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UK – 3years+ of treatment and about to give up!

Posted , 3 users are following.

Big-Pete
Big-Pete

Hello Folks,

First off hello to everyone as I'm new here.

To give a bit of background for the last 5years+ I have what I would class as 'poor sleep' of which 3 years I have been seeing an NHS specialist and have pretty much given up that I will get any help from them after the last recommendation was to have a couple of alcoholic drinks if this helps me to fall asleep (very shocked that a UK DR would recommend this as a daily solution).  Hence I'm posting here to hopefully get some help.

Symptoms

Restless in bed

Taking hours to fall asleep

Waking multiple times through the night

Feeling awake when I do fall asleep

Short tempered with friends and family

Low libido

Mood Swings

Constantly tired/lethargic

Rare morning wood

As mentioned over the last 3 years I have been on and off - 

Circaden (2-4mg seems to help me get over to sleep but even up to 10mg/night doesnt help me stay asleep all night and I feel groggy in the morning) Pretty much been on various doses of this for the 3 years, occasionally I tapered down to see if it made much difference.

Zopiclone (occasionally but don't like the side effects)

Temazepam (more frequently than Zopiclone, but didnt work as well - also didnt like the sides)

Clonazepam - I was on this for over a year and it did help stay asleep but I felt groggy in the morning and coming off it from a 1yr+ was an emotional roller-coaster!

ZMA - This did help me to get a few hours that felt like 'deep' sleep though I'd be awake shortly after it.

I've tried self meditation apps, Head Space etc with little luck.  I've also over the 3 years been keeping a daily log of the following - 

Tiredness (1-10)

Quality of Sleep (1-10)

Libido (1-10)

Mood (1-10)

Irritability (1-10)

Motivation/Energy (1-10)

Diet (1-10)

Stress (1-10)

Blood Pressure

Resting Heart Rate

Weight

Any medication I am on

When I did plot a graph of the above it was easy to see that my perceived sleep was better when on the Clonazepam etc.  I was also tested for low testosterone but it fell within 'normal' range (albeit a the low end).

Really at a loss to do so if anyone has anything they can suggest I am open to options, experimental or otherwise?

Thanks and sorry for the long first post!

BigPete

1 like, 18 replies

18 Replies

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  • richard89308
    richard89308 Big-Pete

    Posted

    all these sleeping tablets have a knock on effect of wakefulness. You will sleep deeply for a couple of hours then wake up and have a restless night. Also alcohol does the same you sleep then wake in the early hours.  You need a review with the ~GP about the best way through this;

    richard

    • Big-Pete
      Big-Pete richard89308

      Posted

      Sadly it was my GP that referred me to the sleep clinic specialist as they didn't know what else to suggest past CBT and the occasional Zopiclone sad
    • MarilynH
      MarilynH Big-Pete

      Posted

      This is what most doctors do, prescribe a pill cuz they have no clue what else to do. I prefer natural remedies. Melatonin is like a miracle for me and is safe. Also be sure to get off the computer a few hours before you go to bed. Same with the tv. The light rays coming from both stop your brain from making the melatonin it needs to make you sleepy.
    • Big-Pete
      Big-Pete MarilynH

      Posted

      Yep don't get my wrong Melatonin definitely helps me drift off to sleep rather than the typical staring at the roof! Just like you I'm searching for something other than pills

      Typically I avoid all computers in the evening as I work with the all day but do sit and watch TV to relax otherwise I'd be working.

    • MarilynH
      MarilynH Big-Pete

      Posted

      I also read an article on drinking some beer at night before bed and how it helps us sleep. Wine does the same, but then we wake up later on... but with beer you don't wake up. I did drink a beer a few nights ago and went to sleep really quickly and slept about 6 hours which is GREAT for me! Normally I would wake up every hour and normally it takes me 2-3 hrs to get to sleep.
  • richard89308
    richard89308 Big-Pete

    Posted

    are you overweight pete because you may have sleep apnoea which is wakefulness caused by obstructed breathing.

    rich

    • Big-Pete
      Big-Pete richard89308

      Posted

      Nope not overweight, exercise at least 4-5 times a week. My wife hasn't mentioned anything about my breathing in my sleep and I can't say I ever remember waking up gasping or similar, if that's what you mean?
  • cindy30745
    cindy30745 Big-Pete

    Posted

    Have u tried relaxation tapes before bedtime? These helped me.

    Worth a try and not harmful or expensive.

    Temazepam is very addictive as is clonazepam.  

    • Big-Pete
      Big-Pete cindy30745

      Posted

      I'd tried Head Space meditation app and another relaxation type cd/mp3 that I can't remember the name of.

      I know coming off the clonazepam even with a 4 week taper was terrible.

  • richard89308
    richard89308 Big-Pete

    Posted

    it must be all those endorphins then keeping you up till late!

    seriously though its good you don't have sleep apnoea.

    richard

    • Big-Pete
      Big-Pete richard89308

      Posted

      It's strange, even when I'm away on a 2-3 week holiday in a totally different environment, diet, climate etc my sleep patterns don't seem to change.

      Even been considering trying new things like DISP but not sure of how it would benefit long term.

  • richard89308
    richard89308 Big-Pete

    Posted

    maybe it is something to do with where you live.  Are there any pollutants nearby? Is there a dust problem? Do you have an allergy to pets for example?

    rich

    • Big-Pete
      Big-Pete richard89308

      Posted

      Have had hayfever for the last 15 years, am allergic to cats and not been diagnosed with asthma.

      Wouldn't being in a totally different environment (like on holiday) rule out a lot of environmental issues?

  • richard89308
    richard89308 Big-Pete

    Posted

    yes it would I was just thinking of possible causes at your home that's all,

    rich

    • Big-Pete
      Big-Pete richard89308

      Posted

      Sorry didn't want to come across as being obstinate just been trying get to figure out all this stuff myself and am realising I've tried a lot more than I put in the original post.

      Ive done blackout blinds, stable bedroom temperature, no electronics in the bedroom, not even stuff on standby! lol

      You ever had any experience with white noise machines to drown out any periodic noises?

    • MarilynH
      MarilynH richard89308

      Posted

      My doctor suggested EMF's were bothering me as some people are sensitive to them, so that night I unplugged the big screen tv in the room and my dvd player on my nightstand. (it's a little portable one) I slept so good that night and the next night. Best I had slept in years so now I unplug the tv every night and I notice the difference. I also use a battery operated clock, no electric clock.
    • MarilynH
      MarilynH

      Posted

      The tv is in our bedroom....
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