[Helen]

Hi everyone I've been suffering from insomnia for about 10 years off and on. It is worse in the winter months. I've tried just about everything in the way of natural therapies without success. I never get tired and this really surprises me, but I do not get up during the night I just lie there. Do other insomniacs get tired? My GP has prescriped Zolpidem a few times and these do work most of the time. However the doctors seem very reluctant to prescribe sleeping pills on a long term basis. I don't want to particularly go down the sleeping pill route if I don't have to. Can anyone give me advice about taking sleeping pills long term?

I look forward to getting support and being able to pass on any tips.

[Silent Night]

Hi Helen.

Good to meet you. I have suffered with poor sleep most of my life and am going through a period of insomnia following giving up smoking two months ago. On your blog subject of “Do other insomniacs get tired?” I can say personally that I get physically wiped out. I suffer with a muzzy head and headaches, sort of stabbing pains as well. My limbs ache, like I've got the flu and I feel snappy and irratable. In the past I have been prescribed Zopiclone, but this time round they haven't worked. My brain seems to overide the medication and I seem drugged but not sleeping. I recently tried a homeopathic treatment named “Noctura” which helped for a couple of nights. If your insomnia seems worse in winter, could it be a side affect of Seasonal Aquired Defficiency Syndrome? Maybe a light box and Vitamin D supplements may help to balance the chemicals in your brain. Whatever you try, good luck!

[bigula]

Hello Helen. I can identify with some of what you're saying. Quite often after a bad night I actually feel OK, and not particularly tired, during the day, it's only if I've had a catastrophic night that I feel dreadful. Can't say it's any different in winter or summer though, and like you I have tried lots of non-drug remedies without success – I am also avoiding sleeping pills.

[Martin Reed]

Hi Helen, and welcome to Insomnia Land. As you've already seen, we're a supportive bunch here!

Like Silent Night suggested, I wonder if your sleep is related to a seasonal / light exposure disorder since you say it's normally worse in the winter. Perhaps some light therapy would help? Have you managed to trace your insomnia back to a specific cause? That also could help improve your sleep.

Keep in touch; I look forward to reading more of your posts and hopefully we can help you sleep!

—

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.

[dutchsailor]

Hi Helen,

You seem to be suggesting that 'bad sleep' does not make you tired.

This is quite possible, since not every-one needs the same amount of sleep.

If that really is your situation, don't bother about it. There is no reason to force yourself into conforming to what is considered 'normal'.

If it is not, you're absolutely right to be wary of sleeping medication: try everyting else before falling into that trap.

[ezgeez]

Silent Night,

I find it interesting that you suggested Vitamin D supplements. Around the same time that my insomnia became really entrenched–autumn last year–I got some regular blood tests back from my GP and they showed serious Vitamin D deficiency. I am still on supplements. Despite this I haven't been able to find much online on a link with insomnia. What do you know about it?

[Martin Reed]

I've heard of a link between Vitamin D and sleep, but I don't know a great deal about the why

http://www.insomnialand.com/blog/is-a-lack-of-vitamin-d-the-cause-of-your-insomnia/

That being said, I recently came across something I was planning on adding to the blog. When I find it and put the post up, I'll post back with a link.

—

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.

[Sleepless in Yucaipa]

Hi Helen,

I'm right there with you, pills seem to be only a temporary and at times poor band aid to the problem, I've learned to except the problem and am pursuing an effective solution. I try not to stress over it, every night I go to bed with the expectation of having a good nights sleep. Many nights I'm disappointed. But tomorrow is a new day! I'm reading a book right now called Clean, it is a program to restore the body's natural ability to heal itself. I also have a strong faith in God and ask for his help with my problem; read, learn about healthy practices and pray. There is an answer!

[Author]

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