Search Results for 'acupuncture'

[1949Molly]

'Rubensdad' wrote on '25:

Hi, I am Stephen. I'm 44, single, and I live in downtown Jersey City, near Manhattan. I have dealt with sleep issues since about the age of 38, which were initially triggered by a bad relationship breakup situation. Rather than deal with taking anti-anxiety medication, I opted to take sleep medication to remedy my acute insomnia. So, I took Lunesta (3 mg) every night – EVERY NIGHT – for the better part of three years. Guess what? It stopped working! Big surprise to everyone on here, I am sure (not!). So after a couple of desperate months of little sleep, I went to an Acupuncturist. While the actual acupuncture wasn't a big hit with me, his holistic homeopathic remedies were. He basically recommended that I take Magnesium with melatonin in addition to continuing with the acupuncture, with the intent of weening myself off the melatonin over a month or so. Well, I hated the acupuncture, but was thrilled that the melatonin/magnesium seemed to work. SO, I took THAT for the better part of two years, which is where I am today. Now, the melatonin doesn't work so great. I take four 3-mg tablets each night (had stopped taking the magnesium, but just started, again this week because I do notice a difference in the amount of sleep I get when I take them together) and then usually sleep about 4 hours, and then the rest of the night, it's sporadic dream-sleep (with some crazy-ass dreams) until I get up, for good. I guess my tolerance for a bad night's sleep has increased over the years because, once I get going, I am relatively functional, but I would LOVE to hear if anyone has any other remedies, or anecdotes that can relate to mine.

Thanks!!

Stephen

I'm in the same situation. My insomnia started in my 30ies (I'm 68 now). I had a nervous breakdown from super anxiety and complete lack of sleep. My doctor put me on 3 meds Temazepam, Ativan and Seroquel. They worked find for years but in the past year I've had to try all sorts of other things that were suppose to restore my sleep. So far no real success. I have 5 days off work (what a blessing) so here I am once again trying to find some combo to get a good rest. I'm getting upset and scared right now just posting this. the only sure way for me to have a good long sleep is to take 60mg of Temazepam but then all the next day I'm really groggy. I take only the original pills before work as I drive a truck and can't afford to have an accident. Like you my body has adjusted to the lack of sleep and I can function pretty well with little sleep. But my life is awful being tired all the time. right now I feel OK and I woke up at 3am.

[Rubensdad]

Hi, I am Stephen. I'm 44, single, and I live in downtown Jersey City, near Manhattan. I have dealt with sleep issues since about the age of 38, which were initially triggered by a bad relationship breakup situation. Rather than deal with taking anti-anxiety medication, I opted to take sleep medication to remedy my acute insomnia. So, I took Lunesta (3 mg) every night – EVERY NIGHT – for the better part of three years. Guess what? It stopped working! Big surprise to everyone on here, I am sure (not!). So after a couple of desperate months of little sleep, I went to an Acupuncturist. While the actual acupuncture wasn't a big hit with me, his holistic homeopathic remedies were. He basically recommended that I take Magnesium with melatonin in addition to continuing with the acupuncture, with the intent of weening myself off the melatonin over a month or so. Well, I hated the acupuncture, but was thrilled that the melatonin/magnesium seemed to work. SO, I took THAT for the better part of two years, which is where I am today. Now, the melatonin doesn't work so great. I take four 3-mg tablets each night (had stopped taking the magnesium, but just started, again this week because I do notice a difference in the amount of sleep I get when I take them together) and then usually sleep about 4 hours, and then the rest of the night, it's sporadic dream-sleep (with some crazy-ass dreams) until I get up, for good. I guess my tolerance for a bad night's sleep has increased over the years because, once I get going, I am relatively functional, but I would LOVE to hear if anyone has any other remedies, or anecdotes that can relate to mine.

Thanks!!

Stephen

[Martin Reed]

Welcome to the gang, Terri. I've written about acupuncture and yoga for insomnia a few times on the blog. Here are a couple of posts:

http://www.insomnialand.com/blog/is-acupuncture-an-effective-treatment-for-insomnia/

http://www.insomnialand.com/blog/can-yoga-cure-your-insomnia/

Did anything happen in your life in June to trigger the insomnia?

