Search Results for 'acupuncture'

[HelpMeHypnos]

I cannot sleep. I mean, I cannot stay asleep. I go to bed, wake up anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour later, stay awake from 15 minutes to an hour, fall back asleep, wake up 15 minutes to an hour, and this process repeats itself until the sun rises. i have tried CBTI. I have used herbal remedies, acupuncture, OTC sleeping meds (which makes me feel awful), etc. nothing works, except copious amounts of alcohol, but that makes me feel awful the next morning. weed helps but there’s only so much smoke my lungs can take. its been like this for over a year. can anyone help?

[Claudiaellen]

Hi – i developed bad insomnia a few months ago. It came out of nowhere. Possibly due to poor sleep habits due to the Pandemic. I gained weight, I slept later since I was working from home, I drank lots of cola during lunch time and in the evenings, my gym was closed so I couldn’t exercise. One day I woke up earlier than normal – 4:40am. I didn’t think much about it (my alarm is set for 6:00am). That night I went to sleep and only slept for one hour. Future days weren’t much better. It was like all my sleepiness chemicals were dried up. I wasn’t under any stress at all. We were all still working. We were all healthy. No problems in my life at all. I think my sleep habits just got sloppy. I panicked and asked my doctor for an anti anxiety medication to calm me down so I could work on improving my sleep habits. I was doing very well for awhile and almost finished tapering off the medication. I was off the medication for 4 days and then the sleeping stopped again. I went back on it again the end of August and it started to work again. Then sometime in October it stopped working. I don’t want to increase the dosage. I know that’s not the answer. I am currently sleeping an average of 4 hours with the medication. My goal is to improve my sleeping to at least 6 hours while tapering off the medication. Tomorrow I start acupuncture. We’ll see if that works. Any suggestions or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. I’m trying the sleep restriction therapy: 12am to 5am, but I usually wake up between 4 and 4:30. Thank you.

[gsdmom]

Hi delv-x,

Hope you get deep, refreshing sleep tonight!

Although I’ve been doing very well, I don’t know if my sleep routine will ever return to the way it was prior to insomnia. I’ve been sleeping with ear buds listening to various soothing meditations, hypnosis or audio books like the Power of Now, or audio works from the Mindful Movement or John Moyer. I’ve also been taking CBD in a capsule (with no THC). I use it to help with arthritis, muscle and joint pain at night. Although it does not help with falling asleep, I feel once I am asleep I can sleep a bit deeper and longer. One of my co-workers says it helps her with sleep too. Acupuncture can help with anxiety and stress and it has helped me with sleep in the past.

I can usually get over upsetting emotions or feelings by accepting them, observing them, realizing they are normal, having compassion for myself and talking to myself like I would talk to a good friend or family member. After a few hours I am mostly over it. From the above resources I learned to think of myself as transparent and imagine the unpleasant things just passing through me, or John Moyer has some messages where you “Nothing it, Nothing them” and get to a neutral place.

Since sleep is so important to a strong immune system, if I am struggling to sleep (which often happens during a new or full moon) I accept it and take 1/4 to 1/2 an Ambien. I never need a full dose anymore. It’s probably more psychological support than the medication itself. Since a medication side effect brought me into insomnia in the first place, I am terrified of getting the Covid vaccination as I am so sensitive to medications in general, so my priority is to have a healthy and strong immune system. I recently had a muscle injury and could only take an OTC medication like Aleve for 2 days, as it’s side effects were worse than my injury. Since the pandemic I’ve constantly worked with lots of people contact. I have not isolated and am doing OK.

[Elmtree57]

Hi Allisonsomnia. Seems we are on the same track (your other post regarding hypic jerks).

I have the same fear as to how I am going to sleep without meds. Although mine started not working about a month ago and I was NOT going to increase the dosage. I am on Zopiclone. I think the way to go is to get off the meds totally. Then start the sleep restriction, etc. One thing I am learning through this journey is to take it slowly. I was going all over the place to find answers but nothing happened. From acupuncture, holistic psychologist, meds from fam doc and probably more that I can’t remember. One that I do remember is what I am doing now. Our govt (Health Canada) has a program for Medical Cannibis. I thought I’d try that instead of meds. So far, it’s been a bit challenging as I have to find the right dosage. I do have a health professional helping with that, but ultimately it’s me who makes the decision. So, I think my plan is to get off Zopiclone totally (soon) keep up with the Medical Cannibis, then look into joining Martins course (depends on a few things). It’s not easy for sure, but if you have a plan in place it makes the decisions easier. I also have great support from my husband, children and friends. That helps so much. Good luck!

