I have debilitating insomnia issues where I cannot sleepFor 4-10 night

Oh, I sure understand. Over 30 years ago, probably closer to 40 I was given a schedule 4 med for anxiety and was told it was non-dependent. It helped my insomnia too. Fast forward now at age 79 I'm stuck. Though original doc reduced dosage to 2 mg a day I feel I've been labeled an addict now by the same doctors who shoved me as many as I wanted. Well, actually I didn't take as many as they gave me anyway which today I am glad. Of course they don't work as well as they use to with the build up of tolerance. The same doc clinic ever since these benzos have been labeled almost like street drugs all docs have gotten so nervous. I was told to see a psychiatrist but no referral. The portal message quote exactly was "She needs to see a psychiatrist." That's it. I waited for referral or something. Then I looked up a doc in same provider network who though a PCP had psychiatry in his bio. I thought how perfect and the appt. showed on the portal. I went to him and he was horrible. I left crying only to have the other PCP DISMISS me for doing so in the middle of me having a trauma with my adult children (protective order which I told the doc). No matter, after 25 years at this doctor facility, I was banned. I have a new doctor and group who are independent. No urine tests, or signing a contract not to use other specified drugs like the other facility started to do. I was already anxious and depressed when they started requiring urine tests for other substances. It was humiliating. All the stress at one time put me in a terrible state. Tried therapy. Two different therapist told me that is what is happening to patients - docs get letters discouraging use and they are afraid and are dismissing those they have prescribed to patients like me. Ain't that a kicker. I'm still uncomfortable with my new doc though he understands all this. I now have PTSD when see other doctors. He said he will not stop prescribing it for me after all this time. Oh, and doctors try all forms of anti-depressants with horrible side effects (claiming no side effects) and withdrawal symptoms worse than benzo withdrawal. They gave me these when I was struggling with diverticulitis that constipated me and gave me rectal bleeding. The worst thing that could happen. I had 8" of colon removed. Insomnia is horrible long term. I'm taking lowest does of gabapentin (100mg) for neuropathy for another condition. Had lumbar spinal fusion too. At least it makes me sleepy. It's not even considered the starting dose of 300mg. I apologize for the long post.

If I’ve learned anything from this particular thread, it’s that each person has their own tips and tricks for falling asleep. Our methods are vastly different and nothing seems to be THE answer. What works for me (playing the word game on my phone) is completely against the prevailing medical advice. And might have the effect of actually CAUSING sleeplessness in someone else. Some people fall asleep reading. For some, reading keeps them awake, etc.

First I want to say I am sorry you are going through this. I had early childhood trauma at night so insomnia comes whenever I am feeling vulnerable or overly stressed. It is like I am on guard. I just lay there. I find magnesium glycinate relaxes me but not all brands are worth the $ so I suggest Metagenics, Xymogen or Integrative Therapeutics. Then I take 50mg Trazadone. When I get up in the middle of the night I take another half (25 mg) Trazadone. I also put some meditation apps on my phone. Calm is one and Balance is another. Some of the meditations include progressive relaxation and those really help to get me out of my head. Have you done a sleep student and a full blood test to get to some causes?

It is called CALM. Another is called Balance

First, I am so sorry that you are feeling this way, mkean1250help. I get it. I have struggled with sleep for many, many years and now I take some natural herb-y things and Costco's Kirland sleep tab that help. I am not recommending what I do and it runs counter to what most folks here post. I have discovered YouTube Premium (no ads) for about $15 a month. There are MANY versions of "boring history for sleep" that last at least 2.5 hours and then rotate to something similar. My mind is VERY BUSY and I find that if listen to a very soothing voice, usually with an English accent, describing what life was like in ancient Rome or Egypt or how people lived in Medieval or Viking villages, I fall asleep within a few minutes. I keep the volume low--it's not current, it's not super interesting... hence, I search for "boring history for sleep." I also recommend a quality sleep mask. Please don't come for me, anti-TV people... this is what has worked for this insomniac. 🙂

I know this is probably something you’ve already thought about, but do you use blue light blocker glasses when watching TV or a cell phone: Just a thought. Some people are very sensitive.

This is a great idea. I really have never thought of this. Thank you ! Wish you well on your sleep journey too !

I am so sorry hearing this! Horrible. Have you tried Melatonin? Any teas? It sounds like you may be depressed, are you on any anti depressants?

Note on Caffeine: People react differently to it. Some it has minimal effect, other strong & slow. It on the top 10 list of allergies.

Caffeine takes 4-7 hours to get "into the blood stream" and be effective. The takes 7-11 hours to be removed. It's usually the sugar & amendments to the coffee that wake a person up the first hours.

That means that for some, that morning coffee is the reason they can't sleep at night.

Also watch out as some medicines add caffeine to heighten the body's response to the drug.

Translation: Some people are really night people -- going to bed late. 🙂