—

If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Mastery program.

The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.

[losangeles71]

Hello! I am new to the forum. I have been having insomnia since June and it has really turned my life upside down! My worst mistake was taking sleeping meds, which I think contributed to (along with insomnia) anxiety and depression. So I stopped the drugs, and the depression and anxiety have been getting better since then (but slowly). DId anyone else have this problem?

Also I am interested in hearing from anyone who has tried acupuncture or yoga therapy for insomnia.

Thank you for being a part of this community!

Terri

[Sahara]

welcome Nikki!

I feel your pain………I never had insomnia until I was approaching 40. I thought maybe hormonal changes had something to do with it, but now at 58 I have realized, nope! I have tried every Rx and homeopathic, naturopathic, acupuncture, and home remedies. One person mentioned depression, and that is how mine showed up. It's kind of the chicken or the egg, don't know if the depression caused the insomnia or the insomnia and sleep deprivation caused the depression. The best med I have used is Zopiclone (Immovane). Unfortunately, after a couple of months it seems to stop working, so I ration it. Good luck to you!

[wonderhussy]

So as previously mentioned, I have tried “everything” in my quest to defeat insomnia — pills, therapy, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, etc.

I saw Sleep Tracks mentioned on here by someone else, but was reluctant to try it because it sounded similar to Pzizz, which I already tried and found not to work. Both are mp3s that supposedly induce sleep by tricking your brainwaves into sleep patterns — but the difference is that Pzizz uses binaural beats, and Sleep Tracks use isochronic tones. I'm not really sure what that means — I looked it up on wikipedia, but it was too much science gobbledygook for me to understand. Whatever the case, isochronic tones are supposedly more effective than binaural beats at “training” your brain to follow normal sleep patterns.

I finally went ahead and ponied up the $70 for Sleep Tracks, mainly because they offer a full 90-day refund if it doesn't prove effective. I've been using them for about four weeks now…and I hesitate to say this for fear of jinxing myself, but I think they actually work!

My problem has always been staying asleep — I fall asleep initially very easily, but wake up after 2-4 hours and then can't fall back into deep sleep. Since I started using Sleep Tracks, I've been getting about 5-6 hours initially, and then dozing a couple hours more after that. It's still not as good as I USED to sleep…but it's better! And I am not using any sleep meds (other than medical marijuana, for which I have a prescription).

When you order the Sleep Tracks, you get several downloads. I listen to the Insomnia Buster (no voice) track at some point during the afternoon — a 22-minute process where you have to lay down somewhere quiet, and relax with eyes shut while listening. Kind of an inconvenience, but also kind of a nice “nap”-like experience for those of us who can't take real naps.

Then at night, I was running the 1-hour “Whole Night” track on a loop on my iPad beside my bed. It basically just makes white noise, and after a few weeks I no longer use it as I don't notice it making much difference.

The best thing I've found about the Sleep Tracks is that when you order them, you get a TON of VERY USEFUL, FASCINATING sleep info in the form of instructional videos. I've spent hours and hours researching sleep and sleep disorders, but these videos contained a lot of very interesting new information that I'd never heard of or thought of. I feel like watching these changed my attitude and perception toward sleep, which also probably helped.

Also, the owner of Sleep Tracks is super cool and responded to my feedback email right away, with a lengthy reply that addressed my specific concerns. I was very impressed by this!

In summary: I considered my insomnia to be super-hardcore and untreatable…but this actually helped, without my having to take more g.d. pills and pharmaceutical bullsh*t. I heartily recommend trying this — the money-back guarantee means that you have nothing to lose.

