[Feralcat]

Hello,

I’m writing this in the middle of the night since I can’t sleep. I fall asleep easily but wake by 3 or 4am and can’t get back to sleep so am exhausted most of my waking life.

It started when I finally quit taking pills for pain 6 years ago. I was on bentos for last 4 years which didn’t really help since I kept having to update. I have been drug free for almost a year now. I have tried hydroxyzine but Dr. says I can’t take it for long periods.

I am desperate. I haven’t done a sleep study. It’s costly and don’t think they could help. I don’t want to spend money just to be told about goos sleep habits that I already know about.

I just need to share with other insomniacs.

 

[Steve]

Hi Feralcat. I know, insomnia is tough. I don’t know what brought mine on but I’ve had it for about 5 months now. Did you try the free sleep help program on this site? I think it’s very good.

[Martin Reed]

Welcome to the forum, Feralcat. Sleep studies aren’t helpful for insomnia unless another sleep disorder (such as sleep apnea) is suspected. Did you talk to your doctor about CBT-I?

When do you normally go to bed at night, and when do you get out of bed in the morning to start your day? When you wake during the night, why do you think it is so difficult to fall back to sleep?

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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.

[Feralcat]

Thanks for the replies.

More of my history: 4 years ago, I had a reaction to chlonazapam resulting in Akathisia which is an inner agitation. I was put on Remeron  (antidepressant)and benzos that made me feel dead but still hard to sleep.

I still have Akathisia which Dr. says doesn’t really interfere with sleep. I started weaning off Remeron and developed an insane histamine intolerance.  So many foods I eat cause my heart to race and interferes with sleep.

I’m going to try to start fasting 1 day/week and only eat during an 8 hour period the other 6 days.

I have tried staying awake till 11 or 12 but if I fight it, I just wake up again and can’t even get to sleep later.

This had been a particularly bad week for me. I have only rested 1 day this week. I hope the fasting will help.

So, I have a medical basis for my insomnia along with the stress of constant exhaustion. I’ve tried working out but it doesn’t have any effect on my sleep and sometimes makes it worse.

I fall asleep early from total exhaustion and can sleep deep for a few hours. I am waking at 3 or 4 and most times don’t go back to sleep. I haven’t had to set an alarm in years.

 

[Martin Reed]

Have you asked your doctor whether they think CBT-I might be a good option for you?

—

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.

[Author]

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