Desperate for Sleep

Feeling stuck in the insomnia struggle? Get the free insomnia sleep training course!

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #32608
    tmd11
    ✘ Not a client

      I first experienced major insomnia 13 years ago, where I was up for 5 days/nights straight. After countless docs, experts, tests, holistic approaches, I ended up in a psych ward where I was put on an anti-psychotic for the side effect of sleepiness. Had to come off in June due to metabolic syndrome from it. Again, same insomnia inflicted me and they put me back on same med. I need to come off and I need to starts CBT I. Been seeing a therapist for this and she told me I have perpetuating factors and grieving that need to be dealt with first. So I’m stuck at this point. I don’t get sleepy and I am up for days most often, occasionally getting 2 hours of sleep by day 4 or 5. So that’s it in a nutshell. It’s terrible and has hurt my relationships and my functioning. No job, no exercise often due to pain and dizziness… Just feeling stuck and hopeless.

      #32642
      Martin Reed
      ★ Admin

        I’m really sorry to hear about the sleep issues you have been facing for so long, and that your therapist isn’t helping you implement CBT-I techniques — many CBT therapists aren’t actually trained in sleep. When it comes to insomnia, looking for the “I” at the end of “CBT” is very important (I’d also recommend listening to Episode 7 of the Insomnia Coach Podcast for more about this).

        Although harder, it is possible to implement CBT-I techniques in a self-directed way — I would suggest that you start by allotting an appropriate amount of time for sleep (based on average nightly sleep duration taken over at least one or two weeks) to help build a bit of consistency and hopefully help you recognize some sleepiness cues.

        Also, try to remain active during the day. Inactivity can actually perpetuate insomnia and intensify feelings of fatigue.

        I hope this helps.

        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 Clarity 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.

        #32651
        tmd11
        ✘ Not a client

          My sleep window based on my average sleep times would be 1 hour. I hardly sleep at all if any. I run 7-9 miles a day when I’m not dizzy, and am busy all day long. I’m very active as I have kids.
          During the one hour window I don’t feel sleepy so I end up staying awake even after trying to sleep. This leads to no sleep at all for many days.

          #32777
          Martin Reed
          ★ Admin

            If you kept a record of your nightly sleep duration every night for two weeks, are you saying that this would average one hour per night?

            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 Clarity 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.

            #32805
            tmd11
            ✘ Not a client

              Yes I’ve logged for 9 weeks and the average sleep is 1 hour a night every week.

              #32820
              Martin Reed
              ★ Admin

                I am not sure it’s biologically possible to average one hour of sleep every night for nine weeks. I suspect you may be getting a little bit more sleep than you think you are — it might be worth considering whether you are experiencing paradoxical 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 Clarity 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.

                #32821
                tmd11
                ✘ Not a client

                  I have read and heard you talk about paradoxical insomnia. I do not believe this is occurring with me. I know I’m awake when I’m awake… I hear every little sound, smell any little smell, and am always ready to fight or “flight.” I hear the train every hour, and I wear earplugs… I don’t get sleepy. That’s the main problem. I am not sleepy. In fact, I feel very alert at all times. I don’t have daytime fatigue either even from sleeping my average 1 hour per day/night. The thing that does bother me are headaches and eye pain. That’s mainly it. But I’m confused and can’t seem to get unmedicated sleep that is more than 2-3 hours. I’ve had 4 at times but without any medications, I usually don’t sleep at all. I feel that maybe having been on meds for 13 years has made me lose the ability to feel sleepy and I need to find out how to feel that. I believe my “sleep drive” you speak of is far too long… I can be awake 4 or 5 days without feeling sleepy. It’s like I have an on switch that gets stuck. And even after I go many days with no sleep, when I finally do sleep, it’s only a couple of hours. I have had sleep studies. They haven’t shown anything except active mind and wakefulness the entire night that I’m there. I don’t know what to do.

                  #33053
                  Davy
                  ✘ Not a client

                    @tmd11 wow 13 years off this i have mine a year and a half.
                    not that i was a good sleeper before but i was getting 5 hours every night.
                    and now i have to see doctors cos i am in the same boat like you and the also put me on the antipsychotic. reading your story hit home hard.
                    I could have written your story.

                  Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)

                  Get involved in this discussion! Log in or register now to have your say!


                  Want help from a caring sleep coach?

                  My name is Martin Reed and I am the founder of Insomnia Coach®. Enroll in my free sleep training course and start improving your sleep today.

                  • * Get 1 email every day for 2 weeks.
                  • * Learn how to improve your sleep.
                  • * Pay nothing (it's free).

                  Over 10,000 people have taken the course and 98% would recommend it to a friend. Your email address will not be shared or sold. You can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy.

                  Certified Health Education Specialist logo Certification in Clinical Sleep Health logo ACE-certified Health Coach logo