[1949Molly]

'Daz27041' wrote on '14:

Hi Everybody! My name is Darrin, I'm 42, live in Sydney and have suffered with insomnia since July last year (2010). Mine started after a very short period of a depression. The depression went but the sleeplessness stayed! I have tried many treatments – medication Ambien works well but I don't like to take it for it's hangover effect the next morning, Avanza (anti depressant/anxiety drug), acupuncture, hypnosis (waste of money), counselling, homeopathic medicines etc. Miy insomnia is kind of weird. I might sleep quite ok for a week straight, then all of a sudden go to bed and not be able to sleep at all for the night. Then the anxiety starts about sleeping and the vicious cycle begins. I find this the worst, the constant thinking of “Am I going to sleep tonight?”. I used to get quite anxious laying in bed trying to sleep as I was one of those who would stay in bed… I figured if I was in bed there was a chance I might be able to drop off to sleep. I usually am able to get some kind of sleep the following night, even with all the anxiety. I have gone on periods like no sleep for a night, sllep for 2, none for a night, sleep for 2, none for a night, sleep for one etc. How this frustrates me! I have been medication free for a while now, but recently I started using 15mg of Avanza at night just before bed as that drug in low doses is used as a treatment for insomnia. It was also used to treat my depression. I have resorted to using it the last 2 nights at about 1am and it does send me off. However, I think I have a quick tolerance for this and from previous use, it will have no effect sometime down the track. I haven't used Ambien in quiet a while and I like it that way. In a way I am a 'lucky' sufferer. I am able to function well the next day. The lack of sleep seems to have no effect on my work performance. I was a shift worker for 21 years, but was able to give the shift up late last year. I used to do 12 hour shifts consisting of 2 days (6am-6pm) then 2 nights (6pm-6am) then have 4-5 days off. After a night shift I would only sleep 5-6 hours. I seem to be able to manage on little sleep. So, the big question is (apart from why am I not sleeping) is why do I worry so much about it?? I don't know the answer to that one! I wish I did. I think I have a fear that 1 sleeplees night will turn into 2, which will turn into 3 and so on. In my initial depression episode I think I went for 3 days with absolutely minimal sleep, plus with the feelings of depression which I was experiencing for the first time really scared me. This was completely new to me. My psychologist I was seeing told me not to think about it. Don't entertain thoughts of not sleeping. Don't put it on a pedestal. It will happen when it happens, the body will get sleep when IT needs it … Mmmm So where am I at now? I am working hard on my sleep hygiene. I am following a program called “Learn to sleep better without drugs” written by an Australian psychologist. It has an 80% success rate. It has 9 golden rules and there is support sections giving some answers to the 'what if's' about insomnia. I go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time every day. I try to relax more with self hypnosis (spoken words, music and binaural beats/isochronic tones), get more sun on the body, develop a nighttime ritual in readiness for bed. I did this for a while and it was working – then I started to sleep in a little on weekends and then it all stopped … again!!! DOH – my mistake!!! Its a 6 week program with very easy to follow instructions. You keep a journal of your sleep habits for 6 weeks as well. Happy to share it with anyone who'd like a copy. Oh well, just have to keep at it I suppose. Sorry if I went on a bit, it's just that if I am to contribute here and help others as well as get help and support myself, then people or should I say my new found friends should know a bit about my history! I am so glad I found this website. I have looked at others on the net and some of the members are quite scary to be honest with what they write!! Thanks for reading.

Darrin,

Thanks for sharing your story. I've had insomnia for 30 years and have been on drugs for about 5 years. My first set of 3 drugs worked fine for years and then suddenly stopped working. So my doctor prescribed more drugs. I hate taking them too but its that or NO SLEEP AT ALL. Stress and anxiety are a big part of my life (job, etc.)How I wish I could be a different person and not react to stress by having insomnia. But that's the hand I've been dealt. Welcome.

[Daz27041]

'fishyherring10' wrote on '15:

Hi, I was interested to read your story. I have suffered from insomnia for about three and a half years now, and like you and many on this site, I have not been unable to find any satisfactory cure. From your shift pattern you sound like a fireman. If you are, you might be interested to know that I am one of the six Scientific Advisors to London Fire Brigade and understand the workings of the fire service quite well. Getting enough sleep to be able to function well at work is always a challenge, but I have to say that after all this time my body has adapted to much less sleep – I think you will find that too, although sound sleep is a dream we all pursue.

Anyway, perhaps we can speak again. Hope you find sleep somewhere – a last question – do you think your shift work has had something to do with your insomnia? Take care.

My email is [email protected] – drop me a line sometime.