[Grandma Maria]

After decades of sleeping like a baby, it stopped. Nightly heart palpitations, losing both parents in six brutal months, and subsequent health issues brought my once peaceful sleep to a screeching halt. Life is now juggling sleep aids, supplements and acupuncture in search of the Holy Grail called sleep. Going to a sleep clinic soon and hope that helps. Suggestions?

[Maryam]

Hi. I’ve been suffering from insomnia for the past 12 years. The main issue with my sleep has mainly been sleep maintenance. I always woke up in the middle of the night and wasn’t able to go back to sleep until 2 months ago. Recently, since 2 months ago, I’ve had problems falling asleep as well. This means I can’t get any sleep at all. I have tried CBT in the past and it used to help. But this time around, nothing helps. I have tried CBT, breathing exercises, acupuncture, naturopathic remedies, CBD oil, etc…. I’m so desperate and frustrated about this and each night I look forward to being able to sleep again like I used to before 12 years ago. I hope by joining this forum, I learn something that might help.

[gsdmom]

Hi Mike – FYI, I’ve been trying to practice ACT for almost 1 year. Just be patient with the process. I had many setbacks, but I keep trying. At first I found myself focusing on mindfulness too much at bedtime, and what Deb mentioned if you are thinking about that, well then your mind is active and you won’t sleep. So there would be nights when i wouldn’t sleep at all, then the next night I’d sleep for 7 hours, then the following night no sleep, etc, a pattern for a short time. But by relaxing in bed I did have more daytime energy, which was a huge benefit for me. I found practicing mindfulness during the day rather than before bed was helpful. Also listening to guided meditiations, there are many apps and videos on YouTube. One of my favorites sources if from the Mindful Movement. Due to Covid regulations, this is probably not available, but I found acupuncture helped reduce some of my anxiety.

[Jenlinane]

I found my way here after several brutal days of exhaustion amidst a recent two week stay with a friend. I’ve tried all sorts of interventions in my 30-year struggle with sleep – medication, supplements, neurofeedback, breath work, CBT-I, and acupuncture (not an exhaustive list). I’m currently supplementing with 5HTP and magnesium threonate (both supportive, but not cure-alls, of course). I’ve also recently been using EFT tapping techniques (possible helpful). I’m appreciating Martin’s framework and subsequently have reflected deeper on the mechanisms of insomnia (ie. predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors). I must say one of my perpetuating factors is the opposite of some in that I never give myself a break. No amount of brain fog or exhaustion seems to be enough for me to take a day off work. To all those with sleep struggles out there, I see you and I love you!

[gsdmom]

delv-x – self-monitoring is tricky for me too. When doing that I’m usually not even anxious, just over active mind. Like you I find getting out of bed to reset can help. I usually go downstairs and get some water or make tea and sit in the dark for about 15 minutes. And I totally understand how you can feel disappointment when taking 1/2 pill for sleep, trying to balance the need to feel rested but drugged vs sleep deprivation.

Manfred – my mood is generally more on the anxiety side rather than depressive, However last month I had this ah-ha moment when I realized I was in depression, and once that happened and I could recognize it I really worked on changing my perspective about things. Hope you can have patience and stay hopeful.

My bout with shingles is almost over, I still have mild numbness and pain at the same time along the nerve path from my lower back to the right leg that has left me physically weaker than normal. I have not been on any medications for 8 days. I’ve come to realize how extremely sensitive my nervous system is. The valtrex for shingles gave me insomnia, anxiety and body pains, even the tylenol and advil for pain made me feel blah and bloated. Other than HRT, I’m on no other prescription or OTC drugs and hope to stay that way. I’m at least getting some decent stretches of deep sleep, usually 5.5 hours and then it feels like an hour to 1.5 hours of light sleep.

