Total of 5 hours sleep in the past 5 days.

Posted , 4 users are following.

For the past 5 days I have been almost entirely unable to sleep, I do have a sinus infection, but I don't think that has anything to do with this. I've been dealing with horrible sinus infections most of my life, but they usually only make it difficult to fall asleep, not impossible.

The 5 hours of sleep I did manage to get, includes an hour on the second day, two hours the third day, and 2 hours today. Since that first hour of sleep I got, whenever I try to fall asleep it almost feels like there is a pressure in my head similar to when you are just starting to feel a headache come on, and I am able to get to the point that I feel as though i'm about to fall into sleep, but then i'm suddenly jolted back into conciousness. 

Both two hour periods of sleep I got were after I had taken a gravol (it always make me groggy as hell, and usually knocks me out within half an hour), but I still woke up again after only two hours and then experience the same issues as before. Tomorrow I will be picking up some melatonin and giving that a try, as after tomorrow I have to be back to work, and without sleep that just won't be possible. If I still don't manage to get a good nights rest with the melatonin, I don't know what i'm going to do. it'll be a trip to the hospital for me I guess.

I have had trouble getting a proper amount of sleep for many years, but it has never been anywhere near this bad before.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Ausaris

    Sorry you are having such difficulty sleeping. I know how frustrating it can be. I have used a time released Melatonin. It worked pretty well for me. Unfortunately I have other sleep issues, but that's besides the point. The double layer time release has one layer that helps you to get to sleep and then the other layer is slow release to help keep you asleep. Though the sinus infection doesn't seem to be the culprit you can try a damp warm wash cloth across your nose and upper cheeks to help open up your sinuses an hour or so before bed. An anti-inflammatory will help as well. Difficulty breathing can inhibit sleep too. I hope you have success with sleep. If you continue to have problems I would recommend seeing your doctor or an urgent care instead of the ER. It'll be a heck of a lot cheaper and they will probably be able to help you more than an ER.

    Laura

    • Posted

      Thanks for the reply Laura,

      As an update, I did manage to get some sleep last night, but only in roughly 1-2 hour shots and only after long periods of being awake. While that is definitely better than what I was getting before, it's still not enough for me to call it healthy. I'll be trying some time-released melatonin tonight, and if the problem continues beyong tonight i'll definitely be going to see a doctor! 

      Hopefully I can get enough sleep tonight to be functional at work tomorrow.

  • Posted

    Hello Ausaris,

    may I ask, are you taking anything for your sinusitis? That's probably a silly question as I'm sure you are aware that substances such as pseudephedrine and phenylephramine can act as stimulants, making sleep difficult. Are you taking any antihistamines?

    The only thing I can think to suggest is that you visit your doctor. I think a doctor needs to assess your overall health.  Perhaps you need a short course of hypnotic medication such as Temazepam. Insomnia is a nightmare, I hope you find a solution and get back to sleeping normally as soon as possible.

    • Posted

      Hey Jack, 

      I do use Sudafed to give some relief when I need it, but only through the day. I found out the hard way a few years go that it keeps me up if taken right before bed time. I take Allegra 12-hour tablets for my allergies this time of year - they're usually what end up causing my sinus infections. 

      I agree about going to see a doctor, as i've been dealing with sleep issues for a long time, but the hell i've been through these past few days has convinced me to take it more seriously.

  • Posted

    have you considered going to an ENT specialist to see if your breathing can be improved.

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