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Hi Martin,
Yes I'll start a new topic when i get going with it and keep everyone apprised.
When I first joined I was lurking around the forum and found those posts, that is what inspired me. I very much appreciate it.
Matt
'Martin' wrote on '16:Matt
I'd be really interested in hearing more about how the brain therapy works out for you, since I've covered it a couple of times on the blog.
http://www.insomnialand.com/blog/could-brainwave-optimization-cure-your-insomnia/
Perhaps you'd be so kind as to start a new discussion topic about it when you begin the treatment?
Hi Becky,
Are you able to move your legs at all? Is there any way you can do any kind of cardio- Stationary bike, handwheel anything to get the heart rate up? I'm asking because even though it took a couple of weeks the 30 minutes every other day is starting to pay off. I've been really going at it – but even if you can manage to stay consistent on any kind of exercise I think it will pay off for you too. Last night I was able to sleep 5 1/2 hours without a break, i woke up slightly after 4 hours as usual, but I was so tired i fell back to sleep right away.. I then got an additional hour after an hour break.. I've been keeping a journal – sleep is definitely better and definitely getting my hormones back inline – i'm starting to feel normal, not so depressed. I really think its starting to work.
Is this something you could try?
Matt
'lowercasebecky1952' wrote on '15:Matt,
I'm sorry to hear that you had just about the same luck I did. The last sleep I had lying down was Friday. I've been awake pretty much since then. I dozed off and on last night in my chair, finally getting about two straight hours. I play a game that usually slows my brain down to the point I get tired enough to sleep. I got a very late start on it last night. I've been stuck on the same level for days and it's getting frustrating. If I get frustrated with it, I become more determined to beat it. When that happens, I might as well forget sleep. But last night, I made myself switch to another game when I felt that happening. I could probably lay down after supper if I'd go play it now.
Hang in there. And maybe we'll find a way to beat this thing soon.
Becky
Hi Becky,
No problem whatsoever. We all have our anxiety over this thing. I can totally relate to sleep deprivation and misreading things. I think it was my salutation that threw you off “best to you all” that was the first thing I thought of.
In any event, Congrats on your marathon sleep session the other day! That' must have felt so awesome.
I hope you have many more coming your way. Sounds like you have to say everything is ok to yourself before nodding off.. Even if you have to trick yourself.. That's where the “selfishness” comes in 😉
As for me, I'm still trying. Yesterday I was ready to give up and start napping even with the realization I might not ever get back on track. I was so exhausted after a really bad night. After fighting through it one more time I had a decent night last night. Woke up after 4 hours – as usual- but was able to go back down for 3 semi deep hours after an hour break in between. Even though it wasn't ideal I feel “ok” – So I live to fight another day. Going to the gym and will continue on what I hope is the right path.
Going to see that brain wave therapist in Los Angeles on Tuesday
http://www.drorlipeter.com/brainmusictherapy.html
Maybe they'll fit me with a tin foil hat to match the headgear 🙂
Will Keep you posted.
Thanks again for taking the time to be concerned.. I hope you are feeling better too!
Best,
Matt
'lowercasebecky1952' wrote on '13:Matt, I hope you do stay around. You are one of the members that I always read. I have a kinda bass ackward sense of humor, which I often use to jump-start a discussion. If something I say pinches, it's actually a good thing most of the time. I missed the mark this time. My bad. I will contnue to read what you write because I think you are in need of someone with whom you can share your story. I think I read more into what you said than what was really there. So whatta ya say we give it one more try?
All of us are here for a reason. And I think, as hard as we try to be pleasant with one another, losing sleep makes one cranky. I wrote that note while I was “recovering” from four days of no sleep, followed by fifteen hours of nearly blissful sleep. It's not an excuse for my behavior. But when I sleep that soundly, I become really disoriente an feel like I've had a stroke!! So, I think in the future, I should stay away from the computer until I am certain that I am ok to think and write. Incidentally, I just woke up after 9 hours of blissful sleep. The first thing I did was come here to read your response. I'm glad I did. In an effort to remain friendly, I just erased a whole paragraph of psycobabble and parables. I have to realize that I'm not the site's resident psychiatrist and hall monitor!
Take care, Matt. I'll continue to read your posts and I'll try not to analyzze you. Here's wishing you good sleep and sweet dreams. And I'm glad your sleep patterns are getting better. Keep it up.
