enjoy if I can't sleep and then to just keep trying to remember that at some point, not nearly as soon as you want it to, this too shall pass.
It's awful, awful and makes the whole world look strange and evil. Like having a perpetual hangover! So sorry you're in the middle of it!
Posted by: Erika at February 02, 2009 04:08 PM (zfxu3)
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Have you tried changing the time of day you take your other antidepressants? For a while, mine made me very sleepy, then it started keeping me awake. Now I know not to take it too close to bedtime.
If that doesn't work, I'd try the pot and the orgasms. Well, I'd try them anyway.
Posted by: donna at February 02, 2009 04:22 PM (xSk7G)
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I found taking my anti drepressents right before bed made sleeping hard for me too... You try gravol? hat works well for me but I am a little gtoggy in the morning but it works. And if something is bugging me that I haven't dealt with that makes sleeping all the harder.
Posted by: Sk at February 02, 2009 04:50 PM (Ckc6D)
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When I wake up - which I do at 0200 or 0300 - I eat a banana. There's something in it that makes you a little sleepier than just any food. Also, before I go to bed I take a warm shower with an ICE COLD rinse over the body. Brings the blood to the skin to warm you. Then I put lotion on my feet and thin socks. When I get in bed, I feel like a sleepy six year old kid again.
Lastly, DO NOT turn on the TV or computer if you get up in the middle of the night. I do sometimes, and it takes me much longer to get sleepy due to the electric lights and colors upsetting my circadian rhythm.
Good luck!
Posted by: Oda Mae at February 02, 2009 05:16 PM (HLkPa)
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Quite some time ago I was going through a high-stress period, while simultaneously depressed. The only thing that helped me sleep was a self-hypnosis/subliminal music tape. No matter how stressed I was, all I had to do was plug in the headphones and hear, "Hello, greetings and welcome!" and I was out like a light.
It's cheap, effective and doesn't have to be taken orally.
See more here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw_2_8?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=sleep+cd+hypnosis&x=0&y=0&sprefix=sleep+cd
Good luck!
Posted by: Omnibus Driver at February 02, 2009 05:52 PM (LBZjj)
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If falling asleep is the problem, i'd suggest (1) no tv or computer for at least an hour before attempting to sleep - way more stimulating than you'd think - and (2) do a sudoku puzzle in bed before you turn out the light. I know this sounds goofy, but somehow, the numbers and patterns turn off the rest of my brain. Sometimes a really dense book that isn't too stimulating is ok too. Alcohol is tricky - it can help or hurt.
I have no good ideas for waking at 2-3 a.m., which is what I do when stressed!
good luck...
Posted by: suze at February 02, 2009 06:11 PM (wAPLm)
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I was a fellow sufferer for years. I am so so sorry. My SO swears by Tylonel PM. I found about 50% of the time self-hypnosis would put me out. I would do that excercise where you lay in bed and imagine each part from the tips of your toes upward relaxing. And then when you get to the head just think one word over and over again in time with your breathing. Only 50% but it was better than nothing.
Posted by: That Girl at February 02, 2009 06:12 PM (hzryQ)
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Have you tried valerian? It's not good for extended use, but it helps me when I'm over-the-top stressed.
Also, Rescue Remedy, though I've only found that mildly helpful in keeping me from stabbing myself with a fork...
sweet dreams
Posted by: lynD at February 02, 2009 07:02 PM (2F9Ak)
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Aside of some good valium, the only other thing that seems to help me is to create a nice fantasy land in my head. I like to pretend I'm shagging Grissom on some crazy sex bender. I pass out cold.
Posted by: statia at February 02, 2009 08:24 PM (s5ipx)
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According to the same logic of avoiding tv/computer screens in the late evening (the lights make your body think the sun is shining and tries to perk you up) it's a really good idea to get as much direct sunlight as you can early in the morning, to get all your rhythms in order. Not easy in the UK and maybe not easy as a mom I guess, but I'm just saying...after a couple of days, it always does the trick for me.
Posted by: anna at February 02, 2009 08:36 PM (RPtR2)
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Benadryl works for me. Non-habit forming, inexpensive, very little hangover, and knocks me right on my ass. Even if I wake up too soon, I feel well-rested. Don't know if that is helpful or not - you have my sympathy, insomnia truly sucks.
Posted by: Jodie at February 02, 2009 08:37 PM (4twyr)
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(Disclaimer - this is only my experience...) I started Citalopram (for depression) in Jan 08. Dr doubled the dose a few months later as it wasn't helping that much. Increased dosage did help my mood however my sleep (quantity and quality) really really suffered. I was always a person who could sleep in and had a good sleep. In a matter of months I was completely knackered. I thought maybe this is what happens when you get older?
My mom is always saying she gets less sleep than she used to. (I am 33 tho...) Of course catch 22 in that my mood had really improved. I tried everything - exercise, warm milk, bath before bed, no tv/computer, etc, etc. Nothing helped. I was just sooo tired - you could see it in my face. Dr suggested taking the pills in the morning instead but I didn't like the way they made me feel in the daytime. I ended up tapering the pills and then stopped taking them completely in December. (However I had been on them to benefical effect for 6 mos plus which my doc said gives most people a better chance of not having a relapse.) Almost immediately I was sleeping better and for longer. Best to discuss this with your dr and see what s/he says. In doing a few searches when I was going through this it does seem that sleep disturbance can be a side effect. Sorry for the ramble - I just remember how frustrating it was for me. Good luck! PS - cross check before you take any OTC drugs / herbal remedies as some have various interactions with SSRIs.