Nigel

G'day Nigel,

I knew it was a great idea joining this forum – I have met you already! Close with your choice of occupation. Policeman actually, but your educated guess as a fireman is spot an as that is what firemen work here in NSW. I do think that my shiftwork has enabled me to have less sleep in my life. Two nights a week I was doing the opposite to what my body wanted, and in the same vein, 2 days a week as well (working at night when it wanted to sleep and sleeping during the day when I should have been awake!!). My commander was very supportive during my initial period of depression and sleeplessness and put me in a daytime administrative position (which worked to their advantage as well!). I have not done nights now since August last year, but alas, no usual sleep pattern has returned. The funny thing is Nigel, before this I was on holiday in Europe and sleeping everynight fantastically well. I supposed my mind was switched off and enjoying the holidays. I had trouble sleeping in Hong Kong for a few nights on the way home as a stop over. I remember one morning waking up with what I describe as a cloud of despair hanging over me. For some strange reason, I thought something was wrong at home. Nevertheless, I thought it would blow over especially after I got home and checked up on all my family, but it never. It got worse – to the point where I went into a short lived depression. One psychologist that deals with police related people trotted out the old PTSD one size fits all diagnosis! From that point on, I can honestly say I have not been the same person. The rounds of doctors, medications, psychologists, acupuncture visits, hypnotherapy sessions, self-hypnosis mp3 downloads and cds which promised to end insomnia in one night!! One good thing though, the anxiety of when I can't sleep is getting much better. It was terrible in the beginning. Now, I can last the night relatively relaxed, but still frustrated at not being able to sleep again for no real reason. I am going to try and refrain from using the Avanza medication tonight and for a few nights just to see how I go. I know a sleepless night will have no impact on me being able to perform my duties. My wife thinks I should just give up and accept it as being part of my life now. I think she might be right. If I do that, who knows, I just might be letting go of something that is holding me back and things may improve. I am interested in your work studies. I know there are people in my line of work who have sleeping problems. I often hear of people having trouble sleeping and describing all the medications both prescription and OTC that they use. I thought I was alone … now I know very differently. There are so many people out there now with sleep issues it's amazing. I think it's because we live in a 24/7 world. You can now buy groceries at 2am at your local supermarket… How do you cope when you can't sleep? Do you stay in bed or get up? I am curious to know and speak with those that suffer from sleep anxiety issues and how they cope. I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that if I don't sleep – it will be OK, I won't go down in a screaming heap like I did initially. I will eventually sleep when the body wants me to. That for me is the hardest part – not the actual lack of sleep. Make sense???

Cheers,

Darrin

[Daz27041]

