Can't sleep.

[Coggeh]

I cannot sleep. I don't mean i can't get to bed at 2am...4am etc i consider them times early for me. Usually its 8am when i sleep. I don't know whats gone wrong I've been like this since i was 14(19 now).

Recently I was diagnosed with epilepsy and lack of sleep plays a major part in having a seizure, I've had 5 in the last 3 months (which by most accounts is an extreme level) I got a gp visit card recently which means i can visit the gp free of charge and was thinking of asking for sleeping tablets but don't want to look like someone who just goes straight in asking for meds. I'm afraid if i do the GP will see that straight away.

I asked this before about my sleeping on this site, i don't know where else to ask really, what do people think i should do.

P.S before people say it: I've tried reading a book, removing tv from room, going into my room only when im sleepy etc etc all the usual tips ( sorry i don't mean to sound like an ass but i just don't know what to do!)

I'm literally at breaking point, my sleeping patterns are ruining every aspect of my life i don't know what to do. I can't wake up for my GF, for appointments or even for party activites: stalls, meetings etc.

(its 5am my time posting this btw)

[Lolshevik]

can you get sleeping aids (like diphenydramine, etc) over the counter in ireland? all this talk about not wanting to rely on medication is nonsense imo. if it helps you, & it's legal, I see no reason why not to do it.

[Hiero]

Just get a script of Diazepam. I am sure you would qualify. You may get addicted though, but it may be worth it.

[progressive_lefty]

It's a phenomenon amongst our generation. I know I have big problems with sleep as well. But most of the other student I live with, go to bed post 2am as well. I think the advent of computers, television, video games etc.. Has brought about this. I know for me, I can't stand lying in my bed if I cant get to sleep, so I usually get up and watch tv or start playing a video game...

[Sasha]

before you touch benzodines (tamezaphan etc, wich for sure can help, i take them sometimes but just very short term to kickstart my sleeping again if i have an acute insomnia bout, wich is difrent than what you discribe) i would advice you too try melatonin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin) first.
its over the counter, natureally in your body occuring, low-to non side effects (most people dream only a litle more intens) and non-adictive.
seeing what you describe it could work wonders for you because its not an tranquiliser as benzodines but it triggers the actual act of falling in sleep.

[ellipsis]

my preferances- weed, melatonin, herbal relaxation teas, dinodally encoded white noise that helps the brain enter deep sleep, the company is called hemi-sync.

but i am not a doctor, and even my field medic skills are sorely lacking. although some have called me shaman...

[Ele'ill]

I cannot sleep. I don't mean i can't get to bed at 2am...4am etc i consider them times early for me. Usually its 8am when i sleep. I don't know whats gone wrong I've been like this since i was 14(19 now).

Recently I was diagnosed with epilepsy and lack of sleep plays a major part in having a seizure, I've had 5 in the last 3 months (which by most accounts is an extreme level) I got a gp visit card recently which means i can visit the gp free of charge and was thinking of asking for sleeping tablets but don't want to look like someone who just goes straight in asking for meds. I'm afraid if i do the GP will see that straight away.

I asked this before about my sleeping on this site, i don't know where else to ask really, what do people think i should do.

P.S before people say it: I've tried reading a book, removing tv from room, going into my room only when im sleepy etc etc all the usual tips ( sorry i don't mean to sound like an ass but i just don't know what to do!)

I'm literally at breaking point, my sleeping patterns are ruining every aspect of my life i don't know what to do. I can't wake up for my GF, for appointments or even for party activites: stalls, meetings etc.

(its 5am my time posting this btw)


I know internet advice can be bitter-sweet- good thing I don't have 'advice'. What I do have is a friend who suffers from nearly everything you've described but does not have epilepsy. (He has other things like kidney stones and liver problems- although not affected by his sleeplessness as severely as epilepsy) It's not 'sleeplessness' as much as it is a weird interrupt and shift in sleep cycles. He went to the hospital and then went to a clinic of some sort where they did sleep tests- where he basically went to sleep (or tried) while he was hooked up to machines and such. They found he had sleep apnea- which in his case was severe- it was causing him to wake up feeling like shit (whenever time he'd wake up at)

This wasn't what was causing the sleep interrupts but I believe the last time I talked with him he said he was sleeping better- and was on a rough schedule.


