1. Community
  2. Symptoms
  3. Sleep Problems

Insomnia For 5 weeks now

Posted , 5 users are following.

randy66926
randy66926

Hello, I’ve been suffering from really bad insomnia for over a month now it started literally out of nowhere.  I’ve always had some sleeping issues as far as waking up frequently throughout the night but I’ve never had a problem actually falling asleep.  Now I literally can’t fall asleep on my own period.  I have to take Ambien which I’ve been on for a few days now and even then I only get 3-4 hours of sleep then wake up and can’t go back to sleep.  I have an appointment next week with a sleep center to hopefully figure something out this is literally driving me insane.  Is there anyone who has overcome this issue?  I would love to just be able to fall asleep on my own that’s all I would even want at this point.  Nobody I’ve seen thus far (primary care or psychiatrist) seem to think this is a big deal.  I disagree. 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Donna23316
    Donna23316 randy66926

    Posted

    Hey honey, if it's a big deal to you, then it's a big deal. If it's important to you, then it's a big deal. And if it's affecting you in the way in which you describe, then it's a big deal! You know that, and here's hoping the sleep centre will deal with it in earnest. I think they will. There is no reason to think otherwise. They specialise in sleep problems so it can only be beneficial. In the meantime, don't fret when you can't sleep. Similarly, try not to focus on the fact that you can't sleep or that you are waking, try reading rather than getting stressed out. Sorry, I can't be more helpful. All I know is that, you are not to do, the very thing, anyone would inevitably to which is:stress about it-easier said than done!!!

  • clay59274
    clay59274 randy66926

    Posted

     I have been dealing with severe insomnia since May 2017! Several neurological symptoms,  I wake up multiple times every night usually every hour. I have seen several doctors, sleep specialist, neurologist, pulmonologist. I have mild sleep apnea so they have tried CPAP machine, which does nothing. My mental health is a challenge, face is worn, and have tried many medications. IT JUST TOTALLY SUCKS!!!

    I know your struggle and wish I could just get some decent sleep. I can’t even nap. I jog or bicycle everyday for 45 minutes to an hour, stick to a consistent bed time and wake up, but no matter how exhausted I am, even struggle some nights to keep my eyes open, I have very fragmented sleep. I wish I could share insights to help, but I’m still fighting this battle myself.

    • randy66926
      randy66926 clay59274

      Posted

      Hey clay, I’ve also been having some neurological stuff going on I failed to mention ive almost just gotten used to it and accepted it.  Since about February I developed this dizziness/lightheadedness that hasn’t ever gone away.  At this point I feel like I’ve just been labeled a hypochondriac with anxiety I just keep being put off by multiple doctors now....  I don’t really know where to go from here.
  • alaenya
    alaenya randy66926

    Posted

    I know how you feel and I very much hate how every article about insomnia tells you "don't worry, it's nothing life threatening and therefore no big deal", as if being too tired to function and scared of every evening is no big deal.

    Anyway, my insomnia started 10 years ago, so I'm pretty much a veteran. At first I was on sleeping pills like Ambien as well but they did nothing to me. Then I went to a psychiatrist and got prescribed Mirtazapine, which is an antidepressant with sedative effects and that was my life saver! I've been on it for those 10 years and my insomnia only showed up sporadically, mostly just before important days.

    This year, it returned in full force, for 8 months I was sleeping well for perhaps 3/7 days of week and it spiked my anxiety a lot. I was scared that Mirtazapine stopped working and was scared of changing a pill I was so used to. In the end, my doc prescribed a new pill in addition to Mirtazapine, which was to lower my anxiety - Buspirone. And that did wonders. For the past month, I've only had a bad night once!

    Everyone is different and everyone reacts to different pills, but I'd definitely ask your doctor about some antidepressants. They're less addictive, Mirtazapine even doesn't have that many side effects (I only noticed a slight weight gain and the first few days I was sleepy even during the day, but that soon disappeared as I got used to the pill).

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.