Hi Everybody! My name is Darrin, I'm 42, live in Sydney and have suffered with insomnia since July last year (2010). Mine started after a very short period of a depression. The depression went but the sleeplessness stayed! I have tried many treatments – medication Ambien works well but I don't like to take it for it's hangover effect the next morning, Avanza (anti depressant/anxiety drug), acupuncture, hypnosis (waste of money), counselling, homeopathic medicines etc. Miy insomnia is kind of weird. I might sleep quite ok for a week straight, then all of a sudden go to bed and not be able to sleep at all for the night. Then the anxiety starts about sleeping and the vicious cycle begins. I find this the worst, the constant thinking of “Am I going to sleep tonight?”. I used to get quite anxious laying in bed trying to sleep as I was one of those who would stay in bed… I figured if I was in bed there was a chance I might be able to drop off to sleep. I usually am able to get some kind of sleep the following night, even with all the anxiety. I have gone on periods like no sleep for a night, sllep for 2, none for a night, sleep for 2, none for a night, sleep for one etc. How this frustrates me! I have been medication free for a while now, but recently I started using 15mg of Avanza at night just before bed as that drug in low doses is used as a treatment for insomnia. It was also used to treat my depression. I have resorted to using it the last 2 nights at about 1am and it does send me off. However, I think I have a quick tolerance for this and from previous use, it will have no effect sometime down the track. I haven't used Ambien in quiet a while and I like it that way. In a way I am a 'lucky' sufferer. I am able to function well the next day. The lack of sleep seems to have no effect on my work performance. I was a shift worker for 21 years, but was able to give the shift up late last year. I used to do 12 hour shifts consisting of 2 days (6am-6pm) then 2 nights (6pm-6am) then have 4-5 days off. After a night shift I would only sleep 5-6 hours. I seem to be able to manage on little sleep. So, the big question is (apart from why am I not sleeping) is why do I worry so much about it?? I don't know the answer to that one! I wish I did. I think I have a fear that 1 sleeplees night will turn into 2, which will turn into 3 and so on. In my initial depression episode I think I went for 3 days with absolutely minimal sleep, plus with the feelings of depression which I was experiencing for the first time really scared me. This was completely new to me. My psychologist I was seeing told me not to think about it. Don't entertain thoughts of not sleeping. Don't put it on a pedestal. It will happen when it happens, the body will get sleep when IT needs it … Mmmm So where am I at now? I am working hard on my sleep hygiene. I am following a program called “Learn to sleep better without drugs” written by an Australian psychologist. It has an 80% success rate. It has 9 golden rules and there is support sections giving some answers to the 'what if's' about insomnia. I go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time every day. I try to relax more with self hypnosis (spoken words, music and binaural beats/isochronic tones), get more sun on the body, develop a nighttime ritual in readiness for bed. I did this for a while and it was working – then I started to sleep in a little on weekends and then it all stopped … again!!! DOH – my mistake!!! Its a 6 week program with very easy to follow instructions. You keep a journal of your sleep habits for 6 weeks as well. Happy to share it with anyone who'd like a copy. Oh well, just have to keep at it I suppose. Sorry if I went on a bit, it's just that if I am to contribute here and help others as well as get help and support myself, then people or should I say my new found friends should know a bit about my history! I am so glad I found this website. I have looked at others on the net and some of the members are quite scary to be honest with what they write!! Thanks for reading.

[1949Molly]

'wonderhussy' wrote on '25:

Hello fellow sufferers! I have been afflicted with insomnia since April 2010. It kicked in quite suddenly, after 30 years of being able to sleep anytime, anywhere, deeply and solidly. I'm not sure what caused it, but I haven't given up trying to figure it out.

My insomnia is of this type: I fall asleep easily and quickly, and sleep well for an average of 3 hours. Then, I wake up, and unable to resume deep sleep. The most I can manage is a sort of half-assed stage 1 dozing that is not very restful.

So far I've tried all the usual. Behavioral therapy, herbs, acupuncture, yoga, sex, meditation, medical marijuana and about 100 different pills. The only thing that has worked thus far is a combination of Seroquel and smoked mmj, or Lunesta and smoked mmj. I don't like smoking or taking pills, though, so I'm trying to find a better way.

Right now I am on day 14 of a sleep restriction diet whereby I only allow myself to spend 6 hours in bed — I go to bed at 2:30am, and get up at 8:30am sharp. I have not deviated from this schedule, and I have cut down my caffeine intake drastically…but still have seen zero improvement.

I'm wondering how much longer I should keep trying — or if I should give up. I'm soooooo tired! And I'm a model, so I need my beauty sleep — I'm starting to look like an old hag!

When I finally give up on sleep restriction, next on the agenda will be hypnotherapy. And if that doesn't work, then my next step will be biofeedback. Sure, its $1700…but I'm desperate!

Meanwhile, tonight I'm going to try eating some mmj instead of smoking. Say what you will about marijuana — it works at least as well as “legit” drugs, and the side effects are comparable to killers like Seroquel. I have a legal prescription, so today I plan to go over to the local dispensary and get some cookies or something to eat before bed. Supposedly, the effects are stronger and longer-lasting than smoking, vaporizing or ingesting it as a tincture (all of which I tried, and smoking is the only one that works for me).

I am not a recreational marijuana user — I literally only use it in bed, as medicine. I should be the poster child for mmj!

Anyway, nice to meet all of you!