All of this was affecting his social life, his work life, his married life, so on and so forth.

You're not alone. There are likely ways, whatever the problem is, can be treated. That's the best pat on the back I can offer at the moment.

[ellipsis]

Also masturbation.

[nip]

I think you should see a doctor. It sounds like it's getting bad.

[Aurora]

You could go the no drugs route, no caffeine no nicotine a couple hours before sleep, or you could try diphenhydramine its over the counter or benzos like diazepam or temazepam need a prescription for them but their used to stop seizures too so probly easy enough to get. Another one is exercise that seems to work for a lot of people, theres also the possibility that your so anxious about getting to sleep that you cant that happens to me quite alot.
I cant say ive had much luck with this myself :/ but def talk to your gp about it he/she'd probly give you the best advice.

btw sorry for not keeping in contact ive been goin through similar stuff :(

[Aloysius]

I've been having trouble getting to sleep as well, but remotely as bad as you. I might try the melatonin.

[Reznov]

In the same boat with you.

If I do stay up till 8 am, i force myself to stay up untill 10 at night the same day. (Sometimes i drink those 5 hour enegry or whatever they are)

Its worked for me and helped me crach around 10, 11, 12 at night and to somewhat regulate my sleep a little.

And, you are also stressed (I know that you know this and have heard the story) believe me, even a little stress makes it very hard for me to sleep.

How you can cope with the stress is on you to find out though, friend.

[Bubbles]

Go to the doctor for fuck sake. It's what they are for.

[Autumn Red]

Usually changing sleeping positions or even sleeping somewhere completely different helps me to sleep.

It seems like sleeping during the day might just be a part of your natural sleep cycle. I'd have to go with the sleeping pills man.

[Susurrus]

Chamomile tea with some honey mixed in is nice, though from your description it doesn't sound like this will help much... If you want, you might try meditation. As psuedo-sciency as it is, it is quite relaxing.

[Lenina Rosenweg]

Perhaps you are stressing about not being able to sleep which ironically can make insomnia worse.I would be careful about diazepam or temazepam although if nothing else works this may help.I would try melatonin first, in the US available at CVS or other "drugstores". I've found melatonin to be very effective and I would agree with Redson as well ;weed, herbal relaxation teas, hemi-sync, and masturbation can help.

The best thing would be to see a doctor or a therapist to get advice.

[9]

how can you guys go to sleep when your stoned?? keeps me up.

actually I don't sleep much either - some nights not at all. I have also tried all of the things being recommended in this thread (including having a benzo habit for about seven years; I would not recommend that route at all). Melatonin does nothing for me either [I should add that i haven't tried it in about a year and a half, though, and I know ppl who rave about it]
The one thing I have tried that actually works is Trazadone. I think it is used for something else mainly, but they prescribe really low doses also as a sleep aid and in terms of side effects its very mild. Only problem is that you will be tired all day the next day at work, and it can give you really horrifying dreams. But if all else fails, it's definitely worth a try.

[anticap]

I can tell you what has worked for people I know.

Decide on a sleep schedule and stick to it no matter what. If you decide to sleep from 10pm-6am, then set your alarm for 6am and roll out every day no matter how you feel. At 10pm, your head hits the pillow no matter how engaged you are in an activity. If you lie awake all night, so be it. Roll out with your alarm and suffer through the day.

Do NOT use stimulants to get you through the day; the idea is to be tired at bedtime. If you absolutely must have coffee to even keep your eyes open, then at least deny yourself any stimulants past the halfway point of your day (2pm in this example).

If you use drugs to help you sleep, avoid those that are habit-forming. You do NOT want to become dependent on benzodiazepines. They will only make things worse in the long run.

You CAN fix your sleeping pattern, but it will require iron-willed self-discipline. The first step is to ask yourself if you really do want to sleep. Staying up all night watching TV or playing video games would suggest that you don't.