Becky
'lowercasebecky1952' wrote on '12:Let's back the trolley up a minute. Are you saying that you're leaving the group because you had one good night and think you've figured it out!? Hmm, you really do need to stay in this group. If you hold the key to the Magic Kingdom, you need to make copies and spread them around to the rest of us. I sure don't have it figured out and I've been here longer than you! Stick around for the celelbration when someone does have a breakthrough.
Seriously, don't hang it up so fast. You never know when someone is going to pop up with the perfect solution to your prticulr brand of insomnia.
Regards,
Becky
Hey Becky,
Trust me I'll spread it all around when i break through this..
I didn't say anything about leaving, my whole post was about my continuing struggle.
I am making progress though – I think. Last night I got 5+1. Slightly Better then the 4+2.
Best,
Matt
Woops.. I mean 2 miles of cardio – not 2 hours. Not quite ready for marathon training
Hi Guys,
Just wanted to give you an update.. the sweating has stopped.. I dont' think it was serious so no need to be concerned.. The doc told me to let him know if it keeps happening..
I have been training though and so far I'm not getting to far. But I'm going to stick with it.. I had a good night two nights ago, was able to fall back to sleep after only an hour of waking.. still got 6 hours.
I took an hour nap yesterday before i hit the gym again (probably not a good idea) 2 hours cardio, an hour lifting. I was so tired at 11am.. i pushed myself to midnight and actually wasn't as tired when i hit the pillow and it was a terrible experience.. I felt like i was awake the whole night.. very light sleep every hour would wake up and then drift back into some weird hybrid twilight sleep..
Today is going to be hell since I don't want to nap
When i'm on the treadmill I keep visualizing a big jug of serotonin pouring into my brain.. maybe I need a bigger Jug 🙂
In all fairness I have to be realistic.. this problem has been going on for 8 months or so. I think I just have to stay vigilant in my efforts to turn it around.
Thanks again for all your concerns and best to you all
Matt
'ExhaustedMichelle' wrote on '12:Hi Matt,
Just a real quick response to your question about the er, um, unpleasant unmentionable side effects of celexa.
I'm a chick, so obviously theres a difference in the importance of how satisfactorily my plumbing works, but just wanted to share that I have been on almost every SSRI on the market at one time or another, including celexa and lexapro. Out of all of them, I would rank it the second least interfering in that area, with my personal top choice being Effexor for the least sexual side effects. Everyone is different, however, and what works for me may not for you and vice, versa. I bet it will help with your seratonin levels. If you don't like it, you can always switch. Took me about ten years to finally find the right drug and dosage but I'm do glad I stuck it out, because I'm do much better off emotionally.
Good luck! Let me know how it turns out.
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for your input and welcome. I'm concerned though that the treatment hasn't worked for you.. The Doc said if he put me on celexa (which i haven't tried yet, but have the bottle) It would build up my serotonin in a few months and then I can wean off of it and go back on my own..
he says it should snap me out of my cycle.. I'm assuming this plan he has for me isn't working for you?
Thanks again – much appreciated
Matt
'jessallie' wrote on '03:Night sweats for a man can be a sign of a health issue (unless you have way too many covers on). See your doctor.
Hi Jess,
yea.. going today and will ask about it.. but not going to panic unless it keeps happening when I start getting past the 4 hour sleep mark.
Thanks for the advice – Matt
'caz' wrote on '03:Hi Matt,
If I were you i'd have a go at doing gentle exercise later on in the day like a
stroll in the park. I believe that fresh air helps with the quality of sleep
doesn't it? Definitely not a good plan to do cardio in the hours before bedtime.
I do all my cardio in the morning and my calming down exercise in the evening.
I defo notice a better sleep ensues if I get some fresh air 2 hours before bedtime.
Common sense? Maybe!
Also, sweating when you are sleeping is usually a sign of something. It might be an
infection, inflammation, or thyroid issue for example, something totally treatable.
Just get yourself to your docs for a check up…it's defo not “normal” to wake up with
hot sweats as a young fit bloke.