Posted by: Lee at February 02, 2009 09:06 PM (m6HEK)
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Once upon a time, it was my anti-depressant itself that was causing me not to sleep for days on end. The doc switched me to another one, and it was MUCH better. My latest cure for garden-veriety insomnia is the History channel. I even downloaded a few shows onto my iPod - there's something about the rhythm of the narration, I think. And if you try valerian, be cautious. It gives me absolutely horrendous headaches, to the point that I'd rather have a migraine.
Posted by: Mrs. Clancy at February 02, 2009 09:23 PM (iT75R)
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Ashwaghanda and astragalus are two great adaptogenic herbs. The nightly wakings between 1 and 4 AM could very likely be stress-related. That would be around the right time for your adrenal glands to dump all their remaining diurnal hormones into your bloodstream. There is also such a thing as serotonin syndrome. Too much saturation of your serotonin receptors is a known cause of insomnia!
Good luck,
Kiki - 8 years of hormonal insomnia nearly drove me batshit crazy!
Posted by: kiki at February 02, 2009 10:17 PM (QBMgA)
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1.5 hour professional massage therapy. I have major clinical depression and my once monthly massage is the only night of hte month I sleep.
Posted by: Jane at February 02, 2009 11:32 PM (Q3T06)
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AMBIEN CR IS YOUR FRIEND.
Posted by: Ysun at February 03, 2009 12:20 AM (xx4Bk)
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I can also heartily recommend the History Channel. Especially Modern Marvels. The announcer's voice is very soothing.
Posted by: caltechgirl at February 03, 2009 01:23 AM (IfXtw)
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I can also heartily recommend the History Channel. Especially Modern Marvels. The announcer's voice is very soothing.
Sorry if this double posted. Fluffy is raging.
Posted by: caltechgirl at February 03, 2009 01:24 AM (IfXtw)
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I'm no psychiatrist and am fortunate when it comes to being able to sleep, but if it were me, I'd probably try meds for a short time (week or two) with the hope that getting good sleep for a week or two might change the pattern. Ambien works great for me (take it for long distance travel). Husband takes xanax 2-3 times/week at bedtime due to stress-related insomnia.
This must truly suck.
My suggestion is to not beat yourself up over the idea of more meds in the short-term if nothing else you've tried has worked.
Posted by: BeachGirl at February 03, 2009 03:38 AM (U+oUO)
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GABA supplements, Enya CDs, and guided visualizations. If that fails, I'll send you my paper on ancestral commonalities in the British parliament.
Posted by: D at February 03, 2009 11:22 AM (lC09Y)
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more wine than you're currently consuming?
Posted by: wRitErsbLock at February 03, 2009 12:56 PM (xbmM0)
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don't discount a cocktail. my doc recently added a tiny amount of abilify to complement the welbutrin i have been on for major depression. the two drugs effect different areas of the brain, and the combination saved my life. the abilify was added just two weeks ago, and within about 2 days i was able to sleep. ( i was very resistant to add another drug, but i had tried everything else and was half an inch from giving up entirely; the relief of being able to sleep, even if it meant permanently, had become unbelievably seductive.)
it's ridiculous, it is just 2 milligrams.. the tiniest damn thing. but i can tell you that it may as well be a new solar system.
it's not been a magic cure or anything, but the combo effect on my brain has allowed my sleep, waking, and energy patterns to normalize...and that in itself it a goddamn miracle.
just my 2 cents, in case it might help... -h
Posted by: heidi Decker at February 03, 2009 07:20 PM (qZ1li)
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sleeping pills ............ eventually you just can't anymore.... you need to sleep is what my dr said and prescribed the meds
Posted by: Wenchy at February 03, 2009 07:41 PM (2YmdA)
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I know that when I am like you are now - I eventually fall into a heap and sleep like a baby for a few nights. Maybe you are heading there, or maybe it is time for a little help.
When my son was a one year old and NEVER sleeping - he was prescribed Valergan for a week until he got into a sleep routine. We used this method off and on for about one year - after that, he sorted himself out, but realistically - I think he has my sleep habits.
If you need help, then take it.
Posted by: E at February 04, 2009 09:59 AM (/jsNo)
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I think insomnia is one of the worst things in the world. My mother had it throughout her life. I wish I had some suggestions, but sadly she never found a good solution (I'm really lucky I take after my dad who could sleep on a dime). The thing is, be really careful about sleep medications. I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't use them, but a psychiatrist told us that the sleeping pills my mom used regularly had actually messed up her sleep cycle even more than the original insomnia. This was decades and decades of use, so it isn't comparable to your situation, but putting a 67 year old widow into detox is not a fun thing and none of us had any idea that the pills were making things worse over time. I hope you get a good night of sleep soon.
Posted by: SaraJ at February 08, 2009 03:12 AM (z/lNX)
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