[Ocean Seal]

Ok so the first things to do in this situation. Is use absolutely no drugs (legal/illegal).
No Alcohol
No caffeine
Also don't eat before you go to sleep. Do not eat a meal after 8PM. Do not exercise after 4PM. No electronic stimulation after 8PM. Try this on a weekend. Try walking around all morning, try doing this outside. If you live in a city try to do this outside of the city. Go home, and drink lots of water. If breathing is your problem, and you can't sleep because you can't breathe I recommend orange juice instead. Whatever you do: DO NOT SLEEP DURING THE DAY. By 2PM remind yourself that you will be going to bed at 9PM. Now feel free to do as you please during the rest of the day. Try eating early and eating something healthy. Low in sugar high in fiber. And get in your bed by 9. If you enjoy music then listen to something you like. If you want to watch tv then put on something kind of boring to you. And just try sleeping. Considering your condition, if this does not work. Try to see what a doctor will recommend.

[Ovi]

how can you guys go to sleep when your stoned?? keeps me up.

I guess it depends on the type of weed. As far as I know, indica types makes you sleep, while sativa one's are the opposite. I sleep much of the next day and the one after that if I get really stoned.

[piet11111]

Do some exercises like riding your bike running or having sex then take a warm shower and go to bed.

[Foxy]

You should be having this discussion with you doctor. It is very much a medical question. If you doctor will not take time to talk to you about it in a serious way you should ask for a pschciatrist referral. That is because psychiatrists are used to prescribing sleep and related medications not because you are crazy. With epilepsy involved don't mess around. You need a good doctor you can trust who will take time to talk to you.

[Amphictyonis]

Insomnia sucks. I had to get ambien but it made be sleep walk like a zombie. It's like being on acid if you don't fall asleep after you take it. Really shitty stuff (unless you're into hallucinating and whatnot).

I'm useless if I don't get 8 hours sleep. Meditation works sometimes. Natural sleep aids are good as well (health food store). I get insomnia about 3 nights a month.

To the poster above, 'regular' doctors prescribe sleeping pills.

[Comrade Phil]

Doing this stuff helped me for the most part...

-drastically reduce or eliminate your intake of caffiene, nicotine, alcohol, thc, etc..detox yourself

-make a determined effort to keep your sleeping patterns constant. ie. try go to bed at the same time every night, get up at the same time every morning.

-Benzos are really good for sorting out your sleeping patterns, but you should not rely on them forever. They will eventually "wear you down" and are addictive as fuck. Some studies indicate that long term use of some benzos puts you at risk for cancer as well. Melatonin tablets are good for the long term..just take them earlier in the evening otherwise you might be really hung over in the morning. Personally I think diphenhydramine is garbage but everyone is different. Definitely check with your doc before taking anything....

-Exercise regularily..just not before bedtime.

-If possible keep your bedroom exclusively reserved for sleep and sex. Prevent the bedroom from being associated with the stresses of life (don't go through your bills in the bedroom). You want going to bed to be a relaxing experience not anxiety provoking.

-Assess whether your insomnia is a symptom of depression.

[gorillafuck]

Using weed to sleep is such a waste of weed......

Anyway, I used melatonin for a while. I dunno if this is the case for everyone, but it gave me very vivid dreams (not why I stopped though).

[Rousedruminations]

I don't drink, smoke or go for the weed. Yet maybe, drinking til your about to collapse on the bed could work ! lol :D if it is an on-going problem then i don't know sleeping tablets ?

[Foxy]

See a Neurologist about this. If you have epilepsy you should be followed by a specialist. Don't take anything over the counter or otherwise untill the doctor that prescribes your anti seizure medication approves it. Drug interactions can be deadly depending on what your taking to prevent seizures. If you see your GP he should coordinate prescribing with you neurologist. You need good doctors that you can talk to and trust. Better than on line advice any day!!!