I am continuing to do things to calm my nervous system; listening to guided meditations, practice mindfulness while walking even if just for a few moments, doing the “welcoming” at night as needed as I need it less and less which is good. It has become easier to be objective about upsetting situations and “letting go”. I’m hoping the acupuncture lounge will open up again soon as I found that to be soothing too. Wishing everyone a restful sleep tonight!

[Jennifer Ellison]

I am doing so much better after three months with Martin’s coaching. I am a 20 year insomnia sufferer who has tried it all. The natural way ( supplements, Sleep Hygiene, acupuncture, weed, tonics of all sorts) and the traditional sleep meds ( anti-depressants, benzos, Ambien, Sonata etc , etc.) . I’ve been under the care of psychiatrists and had cognitive therapy. Nothing really worked for very long until now. I have also lead a very active life. I take good care of myself and am a very successful person, even with the insomnia always in the background. Somehow with only 2-3 hours of sleep on many nights., I have managed to succeed at a very challenging career, raise 4 really cool kids, hold my marriage of 25 years together and remained extremely physically active, hiking 30 miles a week and other sports related activities. For many years I resigned myself to insomnia and just lived with it. Something changed after my dad died last year. I set a goal to tackle my insomnia. After many months and failed attempts I literally stumbled on CBT-I on a Google search and found Insomnia Coach and Martin. For years I searched the internet for solutions . There’s much on Sleep Hygiene, but CBT-I remains buried and even my “shrink” had never heard of it. Right before Christmas I found Martin and literally enrolled on December 23rd desperate to get started even with a house full of grown children and their partners returning home for the holidays. When I started with Martin I tapered of Xanax for about 2 weeks into the course. Then stopped all-together. I have not taken any form of sleep mediation for 10 weeks now. I feel so much better. When I started with Martin I had to taper off Xanax for about 2 weeks into the course. Then stopped all-together. I have not taken any form of sleep medication for 10 weeks now. I feel so much better.

No joke, the CBTI road is hard and long. But let me reassure you that if you are a long time insomnia sufferer like me, its not as bad as the years of terrible sleep and the day and days of awful fatigue and brain fog. I have certainly struggled even as recently as three weeks ago. But even after the first two weeks I knew this was the right thing for me and that I would prevail. Right now my sleep efficiency is 87% and am finally filling up my 5 1/2 hour sleep window on most nights. I sleep straight through the end of my sleep window on most nights, mostly without waking and my days are amazing compared to just a few weeks ago. CBT-I is absolutely the best thing I’ve ever done to improve my sleep. Some people take longer than the 8 week prescribed course to show truly great improvement. That was true for me. But Martin stuck with me and I with him and honestly there is no way I could have done this without his coaching. For those of you struggling after weeks of CBT-I, don’t give up! If I can sleep well after suffering for so many years, you can too. For those questioning if this is right for you, go to the Mayo Clinic Website. They list CBT-I as the first line of therapy for insomnia…Before Medications. Wish I knew that 20 years ago.

[Steve]

Hi gsdmom – Like you, I haven’t posted on here much as my sleep has been all over the board. In addition, I am trying to avoid places that keep reminding me about insomnia. Unlike a lot of you here, I don’t have anybody else to really talk to in order to get my mind on other things, so I tend to think about insomnia more than I should. I had a really bad spell about 3 weeks ago and I think it was because the one year anniversary of the real bad part of my insomnia occurred. After that though, I had some good spells. Not great, but good. But the last 6 to 8 nights it seems I have been alternating between good and bad sleep. Monday night was really good and I felt good the next day. Not as good as if I was cured, but really functional. Then last night I had a really bad night. It felt like I didn’t have any sleep drive after Monday’s sleep yet I know that wasn’t true because I was still very tired. And of course, I went to bed thinking only that I would rest and not expecting sleep. Didn’t work out as I think if I got 2 hours I was lucky. I just can’t seem to string two good nights in a row. I finished acupuncture and while it was relaxing, I don’t think it helped with sleep. I am going to go to a couple meditation sessions so I can work with the instructor and get a better feel for it. The Meadows book was good but I have a lot of questions so I think I want a live instructor to help me for 2 or 3 sessions. Right now, I think all of my anxiety is due to the insomnia itself. Any anxiety that caused the insomnia is long gone. I just have to keep welcoming the unwelcome thoughts and accepting whatever happens. I can only hope it re-trains my brain to sleep. I am really glad for you that you can get a couple nights in of normal sleep. I’ve forgotten what one night of normal sleep feels like. Good luck to everyone out there.