Wonderhussy,

Nice to “meet you”. I was intererested in your comments about Seroquel. I've been taking 25mg Seroquel for years and have found that my sleep has been getting progressively worse over time. Lots of psychological stuff going on too. My family doctor recommended I double the dose of Seroquel to 50mg/night. I did this for a few nights and by the 4th night I actually had 8 hours of sleep, but what a price!! The next morning I was OK but by the afternoon I was a real space cadet then followed by a real super downer. I had to go to work the next day and was really afraid that I wouldn't be able to do my job. So I went back to my normal 25mg and was fine (except my usual lousy sleep and depression). So I decided to try and add more Seroquel slowly (cut a 25mg pill in half). I have this waking up and going back to sleep thing. I have been fine for the first 2 but I just can't get back to sleep for the 3rd one – which usually happens aroung 4am. So my anxiety and fear that I wouldn't go back to sleep may have been part of the cause for the long time I waited to go back to sleep – I finally did, but I think it was very brief. But I woke up not feeling refreshed and “HAPPY”.I feel OK today but am scared what will happen this afternoon. My family doctor said that Seroquel wouldn't hurt me, but in the dose she recommended WOW – bad news. Along with the Seroquel I take 2 other sleep meds. I'm 67 years old and think my age is a factor.

Sure hope you can find a solution to your problem.

[wonderhussy]

Hello fellow sufferers! I have been afflicted with insomnia since April 2010. It kicked in quite suddenly, after 30 years of being able to sleep anytime, anywhere, deeply and solidly. I'm not sure what caused it, but I haven't given up trying to figure it out.

My insomnia is of this type: I fall asleep easily and quickly, and sleep well for an average of 3 hours. Then, I wake up, and unable to resume deep sleep. The most I can manage is a sort of half-assed stage 1 dozing that is not very restful.

So far I've tried all the usual. Behavioral therapy, herbs, acupuncture, yoga, sex, meditation, medical marijuana and about 100 different pills. The only thing that has worked thus far is a combination of Seroquel and smoked mmj, or Lunesta and smoked mmj. I don't like smoking or taking pills, though, so I'm trying to find a better way.

Right now I am on day 14 of a sleep restriction diet whereby I only allow myself to spend 6 hours in bed — I go to bed at 2:30am, and get up at 8:30am sharp. I have not deviated from this schedule, and I have cut down my caffeine intake drastically…but still have seen zero improvement.

I'm wondering how much longer I should keep trying — or if I should give up. I'm soooooo tired! And I'm a model, so I need my beauty sleep — I'm starting to look like an old hag!

When I finally give up on sleep restriction, next on the agenda will be hypnotherapy. And if that doesn't work, then my next step will be biofeedback. Sure, its $1700…but I'm desperate!

Meanwhile, tonight I'm going to try eating some mmj instead of smoking. Say what you will about marijuana — it works at least as well as “legit” drugs, and the side effects are comparable to killers like Seroquel. I have a legal prescription, so today I plan to go over to the local dispensary and get some cookies or something to eat before bed. Supposedly, the effects are stronger and longer-lasting than smoking, vaporizing or ingesting it as a tincture (all of which I tried, and smoking is the only one that works for me).

I am not a recreational marijuana user — I literally only use it in bed, as medicine. I should be the poster child for mmj!

Anyway, nice to meet all of you!

[Snowangels11]

'Martin' wrote on '10:

Thank you so much for sharing this link – I've included it in today's blog post:

http://www.insomnialand.com/blog/vitamin-deficiencies-that-cause-insomnia-and-natural-supplements-that-may-help/

My pleasure! 😀

An update on the magnesium – still working, though I had to switch from taking it at night to taking it in the morning. It does not sit well with my stomach at night, regardless of whether I eat something with it or not. I read magnesium should be taken in morning anyway because it has something to do with the liver circadian rythm. Which I know from doing acupuncture – the liver is an important organ if insomnia is due to anxiety.

Also, re-reading that article about supplements, it does mention chromium causing interrupted sleep, and that was my experience with chromium as well (you can tell I've used every supplement under the sun). Chromium causes a drop in blood sugar for me at night, which is a problem I have had in the past along with the adrenal problem. Which is another possible cause for insomnia (but not my issue now). Think I have mentioned that too on another thread, but low blood sugar during sleep can cause you to awaken often because of safety mechanisms in the body to counteract that – such as increasing cortisol, increased adrenaline and I think Norephinephrine (I know I'm spelling that wrong). So eating a little something such as protein/fat/carb (i.e. wheat bread with peanut butter) before bed can help if that's the problem.

