INSOMNIA is driving me INSANE!! - Page 2

karil · ‎07-27-2013

I don't sleep well either.

I just gave up drinking red wine (so sad!), since it was making the problem worse. It helped a little. I do take the OTC sleep aid (generic for "uni som"). I hope you find some relief...

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

If you are happy with your sleep situation, if it isn't adversely affecting your health or your mood. If this has been your sleep habit for years. You don't have a problem. Accept it and don't look for trouble where there is none. However, if you aren't happy with the situation, if you really do feel that you need more quality sleep; see your pcp and ask for a referral to a sleep specialist. There are many, many, many things that can affect one's sleep. That's why sleep specialists exist. Sometimes a specialist can offer a solution just with an exam and consult; sometimes they will order a sleep study. But help is available for people with sleep problems and disorders.

HiLo · ‎03-10-2010

Lack of sleep can literally drive one almost crazy; especially if it's consistent. I used to go on for several days at a time with no sleep; when I finally did go to sleep it was with a sleep aid and then for only a few hours; I was a walking zombie with no interest in anything. When I was given Ambien and it didn't give me a really good night's sleep, my physician coupled it with a tiny dose of Elavil which is an antidepressent and puts one into a deeper sleep even by itself.( Not all antidepressents have the effect of making you sleep. There are others out there that may have the opposite effect and keep you awake.) But the above stated combination really did the trick for me and after a short time put me back in a consistant sleep pattern. Now I only take these two meds to sleep now and then.

I have a sensitive nervous system and I can only take a small dose of Elavil, hence the reason for the two of them together.

Melatonin does work for some people but it tended to make me depressed the next day. We all react differently however.

Good luck to you as you deal with this terrible barrier to your well being, fitness. I certainly understand how you feel.

ilovedaisies · ‎07-20-2010

I take Ambien and I am so thankful for it.

Katluvr58 · ‎02-05-2014

I heard that insomnia is a side effect of menopause. I have been taking otc meds for two years now. I still have a problem sleeping but it is not as bad. Funny but the otc Target brand works the best for me. They are gel caps and they work better than tablets. Part of my problem was my sugar. I wasn't taking my meds regularly to save money, dumb, very dumb. I ended up waking to use the bathroom every couple of hours (side effect of diabetes). I am back on the meds religiously and I only woke once last night and the night before.

QueenDanceALot · ‎04-18-2013

When you say that you only sleep 3 or 4 hours "at a stretch", does that mean per night? Or can you go back to sleep for another 3 or 4 hours after you wake up?

I usually wake up once in the night but always go right back to sleep. But several years ago I rarely slept more than 30 minutes at a time. I thought I'd go stark, raving mad!

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

I haven't had a full night's sleep in a 3-4 years. Initially, I fall asleep easily enough, but a few hours later I start the up and down business (on the computer for awhile, sit and watch some tv, maybe doze off, etc.). I'll go back to bed right before DH has to get up and I'll fall asleep for maybe another 1.5-2 hrs. Many days, by late morning/early afternoon I can hardly keep my eyes open. I'm not working anymore so I can put my feet up and have a little nap, but it's not my preferred way of getting in the required sleep I should have. I really hate to get dependent on something, but I'd also like to see what it feels like again to get in bad at night and not get up until the right time the next morning.

wagirl · ‎03-09-2010

fitness--I am right there with you, sister!!! Haven't had a full, decent, restful, 8 hours of sleep for the last 35 years since my first kid was born. I'm 59 now and it has been a struggle to say the least. I have read everything on insomnia, done it all. Even went to a sleep specialist who told me he couldn't do anything for me as there was no apnea to blame it on. I started taking Ambien and only 1/2 of a cap a night and FINALLY------- sleep, not for very long, maybe 5 or 6 hours but that beat out no hours at all. I then cut the Ambien down to only 1/3 and still got to sleep and asked my primary dr and the sleep dr about that and they both said go for it--if thats all you need then go for it. I never had any weird things associated with Ambien happen to me at all. So if you aren't opposed to Ambien, give it a try.

violann · ‎03-10-2010

Took both Lunesta and Ambien by the pound and it eventually stopped working. I think some expert say that both of them are both habit forming and additive, but I never found either of them to be. They just stopped working for me. I use natural relaxants, melatonin, and diphenhydramine on alternating days, but just now nothing is helping. I fall asleep exhausted and wake up at 2:30 or 3 and lie awake worrying for a couple hours before falling back to sleep. Awful, I sympathize with all of you.

2zbeach · ‎03-11-2010

I am a chronic insomniac,having dealt with this issue for 23 years,in addition I have sleep apnea. My sleep specialist put me on sleep restriction,which is a behavior modification therapy. It works well, but takes awhile to really kick in. You can goggle it. The program,I believe,came from Harvard. In addition,tricyclic antidepressant are used to treat insomia. I'm surprised the sleep specialist didn't offer more choices. Ambiem and Lunesta are not good. Been there,done that. Not effective after a bit. Anyway, you are not alone. Best wishes for a solution.