Recurring insomnia

Hi Lucas,

​I've been in the same situation before, and I know how hard it is. But I have managed to recover to healty sleep, so let me assure you there is hope.

​The first thing is to make sure you are keeping good "sleep hygeine." These are things like keeping a regular sleep/wake cycle, not having caffeine too late, and no large stimuli 30-60 minutes before bed (no TV, video games, loud music). Google search sleep hygeine for more suggestions. And about no large stimuli, it is best to do something relaxing and quiet before bed. Light meditation or breathing excercises are good. Or some reading. And if you can't fall alsleep, don't look at the clock,. It will just make you more anxious. Instead, get up and do something relaxing again.

​Next, you have to reduce your stress and anxiety. Insomnia is almost always brought on by stress, and then the anxiety over the poor sleep keeps insomnia going. You will have to learn how to keep bedtime from becoming a scary thought. What I started doing was to just lie in bed and think of something pleasant. DOn't start thinking about 'oh no, what if I don't sleep.' If you start stressing over not sleeping, then you won't sleep. Also, look to add exercise to reduce stress (if you don't exercise already). And start seeing a therapist. They will help you find ways to combat the anxiety that feeds your insomnia. Ask about SSRI's or other anti-depressants - they can help prevent obsessive thinking over poor sleep quality, and are not very addictive and have few side effects.

​Lastly, work on getting off the zolpidem (ask your doctor about a good schedule to follow). Yes it helps you sleep, but you will not recover normal sleep patterns while you are taking it. Pretty much every sedative disrupts your natural sleep patterns, even the weaker ones like Valerian root. You could try melotonin; it is not particularly strong, but it induces a more natural sleep and has really no side effects and is minimally addictive.

​I hope this helps. Hang in there - I know how bad it is right now, but if you work at it, yopu will recover. Good luck!

I do have a severe anxiety disorder and any trigger sets me off and causes me to be unable to sleep. I try to switch off before going to bed but find it very difficult. I know it's a vicious cycle but nothing seems to clear my thoughts. I'm unable to exercise as I suffer from chronic pain and am therefore leading a sedentary lifestyle. It just seems like a constant battle.

Hi  I too have had insomnia all my life, and couldn't even get to sleep and when I did, woke up an hour later. I was getting about 3 hours a night at best. Then two months ago a new doctor gave me a prescription for Doselupin and it has changed my life. I take 50mg two hours before bed and I sleep through the night and sleep right through, then wake up normal without any side effects. I cant believe how much better I feel. The only problem is, I find I do eat more, but I will have to control that myself. I have tried other sleep remedys but this is the only one that works without that drowsy feeling. I feel totally normal in the morning. Dosulepin  you could give it a try.  Good lucj

Welcome Lucas,

 I have suffered from insomnia for about 10 years now. My psychiatrist refused to put me on any sleep medication because he is afraid that may become overmedicated since I am on a lot of other meds as well.

 To solve the issue, I spoke with my dear pharmacist of many years about my problem. He recommended an OTC (over the counter) med named Nytol. He said use it sparingly then adjust as needed. It works wonders when I am in control of when I take the medication.

 Thankfully my cicadian rhythm always insists that I get my requied 8 hours of slepp regardless of when I go to sleep.

 Like I said... adjust as needed.

 On a lighter note... My meds are covered by a provincial drug program called Life Saving Drug Program. I pray that such a program is available where you live? So I don't have to pay for prescription medications. In fact, the pharmacy gives me points for the amount purchased. I use those points to pay for my OTC medication and other things I need from the parmacy. Life is good !!!