Going slightly off topic, I was also doing a neurotransmitter test (not sure of it's accuracy & I think the doctor might be a little controversial – but supposedly he's popular in NYC), but insomnia was one of the symptoms of either low Dopamine, GABA, Acetylcholine and Serotonin. I was severely deficient on all supposedly to the point that it says one should be on meds, but don't know if I believe it, as I feel as if I'm a relatively normal functioning person with exception of fatigue issues, the insomnia thing and lack of motivation. But I guess one could use it as a guideline, and find supplements that may help those neurotransmitters – Choline, Tyrosine, SAMe, Rhodiola, St. John's Wort, 5htp, etc., etc. Some of those supplements could have long term side effects though. Here's the test: http://www.longevity-and-antiaging-secrets.com/support-files/the_braverman_nature_assessment.pdf

[aimee]

Hi Dozy. I'm sorry, I still haven't figured out a good way on here to make sure I am getting all the responses. I would really love to try sleep tracks. I am a full time student and am short on money at this point in the year so I am not sure when I will be able to get it. When I get some money I definitely will! Thanks for the advice. I am also trying to not take drugs. This week I have been taking Benadryl. I didn't want to take that either because it seems like it always starts with that. Then I feel like I ned to get some more Ambiem, then that stops working and they percribe me antidepressants. By then I'm so desperate I take whatever thy give me. Then I stop everything and have horrible rebound insomnia. I DO NOT want to go through that even one more time. oh, you tried hypnotherapy? I was curious about that. I have also been curious about acupuncture. Too bad I am just a broke college student now! Its so wierd how it just comes and goes..I wish I knew exactly what it was. I hope your sleeping is getting better:-) Thanks for all the advice

'Dozydame' wrote on '26:

Hi again Aimee. I did respond the last time you asked me about Sleep Tracks, but I'm not sure you read it. Anyway, here it is again. BTW Yan (from Sleep Tracks) has recently come out with some improved versions of some of the tracks, but I haven't tried them yet. They are now also on Facebook if you want to ask any questions before purchasing.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=hpskip#!/SleepTracks

Well one of the reasons I haven't done a review of Sleep Tracks is because I stopped using it as soon as my sleep improved – which is not really the reccommended way to use it. The reason I stopped using it is because I didn't want to be trying to stay awake until the end of the track so that I could take my earphones out and turn my mp3 player off and risk waking myself up again in the process. I figured that since I'd started falling asleep more easily I'd just see how it went. I am thinking of buying a product called SleepPhones which is like a headband with built in headphones which you just plug your iPod into but leave on all night and blocks noise also. They are out of stock at the moment though.

Anyway, I did use the Fall Asleep track, the Whole Night track and the Insomnia Buster track. I found I preferred the Fall Asleep track because it was shorter – about 20 minutes. I also did use the Whole Night track on loop, but am not sure it made much difference. All I can tell you is that I was just not able to get to sleep at all without drugs for quite a while (but I'm really leery of using drugs much because I've been hooked on them before and don't want to go there again – so only every 3rd night) anyway within about 6 days of starting Sleep Tracks I found that I began to at least fall asleep again. I wish I could tell you that I'm now sleeping like a baby, but sadly not. However, I am getting some sleep most nights and am feeling more rested AND I've stopped taking drugs again. Most importantly, I'm now going to bed expecting to get some sleep instead of dreading another night of NO sleep. It seemed like it just broke the cycle I was on and allowed a better cycle to begin. After 40 years of insomnia I'm well acquainted with the fact that I go through cycles with it, but I still can't work out what the triggers are. Before I tried Sleep Tracks I tried hypnotherapy again but it made no difference at all. That last bad patch was the worst I've ever had and I was feeling absolutely desperate.

When I read about Sleep Tracks, like you I thought I really had nothing to lose and in fact they offer a money back guarantee if after 60 days you're not happy with it. I don't know how easy it is to actually get a refund, but the guy does come across as pretty genuine and you do get follow up info once you start the program.

Hope this helps Aimee and if you do try it I'll be really interested to see how it worked for you. Maybe you'll be a little more disciplined than me and use it correctly. Best of luck!