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I’m just wondering if these have any benefit when you’re trying to improve your sleep or should they be avoided all together? I’m currently taking zopiclone when desperate. but I really don’t want to be taking these long term.
I stopped using prescription sleep aids awhile back Matt. They either never worked for me or gave me fitful sleep for a couple hours. For the time it put me to sleep, it wasn’t worth taking and risking the side effects. I am concentrating on CBT-i but it is extremely difficult.
How lnog were you on the meds for Steve? The side effects and potential nervous system damage is what really puts me off but some nights I’m so desperate. Hang in there with the CBTI I understand it’s a long process, but worth doing.
I tried several meds over a period of two months. Most of them just made me more nervous and one of their side effects was insomnia. That’s why a doctor usually prescribes another med, like a benzo, along with the anti-depressant because the anti-depressant he prescribed has a side effect of insomnia. Benzos are very addictive so I didn’t want to take them. And sleeping pills, like Ambien, just never worked for me. I tried Melatonin but the hangover effect was just too much for me.
Steve what strength Melatonin did you try? I tried it awhile back, when I was probably too stressed with lack of sleep for it to be effective. Tried it again recently – 2 mg – and it worked a treat, I got many nights of 7 – 8 hours. BUT had to quit because it caused my heart rhythm to become a little irregular and that is not fun.
Hi Steve, I agree and the only one which knocks me out for little is the zopiclone the rest don’t seem to touch me and that goes for the anti anxiety med too. Melatonin doesn’t seem to do much for me either. I think I have to get my obsessions under control to reduce the anxiety.
I agree though it’s hard to get things under control when you have consecutive bad nights in fact I don’t think I’ve had a good one yet without the meds. I’m sure we can do this without meds though. I’m trying to take on board that the amount of sleep we get isn’t a rule of thumb. I wish us all recovery from this hell.
I have tried them all. 3 5 and 10mg extended release and 3mg regular. Hangover effect was the same.
CBT-I techniques are effective whether you are taking sleeping pills or not. Most clients I work with who take sleeping pills upon enrollment start to naturally taper-off the meds (with their doctor’s approval) as they regain confidence in their ability to sleep.
The only time sleeping pills can be an issue when going through CBT-I is if you take them contingently (ie based on how you sleep on a given night). I covered that problem in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnOZ8BrYeno
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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.
Hi Martin,
I’m reluctant to take zopiclone long term while waiting to recieve CBTI, but I get so desperate I end up taking one every 4 days or so due to having only 1 hour if I’m lucky of fragmented sleep a night. I guess what I’m asking is it a good idea to take it while waiting for therapy and whether they cause more harm than good? I want to do what’s best, but confused on direction.
Kind regards,
Matt
It’s best to discuss those concerns with your prescribing physician, Matt.
—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.
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