[aimee]

I know, if you haven't slept well for weeks (or years in your case!), then get one or two nights, or even a week of decent sleep you are still tired. You need to get long term good sleep to feel rested and awake. It's sad that sleeping disorders are so misunderstood. Actually the bipolar thing you are talking about sounds familiar sometimes. I'm just not sure if its the depression that comes first, or the sleeping you know? I do get depressed when I am not sleeping, and sometimes I do act hyper when I'm really tired. I think it is just overcompensating for my tiredness in social situations. When I get home and close the door I tun into a bump on a log. I can't really figure it out except for that I have always had a hard time clearing my thoughts. I am wanting to work on some yoga and meditation to see if that helps. Sometimes my mind just races uncontrollably at night. Wow, 20 years! So you hve been dealing with this for a really long time. Its so tough and happy that we can all write to each other on here. Thank you for your support.

'MarinaFournier' wrote on '27:

“And your point would be?”

At one point, in the late 90's, my husband asked me in frustration, “Don't you ever wake up rested after a night's sleep?”. My response was, “No, not really. I might be a little less tired, but that's as good as it gets, presuming I actually GET a night's sleep”.

Labor Day weekend 2001 was the first really restful sleep I'd had in over 20 years, and it was due to a mood stabilizer that makes many folks downright dopey: Topomax, aka by some of its users, Dopomax. My son takes it for migraine prevention, and it helps him sleep a bit, but not as much as had Seroquel, which resulted in massive weight gain and blood glucose increase. Topomax only worked for me for two years before it quit, though.

The interesting paradox I see in your situation is that bipolar I's have manias where they can do whatever BUT they don't sleep much nor feel the need for sleep. Then they come crashing down to depression and unusual amounts of sleep, not having the energy to get out of bed, etc. Yours is the same pattern, without the mania or depression parts (which is good. let me tell you!). I wish it meant I'd have a great suggestion to help you even things out.

Marina

[kerrivw]

'aimee' wrote on '27:

'kerrivw' wrote on '26:

I was just about to post a new topic and wondering what to call it when I read yours. I was going to say almost the same thing! Recently, I have about 1 1/2 weeks of good sleeps and I was so excited, thinking that the new meditation audio, starting yoga again and my new membership at Insomnialand had totally worked. I always feel so awesome when I sleep, even my boyfriend notices and is happy too. Then this past week I only slept well 2 out of 5 work nights (approx 4 hours per night). It's so depressing! It just kills my energy and optimism about things in my life. I just want it to stop! It just kills me when I'm so exhausted and have sore muscles then I can't fall asleep AGAIN! I wasn't always like this (only occasional before and this past year has become more consistent). It was so comforting to read your post (and everyones replies) because sometimes I feel like I'm going to lose my mind! I think it is emotional but I'm not really stressed out anymore. I'm going to try rearranging my bedroom. I'm also hoping that summer will help things since it has been a long cold winter where I am. I have been debating whether I should just take sick leave from work but I know it looks bad if future employers somehow find out. Also, since I'm trying to get pregnant, I'm not sure if it's a good idea. (Has anyone else taken time off work to try and deal with sleep problems?) Sorry, I'm totally rambling! I hope we will both be in a good sleep cycle again soon!

It's nice that we can all relate so much to what people are going through here, even though I would prefer that no one had to be on this website! (no offense, Martin:-)) Same with me, I am like a different person when I am sleeping than when I am not. It still has not gotten better this week. I don't know what happened, all of a sudden I just couldn't sleep. Although I have had a decent weekend because I read this wonderful book! You might like it because it focuses a lot on meditation and yoga. I was surprised because I didn't know this person was into this type of topic. Its Rusell Simmon's book Super Rich. Its not just about being rich financially. I really go a lot out of it and am trying to be positive that i will sleep better tonight. I think that rearranging the bedroom is a good idea…i'm going to try that!!! Maybe right now! Where are you from? I have missed many school and work days because of sleeping problems. Its really difficult to explain to people so I just say i have a “health issue”. Don't worry about rambling..we all need to ramble about our sleep sometimes.

Hi Aimee,

Yes, I got your reply! Thanks for the suggestion on the book. It's funny how just reading about things that give you hope can relax us sometimes. There have been so many times when I wanted to call in sick to work but I work for such a small company, it doesn't go unnoticed. Also, my bosses are really weird about us missing work. So, I just force myself out of bed and struggle through the day. Thank goodness I don't have to deal with the public!! To answer you question,I'm am in Montreal,Quebec Canada. I managed to sleep last night, hopefully tonight will be the same! Thanks again. Talk soon!

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