Connect
← Return to Insomnia. What seems to help?
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
I’ve been suffering with solid insomnia for about 2 years. I get about 2-3 hours of sleep each night and I feel like a zombie most of the day. I’ve been seeing a psychiatrist for several weeks now and we’ve tried Nortriptyline, Seroquel, trazadone, and topitamate and all have the opposite effect that causes worsening insomnia. I’ve weathered these meds for several weeks until I had to throw in the towel. I used to take lorazapam which seems to work but I was fearful of addiction, which is why I sought the care of a psych. I have bipolar disorder but am treated with 600mg of lithium, and celexa both of which has erased my BP disorder. Both of which were already in play before my battle with insomnia. I’m a financially stable business owner with really no worries that would interject insomnia. Any advise or similar past experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Replies to "I’ve been suffering with solid insomnia for about 2 years. I get about 2-3 hours of..."
hi @danalt1, have you been to see a specialists in Sleep Medicine or to a sleep clinc?
I wish you success finding something that works for you.
Insomnia is not pleasant. Before Covid I slept 8-9 hours.
I also have bad depression which doesn’t help.
Hello,
I vote for trying CBT -I. This got me out of solid 4 -5 years of insomnia. I did not believe in this method before trying and this is the only way for me. It has been a year now that my sleep is very restful. Yes, I still have rough nights here and there but who doesn't. They give simple sleep hygiene tips which I thought I followed but I saw that I never really followed all that seriously. Once I started to take this method seriously all fell in to place. I must also mention that by God's grace I do not have any other health issues and only take vitamins. No other medication.
Sweet dreams to all.
Connect
I'm sorry you're facing this insomnia and getting so little sleep. It sounds really tough. Did something kick off your insomnia 2 years ago? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for sleep can be helpful and most health networks have sleep docs who are psychologists and do this therapy. There are also online CBT-S programs. Meditation, physical exercise, time outdoors, stress reduction/management can be helpful. Although I do all of these, I still need to take Ambien in order to get enough sleep. I don't like being dependent on it and have been working on reducing my dose, but it works well for me. I don't know if it's possible to take with the other medications you're taking. I take Celexa also for depression/anxiety so that is compatible with Ambien. In terms of meditation, if you can find a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in your area, I've found that approach very accessible and helpful. Many health centers offer it as it was developed by a doctor, Jon Kabat-Zinn, to enhance medical treatment. I hope you find some relief soon and let us know how you do.