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I need advice or help.

Posted , 5 users are following.

YellowDuck
YellowDuck

Hi guys. Very new here.

I really need some advice. It seems I get very anxious at night. And this in turn, prevents me from sleeping.

I'm exhausted. I'll stay wide awake (though tired) for two days, then eventually pass out for a few hours, then back to not sleeping for another two days.

I would firstly like to mention, I'm not a fan of drugs. I barely like taking painkillers let alone sleeping tablets (however I have taken sleeping pills, and because I don't like pills, it made me more anxious and more of a mess, and didn't sleep).

I've been on anti depressants before, really don't want to go back to them, because once again, pills them selves just make me anxious. I do some times take a beta blocker, If my anxiety is too bad. However they don't help me sleep.

If and when I do sleep, A: it doesn't feel like I've slept and if it wasn't for my partner telling me otherwise, I wouldn't of thought I had any sleep. B: I don't dream. I will never have any memory of dreams. C: when I start to drift off asleep, it's like I get a surge of adrenaline. I wake up, almost as soon as I have dropt of to sleep, my heart racing and mind buzzing.

(C, I am sure that's anxiety that is causing that, however it feels like I've had a huge sugar rush).

Every night, I am sweaty and clamy and hot. Once again, I'm sure anxiety.

I struggle to do any exercise during the day to tire my self out, because I'm physically too exhausted to do any thing.

I've tried cutting down on smoking, smoking less at night. Drinking herbal tea and sleepy time tea.

I've cut down my alcohol intake (maybe not enough). I've tried to change as many habits as possible, but nothing is working.

I've had a eeg (or was it Ct)? Can't remember. I've had a brain scan lol, and fine.

I've seen CBT therapists, I've seen psychiatrists. Nothing seems to help.

Is there any thing I could be missing? Is this lack of sleep killing me? I believe I remember reading a study, that lack of sleep can almost half your life span. Does any one have any advice besides "try and relax", because really, that isn't obvious enough. Specially when you hear those words at least twice a day.

This lack of sleeping is really destroying me. My appetite, my ability to function as a semi decent idiot in this world.

Please some one tell me what to do sad

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • YellowDuck
    YellowDuck

    Posted

    I would also like to mention, I'm sure I know the root cause of why I get anxious at night. I am sure it's because I am anxious I won't sleep, and also anxious that I will sleep.

    I dunno though. I guess if I am asleep I am not in contol of what's going on around me??? And that scares me???

    NHS CBT ladies and gents....

  • rocky31676
    rocky31676 YellowDuck

    Posted

    Stress is playing a part in your life... you need to exercise and then sleep will come at night.
  • david10273
    david10273 YellowDuck

    Posted

    Hi YellowDuck

    ​First of all I feel your pain with your sleep problem. I am having a similarly horrible time at the moment also albeit I can fall asleep very easily. I thought mine might of been related to stress also so it was interesting to read your description as it differs to me. I too do not like medication so much so i rarely take even a paracetomol.

    ​I am pretty sure that my sleep problems have contributed to the anxiety depression that I am suffering at the moment although I am sure my doctor was quite happy to just say that was the cause of my sleep problem. My point being that lack of quality sleep will make your mental state worse.

    ​I had a hard time to convince my doctor that I had a sleep problem and had to see 4 different doctors and generally be a nuisance before one would send me to a sleep specialist. My post is on here to save going into detail.

    ​Have you ever had your sleep monitored and is this something you feel worth a look at. From what I can gather there are many things that can effect your sleep and if sleep or lack of is the cause of your stress then that should be a good as point as any to start at.

    Wishing you all the best

     

  • denisita
    denisita YellowDuck

    Posted

    Hi Yellow duck,

    I honestly went through the same thing and it lasted for about 3 years. I do wanted nothing to do with pills but I finally found a psychiatrist that I really felt heard me and I got on an antidepressant for a second time and now into year 4/5 of serious insomnia I am not not scared of bedtime. I love sleep again.

    I didn't think I was depressed but who knows which came first the chicken or the egg?? I also work out for 40-60 minutes at least 3 times a week, drink no caffeine, don't smoke, and try to eat as varied as possible - fresh food more often.

    Along with the antidepressants I have been taking Bromazepam and Melatonin. I have been feeding off the Bromazepam - started with 4mg and now can go without it most nights after 4 months of antidepressants. I used to take 2mg of melatonin and am now down to 1/2mg.

    I couldn't function either and missed so many good opportunities due to my useless restless self and insomnia. Now I'm finishing a Master's degree and get at least 5-6 hours a night (and often 8).

    If you haven't tried it I also recommended hypnotherapy and acupuncture. They helped me after a few sessions. You might want to combine as many methods as you see fit for you.

    You can and will get through this. I did and I'm 29 and it all started around age 24.

    Feel free to ask me any questions. Good luck.

  • hannah54749
    hannah54749 YellowDuck

    Posted

    Have you also tried herbal supplements along with tea? I have to do both in order to sleep at night
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