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I havnt slept in over a month!

Posted , 3 users are following.

Lee1988
Lee1988

Hi. I have been a user of cannabis for 13 years (Age 27) as I have found this to be the best solution for my insomnia, up until August last year I was fine and healthy. This all changed when my shifts were switched from 10am-4pm to 4pm-10pm. By the time I got home had a shower, got something to eat etc, I was still wide awake and no matter how tired I was or how much weed I smoked I simply could not get to sleep.

As the months went by it got so bad that I resorted to pills. I started taking Amitriptyline and Diazepam which worked great for a while but the more I took them the less effective they became. I'm also aware that these types of meds are a short term solution and are addictive so I am no longer take them.

My shifts were switched back to normal after the new year, but I lost my job a few weeks later for some BS situation in which I was basically set up and sacked as the business itself is dying. My suspicions were confirmed not ling after my dismissal as several other staff were sacked and the manager left also. So obviously this didn't help my sleep disorder..

It's now mid February, I have a new job which is much better hours, money and no weekends. However my sleep has yet to return and it's getting to the point where I can't cope with it anymore. I get regular headaches, lack of focus, slight memory loss. I get into bed tired and almost immediately feel awake, my mind running wild about either what happened that day or what will happen if I go another night without sleep. I worry about the time and just toss and turn. My body rests but my brain/mind does not.

I need to wait 2 weeks to see my doctor again and then they will have to refer me to someone else which will take ages. If anyone could provide me with some help, info or opinions in the meantime I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • linda187
    linda187 Lee1988

    Posted

    Avoid using weed.  It is addictive.  When I had a sleep disorder, what worked for me was not Amitryptiline (made it worse) but an old antidepressant called imipramine (trade name Tofranil).  It has sedative properties but is not addictive.  I also benefit from natural therapies like Mindfulness training, body scan meditation.  This helps me get out of my head and into my body.
    • Lee1988
      Lee1988 linda187

      Posted

      Hello Linda. Weed isn't the problem, I wish it was as I'd stop using it. I tried once before and went threw some pretty bad withdrawal symptoms and after several months my sleep hadn't returned. My doctor had me on zopiclone which after a few days started giving me horrific nightmares. I'm sorry but I'd rather use weed instead. Which I must stress worked for 13 years and doesn't include nicotine, the lead cause of cancer due to smoking. I've done my research. It is being used worldwide to cure or help with multiple illnesses, cancer & insomnia being two of them. Unfortunately I live in the UK where it is illegal, yet tobacco and alcohol (which I don't use) is available everywhere and kills millions worldwide.

      About the drug you mentioned, thank you for the info and I've looked into it. I'll mention it to my doctor but I'm trying to steer away from pills and just get back to my normal sleeping pattern.

      Take care.

  • alexballer18
    alexballer18 Lee1988

    Posted

    i can try sleepy time tea
    • Lee1988
      Lee1988 alexballer18

      Posted

      I mean no offense by this Alex but, really? Sleepy time tea? I've tried every method under the sun, this being one of the first. My problem is a lot more severe than that, I drink warm milk and honey on a night which is supposed to help but it makes no difference at all.

      I'd just like to add that I drink no caffeine or fizzy drinks and avoid products with high sugar content, so that isn't the problem either.

  • linda187
    linda187 Lee1988

    Posted

    The problem with weed as with all addictive substances is that it requires more and more of the substance to get the same effect and then it causes the reverse effect so it stops working.  Have you tried Melatonin?  That is what my boss, a physician, recommends his patients take for sleeping problems.
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