I can’t sleep!

I didn't sleep for a month except short 'non-REM' sleep and despite visits to several different doctors couldn't get anything strong enough to get me back to sleep, because 1) they do not like to prescribe meds like 'LUNESTA' nowadays (researched that issue) and only 'old science meds' which didn't do a damn thing for me. I decided to try Melatonin 'once again' after 9 months of hell and past years trying it with zero success - but this time - upped the dose and toughed it out and I've been getting back to normal on my sleep recently by taking 10-40mg of 'over-the-counter' melatonin. I'm actually a bit amazed that it's helped and had done some 'serious research' leading up to me giving it another try, and finding links between Vitamin D, B and Melatonin production from 'Pineal Gland' in our 'Lizard Brain' so also megao-dosing D3, B-Complex along with the Melatonin - after the D and B alone didn't get me to sleep - and the others 'might be helping alleviate some of the other stuff'.

Mitchmystery - thanks for your reply. I’d been thinking of trying melatonin. After your suggestion I may go ahead and try it. Seems safe enough.

I don't have LC (husband is) but am a lifelong insomniac. Been taking antidepressant trazodone for 35 years - besides smoothing out the mood swings, it's main side effect is drowsiness - so I take it at night. 30 years later added anti-anxiety med certraline - definitely calmed down the every increasing anxiety - also has a drowniness side effect.

Now, for past 2 years, medical marijuana from extract at night. It is holding at bay some musculoskeletal stuff that was waking me up at night. And I stay asleep with the right dose which is different with every strain. I don't take it during the day - I'm not crazy over the side effects of making my head detach from my body. Hope all this helps somebody!

Hi britelite. Have found our bodies have so many organ/vascular/nervous systems issues that simpler things are being overlooked preventing ability to sleep. Our bodies are creating anxiety and so many physical symptoms its hard to narrow things down even for post covid clinic doctors. My second post covid doctor ordered a sleep study which found significant obstructive sleep apnea which causes frequent bathroom trips I attributed to drinking hot water whenever awake to keep covid created high blood pressure in decent range. Cpap ordered and almost two months usage showing less bathroom trips and hopeful some of my symptoms will improve with this oxygen now consistently received at night since lungs still have issues. Hope this allows info for possible help in your healthcare system and healing journey to all🌈

I tried boiling lettuce, and drinking the warm broth, quickly after cooling some. I did get sleepy.

White noise like a fan on the floor helps. I sleep to very low healing sounds on my Bluetooth speaker through YouTube Music. Tibetan bowls, monks chanting om, negative energy clearing sounds, music. I think the other streaming platforms have these sounds. Eight hour videos. Turn it really low & place by your head. It will lull you to sleep, help with anxiety. The very low deep sounds of om chanting.

Never watch the nightly news, exciting TV. Instead Soft music in the evening.

Consult a psychiatrist for safe anxiety meds. I use Medical Marijuana indica pills tincture.

Thanks for sharing about your sleep apnea diagnosis. I have been dealing with long covid since 7/22. I have been struggling with daytime sleepiness. If I sit down, and am not actively engaged, I’ll often fall asleep with my head dropping forward. Since covid I’ve been waking up every 1-2 hours. I generally get up to use the bathroom, cause covid also left me with overactive bladder. I am taking medication for that now which has it controlled during the day. But, not enough urine output to be waking me up. I found out about a post covid cares recovery clinic near me. I saw the nurse practitioner who recommended a sleep study. Had it last week, diagnosing me with severe sleep apnea. I go back in a few weeks to try various cpap masks, cannula to determine what is effective for my apnea.
The clinic also recommended a pulmonary function test, 6 minute walking test, and a chest x ray, which I did yesterday. Waiting now on those results.

I have a friend that drinks the CALM for sleep and says it does wonders to help her sleep. It is powder that you mix with water and drink before bedtime. It has melatonin, magnesium & gaba in it if I remember correctly. It's on Amazon. It's worth a try if it works. I pray you have sweet dreams soon!

Hello @britelite - I feel for you, having dealt with not sleeping for a few years. It caused me anxiety and stress which disturbed my sleeping. Round and round we go, right?

I'd like to share sleep tips from the Mayo Clinic Pain Rehabilitation Center which have helped greatly give me a plan of action on that bad word called insomnia! A bit run on, sorry, but here you go:

1. Check current meds for sleep affecting side effects and alter if possible. (I weaned off opioid, stopped medical Marijuana and other non-productive meds)

2. Create a pleasant, comfortable sleep space - cool temp, comfy bedding, quiet, dark room with fan or white noise, no clocks, loose clothing, no pets.

3. Develop good habits for sleep - go to bed and get up same time every day, establish daytime routines, avoid heavy meals 2-3 hrs before bed and eat them same time each day, exercise 20-30 min each day 4-6 hrs before bed, don't bath more than 2-3 hrs before bed (regulate body temp and keep cool), limit naps to 30 min and no sooner than 6-8 hrs before bed, limit liquids 3 hrs before bed, no caffeine after 12pm, find time each day to relax if you are under stress, write in a stress diary midday, avoid falling asleep to TV.

4. Have a routine to prepare for a good night's sleep - reserve 1-2 hrs before bed for quiet, relaxing activities like non-fiction reading, when in bed focus on images that are pleasant and relaxing, develop bedtime ritual by doing things that bring you comfort like lock doors, turn off lights, personal grooming, don't go to bed until you feel sleepy, don't use your bedroom for worrying, studying, discussing problems, arguing or paying bills. If you lay there for more than 20-30 minutes, get up out of bed and turn lights on - read a book, do word search or crossword puzzle unil feeling tired.

5. Try ear plugs or white noise if you have a snoring partner, or switch rooms if possible.

Good luck with your plan. My best advice is if it isn't working, change it. You got this! Are there any tips you can add to your sleep action plan that maybe you don't currently implement?

Rachel - thanks for taking the time to reply and writing all the helpful hints. When I can’t sleep, I often just lie awake in bed. I’ll try getting up and doing a quiet activity as you suggested.