[Dkdrake]

I have been dealing the insomnia for quite a while now.  I’m new to this forum and thought I’d see what others have to say.

I am very frustrated, let alone, very exhausted because I don’t sleep for longer than up to 1.5 hours at a time.  Usually less than that.  I wake up and feel glittery and can’t stand staying lying down.  I get up, some times very quickly, and usually end up trying to sleep in a Lazy Boy, but always end up at my sewing machine or washing dishes or baking or doing something.

I try to go back to bed.  Some times will fall asleep but then wake up and jumping out of bed within an hour.  My nights are a constant up and down.

I use a CPAP when I lie down and I take medication for restless legs.  Plus other medications for other health issues.  I am 61 and recently retired because I could jo longer work due to exhaustion.  And I don’t drive a car any more for trips longer than a quick trip to a local place.

I have tried applying the cognitive behavior things like no TV or computer or cell phone for at least an hour before bed.  Removed my clock from the bed side.  Etc.

I have tried hypnosis, sleep medicine makes me sleep walk so I stay away from those, have had a slew of sleep studies.  All with no real answer as to why I don’t sleep.

I think hormone changes have a lot to do with it.

I am going to try a weighted blanket  soon.

I look forward to reading what other people have dealt with insomnia.

 

 

[Martin Reed]

Welcome to the forum, and I’m sorry to hear about the sleep challenges you are currently facing.

Since you are currently on CPAP and medication for restless legs, have you discussed your sleep problems with your doctor? They should be able to tell you if your ongoing sleep issues are a result of your sleep apnea or restless legs (and help you address this) or if something else is the problem.

The techniques you mentioned are sleep hygiene techniques rather than cognitive and behavioral techniques for insomnia. Have you talked to your doctor to see if they think CBT-I would be helpful for you?

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[goose]

Hi Dkdrake, I did all the sleep hygiene techniques too and it didn’t help.  Most people have before they seek out help.  I am doing CBT-I now and it is much different.  But I do think you should get checked out by your doc first and foremost.  I’m sure hormones have something to do with it.  And give the weighted blanket a try.  I just got one, and while it doesn’t help me much with sleep onset (my primary problem), I feel like I sleep deeper with it.  Who couldn’t use some deeper sleep!

[Author]

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