[Pike]

Hi, there is quite a lot to write here. The problem I have is waking at 4 or 5am and not getting fully back to sleep. I am getting up at 6:45 exhausted and it is making it very hard for me to concentrate on my work.

I don’t have a problem falling asleep. In fact this last week I have been trying to stay up later than normal so that I make myself fall asleep quickly – but I think if I carry on like this I will make myself mentally ill.

One thing that has changed is my doctor has stopped my Olanzapine medication. This is a psychiatric medication and it can have sensitive effects. I have had problems with it making me drowsy in the mornings. It could be the withdrawal of this is not holding me asleep anymore.

The doctor prescribed me some promethazine which is a non addictive sleeping tablet. I don’t really like to take medication so I held off until yesterday. I took two tablets and had a great restorative sleep. Last night I took one and I woke at five again and today feel rough.

Should I continue to take 2 x promethazine for a while? I suppose this is a question for my doctor.

Does anyone has any other advice about waking early? Or adjusting to changes in medication?

Thanks

Pike

[Pike]

Correction – the medicine has sedative effects, not sensitive.

[Martin Reed]

Hello Pike and welcome to the forum! As I think you realize, nobody here is qualified to give you advice on your medication — I would suggest raising your concerns with your prescribing doctor.

You mentioned that you often wake at 4:00 AM or 5:00 AM and then find it hard to fall back to sleep before getting out of bed to start your day around 6:45 AM. What time do you usually go to bed at night?

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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.

[Pike]

Hello Martin

I usually get into bed at about 10, read for about 20 minutes then listen to a Sleepcast on Headspace, or similar, and fall asleep between 10:30 and 11. I generally don’t have a problem falling asleep.

You’ll probably say, as many of my friends and family have, 10:30 to 5:00 is six and a half hours sleep and that should be enough, but I usually feel exhausted and struggle to do my daily tastd, so I think I am one of those people who need eight hours.

I tried going to bed later a few weeks ago (sleep restriction) and it didn’t make me wake any later. I just got less sleep and felt worse.

Interestingly, this morning (Saturday) I woke up at 8:40. I don’t know whether my problem is to do with my medication or work stress – or both!

[Martin Reed]

How long did you try sleep restriction for, Pike? It can take a few weeks of consistent implementation before results become noticeable.

If you are currently averaging around six-and-a-half hours of sleep, do you think it might be helpful to allot something like seven hours for sleep each night? In the short-term, this might help build sleep drive and help maintain sleep through the night (while also reducing the amount of time available for nighttime wakefulness).

If you are currently going to bed at 10:00 PM and starting your day at 6:45 AM, this means you’re currently allotting just under nine hours for sleep. This could explain the difficulties you sometimes experience with waking prematurely and/or spending a lot of time awake during the night.

—

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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