[juliette]

Been on trazodone for 15 years. trazodone stopped working many months ago. as an addict in recovery, what are other options. besides herbal teas, melotonin, acupuncture, waterfalls sounds, yoga, meditation, exercise, rituals prior going to bed, making sure electronics are all off by 9pm, book reading… i have them all and it does nothiing…

[Steve]

gsdmom – Thanks for replying. I take that ashwagandha as well. My acupuncturist recommended it to me although I don’t get it from her. I buy it off of Amazon. She told me it can help sleep because it is supposed to reduce anxiety. But it doesn’t make you sleep directly. I’m sorry to hear your sleep has been poor recently. Hopefully, your acupuncture treatment will get you back on track. I had my acupuncture treatment yesterday but I never really sleep well on the night I get it. I think it’s because I get my treatments around 6:00 or 6:30 at night after work. After she sticks the needles in and leaves me for about 20 minutes, I usually do my breathing meditation and that’s when I go to sleep a little as it’s very relaxing. Not long, but I think just enough that it harms my sleep drive for that night. It’s very difficult for me to get home and sleep after that. However, the next couple of nights I usually sleep well. Last night, was really bad as I only got about 2 to 3 hours of sleep so I am a little out of it today. This whole last week and a half, except for one night, have been lousy for me so after last night’s session, I hope I can pick it up again.

I’m really sorry you have regressed as well. We both seemed to be on the upswing. I guess we just have to keep sticking to the fundamentals of ACT. It must be harder for you what with your spouse causing problems and I’m really sorry for that. I hope you sleep well tonight. Keep me posted how you are doing. I am praying for you.

[gsdmom]

Hi Steve, regarding acupuncture and herb recommendations – they have not recommended any herbal products for insomnia, but have offered some supplement advice for two other conditions. I feel if someone asks for herbal stuff they will offer, but they don’t push it. I take ashwagandha once or twice a day for stress. I know that no supplements will get me to sleep. My last three nights were bad, aggravated by my spouse so today I will try another acupuncture treatment, hoping to sleep well tonight. Even though I’ve had some bad nights recently I feel as though something has improved. The last two times I went to acupuncture during the day, I was able to relax and almost sleep, my mind becoming lazy and drifting, although I could faintly hear things in my surroundings. In general, in the past, I was not able to ever nap or drift off like that.

Sorry you have regressed too. Like you, I often have issues with the first hour of sleep. I think I am in the light sleep stage for too long and then for some reason it feels like my brain cannot progress into the second stage of sleep and then I wake up. Often I can go back to sleep quickly, but not at all this week. It’s awful insomnia seems to take so long to improve, but at least we are improving. I remember reading some of your posts earlier in the year where you hardly slept at all, so when I read you can sometimes sleep 6.5- 7.5 hours, that is good news and I sincerely hope you can achieve that again soon.

[Steve]

gsdmom – Sorry you didn’t get any sleep last night gsdmom. We all know how rough that can be. My sleep started going south some last week. I was doing acupuncture weekly for 7 weeks straight and then skipped a week. The week I would have went if I continued weekly is when I started getting less sleep. I wonder if stopping acupuncture had anything to do with it? I go back tonight so I’ll see if my sleep picks up again. Even if it does, I’m not sure I can afford weekly sessions. Does your acupuncturist advise you to take herbal supplements? I was getting a lot of 6.5 to 7.5 sleeps until I regressed this past week. Now it’s more like 5. And I wake up after the first hour. I haven’t seemed to be able to stop that yet. I think having to get up for work has a lot to do with it. That’s one of the unwelcome thoughts I deal with when I wake up and can’t get back to sleep right away.