[syndicat]

if you're having seizures, you need to see a doctor. here in the USA there are sleep centers where they have sleep specialists but I don't know if they'd have something like that in Cork. i've heard of young people having this kind of condition, so you're not alone.

i'm a chronic insominiac myself. but i have the form that tends to hit people when they're middle aged. when people get older it becomes harder to sleep. i would recommend staying away from benzos (like ativan or the other ones mentioned by posters here). they're highly addictive. might be okay for a particular high stress situation temporarily. i take an anti-depressant, which is a common tactic physicians have for insomnia. in my case it works fine.

i tried a lot of the other things people mention here -- chamomille tea, gaba, melatonin, meditation, etc. Didn't work for me.

[Die Rote Fahne]

Melatonin supplementation.

Smoke a joint.

Relax in a nice, warm bath.

Change you're bedroom around.

That's my suggestion for trouble sleeping. If your problems persist, or go beyond sleeplessness, see a doctor.

[Bitter Ashes]

I stopped drinking tea/coffee/cola after 6pm and reading in bed for an hour before I wanted to drop off. Valarian and Hops help too as a herbal remedy, but they taste bloody awful!

[ellipsis]

LOL i drink coffee until 8-9, i like staying up till like 1am.

[Coggeh]

In the same boat with you.

If I do stay up till 8 am, i force myself to stay up untill 10 at night the same day. (Sometimes i drink those 5 hour enegry or whatever they are)

Its worked for me and helped me crach around 10, 11, 12 at night and to somewhat regulate my sleep a little.

And, you are also stressed (I know that you know this and have heard the story) believe me, even a little stress makes it very hard for me to sleep.

How you can cope with the stress is on you to find out though, friend.
I do the same as you once i pass 9:30am i plan to stay up the whole day, one time i tried it i downloaded a game to keep me awake next thing i knew was screaming being held down by my bro after having a seizure without even realizing it :( so i stave off the technique of getting no sleep one night lots next, never works anyway for me.

Thanks alot to people who offered advice but saw GP 3 days ago and she wrote it off as simple stress which may be right, told me to relax and all the usual stuff.

Obviously (if anyone has checked my post time) it hasn't worked (6:55 am):(

[ContrarianLemming]

I cannot sleep. I don't mean i can't get to bed at 2am...4am etc i consider them times early for me. Usually its 8am when i sleep. I don't know whats gone wrong I've been like this since i was 14(19 now).

Recently I was diagnosed with epilepsy and lack of sleep plays a major part in having a seizure, I've had 5 in the last 3 months (which by most accounts is an extreme level) I got a gp visit card recently which means i can visit the gp free of charge and was thinking of asking for sleeping tablets but don't want to look like someone who just goes straight in asking for meds. I'm afraid if i do the GP will see that straight away.

I asked this before about my sleeping on this site, i don't know where else to ask really, what do people think i should do.

P.S before people say it: I've tried reading a book, removing tv from room, going into my room only when im sleepy etc etc all the usual tips ( sorry i don't mean to sound like an ass but i just don't know what to do!)

I'm literally at breaking point, my sleeping patterns are ruining every aspect of my life i don't know what to do. I can't wake up for my GF, for appointments or even for party activites: stalls, meetings etc.

(its 5am my time posting this btw)

I have suffered from chronic insomnia since I was 8 years old or so, due to various other illnesses, you're certainly not alone.

I don't think theres anything wrong with asking for pills, but you may become dependant on them.

[Comrade Phil]

Coggeh:
If you are having persistent insomnia, I would go back to your doctor ASAP. It took me three appointments before my GP got serious and decided to actually help me with my insomnia. With your history of epilesy, they will start to take notice pretty quick.

[Sasha]

I do the same as you once i pass 9:30am i plan to stay up the whole day, one time i tried it i downloaded a game to keep me awake next thing i knew was screaming being held down by my bro after having a seizure without even realizing it :( so i stave off the technique of getting no sleep one night lots next, never works anyway for me.

Thanks alot to people who offered advice but saw GP 3 days ago and she wrote it off as simple stress which may be right, told me to relax and all the usual stuff.

Obviously (if anyone has checked my post time) it hasn't worked (6:55 am):(


you have other healt problems, maybe stress related?
check out chronic hyperventilation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperventilation_syndrome its what i have an my insomnia is related too that