[mrtrout]

After yet another sleepless night I’m beginning to think I’ll never sleep again.
This insomnia started when I was around 19 and I’m 70 in a few months, back then my doctor put me on sleeping pills, can’t remember the name off hand but they helped and I remained on one a night until I was 60 with no ill effects.
Then several years ago after my annual update with my doctor they decided to change my prescription and put me on Zopiclone, they suited me just fine, I woke up less drowsy each day as the effects seem to wear off during the night.
My problem has always been getting off to sleep, once I’m off I’m fine and if I woke up in the night for a toilet visit I got off again without problem.
Two years ago my practice made the decision to get all its patients off sleeping pills altogether.
I was put on a cutback regime from one tablet to half a tablet to a quarter and so on.
I didn’t go through any terrible withdrawal symptoms other than my insomnia returned and I’ve only been able to get very poor broken sleep since.
I constantly lie awake until 3 or4 am and if I’m luck I then drop off into restless sleep constantly waking up and getting off again.
I’ve had private hypnosis which didn’t work they couldn’t get me under and two doctors tried to hypnotise me but failed saying it was hopeless.
I don’t drink heavily, only drink decafinated tea after 6pm, I’m not worried about anything, being retired I have a relatively good life, I’m in a long happy relationship being married just over 50 years, and have a great supportive family, I just CANT sleep.
I’m getting so desperate now that I’m looking at buying Zopiclone privately at great cost which I can’t really afford as a pensioner. I also read bad reviews online about these online clinics/suppliers and can’t afford to pay good money for something that either doesn’t arrive or if it does is a fake product, but I’m getting to the point where I simply don’t know what to do next.
Anyway that’s surely enough from me, I look forward to reading up on help on here, and if anyone has a few Zopiclone to sell, I’m your man.?
Cheers for now Steven.

[DrummerFrank]

I definitely have been experiencing the same problem for the last 2 months.. I never had a problem falling asleep until this lockdown.. Since the lockdown, it’s been virtually impossible.. Once I do fall asleep, it’s like a relief, and I’m able to go back to sleep after I take my nightly pee break.. But again, the problem is falling asleep.. I’ve been taking an Ambien here and there, as well as a Hydroxyzine here and there.. I know that I CAN SLEEP WITHOUT MEDS, but it has become incredibly hard, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to overcome this phobia.. Is Zopiclone good for sleep anxiety?

[mrtrout]

Hi Drummerfan, Zopiclone is a sleeping tablet that’s addictive if you stay on them for long periods, short time they may just get you over your problem, but doctors are reluctant to prescribe them.
They might for a short period just to get you back on track, they never did me any harm over many years, I feel worse now not sleeping.
S.

[DrummerFrank]

Thanks for your quick response! I’ve also noticed doctors being reluctant to prescribe sleep meds.. My parents even have a good friend who’s a doctor, that has been reluctant to help me.. How were you able to be on one a night for decades? I’m not saying I wanna become dependent on them, but I feel like it would put my mind at ease a bit to have them around if I have a string of sleepless nights

[mrtrout]

I was suffering with bad insomnia in my twenties fifty years ago, things were much more relaxed then, he put them on repeat prescription and no one bothered.
I was happy to have them, some nights I could get away with half a tablet, but if I ever forgot to take one I knew about it within an hour.
I also suffer with restless leg syndrome and if I didn’t get off within half an hour my legs would start and I’d never sleep.
I’m on pramipexole now four a night which helps with the legs a bit.
S.

[DrummerFrank]

Gotcha.. Also, sorry to hear that man.. I’ve always dealt with health anxiety, but was always able to keep it in check with my busy life (I work 2 jobs), but since being home with the virus, I’ve suffered greatly.. What is it they say? “An idle mind is the devil’s playground”.. Never have I heard a truer statement.. I’ve tried to remain active going on bike rides and hikes, but this sleep obsession is like a nightmare I can’t escape from.. Researching sleep is probably the worst thing I’ve ever done.. Between reading about brain disorders and people that go weeks without sleep, it’s become a very scary thing to me.. My own mind is my own worst enemy

[DrummerFrank]

I didn’t mean I had the virus.. Just meant since being home with the lockdown

[mrtrout]

I wouldn’t for one minute you go on sleeping pills as a long term thing, but I do think the odd one will help, I’d give my left (twitchy) leg for one right now.
I just need a good nights kip, I crave sleep.?
But, try not to worry as said, the more you think about it the worse it gets, I try breathing exercises when I lie down.
Inhale deeply through your nose and count to five, then exhale through the mouth and count back to one, it can help at times, try it ten or twenty times.
Another thing that can help is if you have a small neon type light in view when lying down, like a standby light on a tv etc, try and stare at it keeping your eyes wide open.
After a while you should find your eyes start to close involuntarily, if so open your eyes and do it again, hopefully you’ll just fall asleep without knowing it.
Good luck.
S.

[Martin Reed]

Have you tried implementing cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) techniques, mrtrout? Since these techniques help address the perpetuating factors behind insomnia, you might find them to be a more helpful long-term solution!

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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 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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