Caz x
Hi Caz,
Yea that's what i was thinking, an infection.. or worse Andropause = devastating
It seems men go through a menopause as well..
shouldn't it be called “men”opause when men experience a hormonal decline? 🙂
I'm not going to freak out though.. just stay the course
'Nicole' wrote on '03:Sorry to hear about your insomnia. I can relate. My counselor tells me that exercise might be the best thing for my insomnia. Like someone else mentioned, you shouldn't do it too close to bedtime. Even if you have only gotten a little sleep, definitely exercise if you can because the exercise will definitely benefit your sleep! As for the sweats, not sure on that one. Good luck to you!!
Hi Nicole,
Nice to meet you. Yea I'm going to stick with the gym and see how it goes.. I'm feeling a little regret that I didn't get back to training when the insomnia was a bit milder just a couple of months ago I was sleeping 4 hours then up for a few and back down for 2 or so.. this was in addition to napping during the day. So I was technically getting 8 hours even though it was broken. I think if i would have just cut out the naps and got my lazy ass back in the gym I would be good by now.. it always fixes whatever ails me. Instead i loaded up on melatonin, gaba, blah blah. and it just got progressively worse. A definite setback.. On the other, Not going to “Sweat the Sweat” It could be normal when entering first stage of sleep. It's not profuse so we'll see how that goes
Good luck as well, and let me know how exercise it working for you and if u can lick this thing
Matt
'lowercasebecky1952' wrote on '03:Good Morning, Matt.
It is not normal for any one, except menopausal women or someone with a fever or after one has had a bad dream, to wake up sweating. I don't mean to be an alarmist, but I'd see a doctor immediately! My husband ignored symptoms like that and shortness of breath, and it nearly killed him! After having symptoms for a couple of months, he had a massive cardiac infarction and had to have a quintuple bypass (almost unheard of). I woud waste no time getting to the doctor.
To answer your question about exercise, first ask your doctor if your are healthy enough to start an exercise program. If everything is ok, go for it. But a word of warning: Never exercise within several hours of bedtime. Once you get your blood flowing and your bones tingling, your body will not shutdown for a while. I wish you success in whatever you decide to do. But please let the first thing be to see a do be to see a doctor.
Best Wishes for good health,
Becky
Hi Becky,
Been researching alot on this.. according to Alternative Therapies, the definitive guide.
http://books.google.com/books?id=x_eA7dCleIgC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_atb#v=onepage&q&f=false
It seems sleep phase1 MAY produce some sweating.
I'm not going to panic as it's only mildly damp.. but I am seeing the doctor today and will ask about it.. I managed to get 4 hours tonite and no sweat.. an improvement – albeit small but better then the 3 I've been getting.
I haven't kept a diary of the occasions i've sweated vs the amount of hours I'm into sleep before i wake up. But I imagine it's when it's less then 4 hours.. Going to be more mindful on this
Thanks for your concern.
Matt
'Jane' wrote on '02:Hello Matt, welcome to the forum.
We can't promise a cure but we can offer advice and help where needed.
On Christmas Day I woke up at 2 am and for the life of me I couldn't get back to sleep. SO I came downstairs and watched some TV until 4 am, managed to sleep for about an hour and half and then was up with the birds. So unfair when everyone else is soundly asleep isn't it.
Welcome again, and happy new year to you. 🙂
Hi Jane,
Yes – insomnia doesn't take time off for the holidays. Yes it is unfair.. And I hate the bird sounds. I find them annoying because it usually means I'm not sleeping.. I would never use that bird sound setting on my sleep machine either – it's so insulting. lol
My body needs sleep after weight training the other day.. I'm exhausted.. I've always been of the mindset that the gym fixes most everything.. I've trained on and off my whole life –
It will be interesting to see if I completely deteriorate now that I'm back on.
Thanks and Happy New Year to you too! – Matt
'lowercasebecky1952' wrote on '03:Matt, No apology necessary. And you didn't offend me. I just don't want anyone thinking that this is the place we go to pat one another on the back for yet another sleepless night.
To address your business troubles, and they sound horrendous, I'd like to paraphrase Einstein: Insanity is repeating the same behvior and expecting a differnt outcome. When the outcome remains the same, unless you enjoy a good beating, maybe it's time to look elsewhere for employment (she says, knowing full well what the chances are of finding anything new in this economy!) Perhaps, if you can't change careers, you can change your approach to this one. First, take that sign off your back that says, loudly, “Kick Me”. If your gut is telling you not to trust someone or some deal, TRUST YOUR GUT!!! I can't say that loudly enough! Like you, I seem to wear a tee shirt with the logo: Screw Me, written in bold letters. If you ever want to sleep again while you're in your curren career, You have got to make changes in your approach to it. Sorry, I'm a mom and in the habit of giving advice! But it didn't cost you anything.
I hope you find something here that will help you to sleep. If my “sound advice” doesn't do the trick, nothing will. That is, unless you read my replies and stories and they bore you to sleep!
Again, Welcome to the madness!
Becky
Hey Becky,
Yes Madness indeed. I appreciate your advice.
Through the years I've definitely changed my approach to business. When entering new business deals instead of trusting with blind, endless optimism I definitely now keep one eye open. Unfortunately, it's become literal. So ironic.
I'm grateful however that even though we're being forced to evolve the one good year we had put me in a position to move out of my parents, get into a house and give me and my programmers some breathing room for a few years. It's like this, Feast or Famine.. Success can strike quick and take care of you for many years.. but it can end just as quickly and then you have to weather the storm.. I've been on this rollercoaster several times. I thought I was getting good at it 🙁
I'm reading everybody's story.. don't worry it's not boring me to sleep – damn it 😉 I find them fascinating though. It's like we get caught in this endless negative feedback loop. I say this at 4.49 am after being up for 2 hours, on 3 hours sleep again. We have to break the cycle, I'm sticking with the CBT – it's going to be exhausting I know – but I have to try.
Btw.. does anybody wake up in a sweat? I'm noticing this happening to me every night after 3 hours or so. It could be part of normal sleep process depending on the phase we're in – but I find it odd.
I'll post this in the other forum so not to clutter the intro's
Matt
'AliDeal' wrote on '02:Hi Matt, welcome to this interesting group, just sharing sometimes makes things easier, only if you sharing with another insomniac of course, those sleepers, have no idea – hope we can find some solutions – if nothing else, the group is motivating me to find solutions – I am one of those people full of advice and inspiration for others – so where I can help I do – maybe this is what keeps me up at night, amongst another things, or course.
Alli
Hi Alli,
Well hopefully Karma is on your side. I've learned however you can't expect it – for some reason it doesn't work that way. But I can still wish it for you.
Just to reiterate – in case you miss my replies to the others – i'm looking at brain wave training and vitamin/mineral blood testing and even a brain chemical test.. I found a link here. http://www.integrativepsychiatry.net/neurosleep_profile.html – something to explore and see if there is indeed a physiological correlation.
Thanks so much
Matt
'jessallie' wrote on '02:I suffer from exactly the same thing although I don't know how it started. I think it is a common problem. I go to bed around 10:30–11:00PM and wake up like clockwork around 1:30 AM, then I'm up for an hour or two like I had a good nap, get back to sleep finally either by pill or naturally, and wake up again at 3:30-4:00 AM. Up until 5:00 AM and then have to get up at 6:00 AM. There are a couple of pills out there that have short half life's like Sonata and Intermezzo. I often take Sonata which has a 2-3 hour half life. So when I wake way too early with a few hours to spare, this will knock me out for only a couple of hours, or I might break up an Ambien into half's or quarters. This is usually when I am desperate to get some sleep because my body get accustomed to medication and no longer works, so I have to really space it out to only once in a while. Broken sleep is just no fun and I find myself falling apart in the afternoon or falling asleep in front of the TV way too early to go to bed. Someone like you since it has only been going on for year might benefit from sleep deprivation by going to bed really late and then pushing the hour back little by litte (if you can stay up, that is).
Hi Jessallie,
yep, that pretty much sums it up – it sux.. I've been loading up on melatonin, gaba, zma and occasionally one of my dads sleeping pills only to get 4 or 5 hours.. I finally said enough of the drugs.. so yes I'm taking your advice and going to sleep deprive along with CBT I'm hoping I'm not too far deep into this problem like you say and can turn it around.
If not, I'm liking the brain wave training and/or brain wave music suggestions.. That along with a vitamin/mineral blood test and a brain chemical saliva test i found here http://www.integrativepsychiatry.net/neurosleep_profile.html as my next course of action.
Thanks again and good luck to us all
Matt
