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Original poster

When does not sleeping become a medical emergency?

44 replies

TolpuddleFarter · 14/05/2023 02:02

I am on my fourth night without sleep, despite taking 7.5mg of Zopiclone.

Every time I start to sleep, my body starts jerking. This has just been happening now, despite taking the sleeping pill. It happens every time, hence that I why I have zero sleep (no exaggeration.)

I don't know what to do, but I know this isn't sustainable. My dad has psychosis, and I am scared that this will happen to me.

OP posts:
JaneJeffer · 14/05/2023 02:24

Have you ever tried any of these exercises?

www.independent.co.uk/life-style/tiktok-military-sleep-method-b2161661.html#

sunshineandtea · 14/05/2023 02:47

No advice but that abounds awful, I hope you manage to get it sorted 😕

Original poster
TolpuddleFarter · 14/05/2023 02:51

JaneJeffer · 14/05/2023 02:24

I think I am unfortunately past that point. Everytime I get close to sleep my body starts jerking so I don't think this would work at this point (but could have been useful a week ago!)

Honestly, a month ago I was saying what a great sleeper I am. How quickly things change

OP posts:

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Sleep
porridgeisbae · 14/05/2023 02:54

Sounds like a restless legs type thing?

Do you have any other psychiatric symptoms?

I would be concerned too in your shoes due to your family history; that's understandable, and take myself to A+E.

They're usually pretty good there

(I have bipolar so I know how the system works.)

Best wishes and please keep us updated xx

RoseslnTheHospital · 14/05/2023 02:57

I would go back to your GP (presumably?) who prescribed the Zopiclone and talk to them about the jerking and the fact that you still aren't sleeping. If you can't get an appointment with them urgently then perhaps A&E (or an Urgent Care?) might be an option.

iamsmaller1 · 14/05/2023 03:26

Are you on any other medication? I was prescribed an anti depressant that gave me RLS (restless leg syndrome) as a side effect.. it sounds similar.. I couldn't sleep as legs would not stay still

Ladybug14 · 14/05/2023 03:35

Do you think that your anxiety is keeping you awake after you experience the jolts?

Or are the jolts happening all night?

Ladybug14 · 14/05/2023 03:41

Oh and.....Google says that zopiclone can cause muscle spasms as a side effect Flowers

Original poster
TolpuddleFarter · 14/05/2023 11:56

porridgeisbae · 14/05/2023 02:54

Sounds like a restless legs type thing?

Do you have any other psychiatric symptoms?

I would be concerned too in your shoes due to your family history; that's understandable, and take myself to A+E.

They're usually pretty good there

(I have bipolar so I know how the system works.)

Best wishes and please keep us updated xx

Thank you.

I have always had anxiety, but it has been worse recently.

I believe the fluoxetine has started the jerking, and I guess the Zopiclone hasn't helped.

I did get to sleep - I went and got a glass of sherry and then I managed to get four hours after that (I know this isn't a good idea, but I was desperate.)

OP posts:
Original poster
TolpuddleFarter · 14/05/2023 11:58

RoseslnTheHospital · 14/05/2023 02:57

I would go back to your GP (presumably?) who prescribed the Zopiclone and talk to them about the jerking and the fact that you still aren't sleeping. If you can't get an appointment with them urgently then perhaps A&E (or an Urgent Care?) might be an option.

Thanks.
I went to urgent care yesterday, and they advised me to take double to dose of Zopiclone as I was prescribed (3.75 to 7.5.)

I will go GP tomorrow. I am hoping for sleep tonight

OP posts:
Original poster
TolpuddleFarter · 14/05/2023 11:59

iamsmaller1 · 14/05/2023 03:26

Are you on any other medication? I was prescribed an anti depressant that gave me RLS (restless leg syndrome) as a side effect.. it sounds similar.. I couldn't sleep as legs would not stay still

I was so tired last night I forgot to say that i'd been prescribed fluoxetine! So yes, that is where I think this has all originated from. I feel a bit silly that I still took today's dose. I guess it's because it is drilled into you to ride the side effects out.

OP posts:
Nomad12 · 14/05/2023 12:02

Myoclonic jerks are normal when falling asleep. Don't let them cause you anxiety.

Original poster
TolpuddleFarter · 14/05/2023 12:03

Ladybug14 · 14/05/2023 03:35

Do you think that your anxiety is keeping you awake after you experience the jolts?

Or are the jolts happening all night?

Thanks ladybug

I have had these things in the past, and it hasn't bothered me greatly - a jerk and then back to sleep.

This time it is causing panic, and it is happening quite a lot. But I think that is down to the fluoxetine I started taking last week. I am going to stop taking them now.

OP posts:
Original poster
TolpuddleFarter · 14/05/2023 12:05

Nomad12 · 14/05/2023 12:02

Myoclonic jerks are normal when falling asleep. Don't let them cause you anxiety.

Yeah, they have never bothered me before. I think it's because my anxiety has been activated by the medication I am on.

OP posts:
girlfriend44 · 14/05/2023 12:06

Citalopram in the early days causes jerking.

Thequeenofwishfulthinking · 14/05/2023 12:08

I’ve no advice as I’ve tried everything! I’m exactly the same. I was reading all night last night but still nothing. Sending love. Can you try and sleep today? I can’t as I’m s single mum to three dcs. I would make an appointment with your gp first thing tomorrow morning.

Thesharkradar · 14/05/2023 12:12

So sorry for you op 😔
Just wondering if you're approaching menopause? I had a terrible time with sleep during all that 😣
Can you try with the sherry again, I'm sure a small amount won't hurt?

YouAndMeAndThem · 14/05/2023 12:17

Fluoxetine made me an insomniac for a few days, but it does ease off! No sleep is awful but it's not an A&E job for crying out loud. Call 111 for advice from medical professionals, try and snooze on the sofa today if you're able too.

Snowite · 14/05/2023 12:19

@TolpuddleFarter I have something that sounds like this in the past. Insomnia can quickly become utterly debilitating - that's literally why it's a torture method!
I was on none of your medication (so no idea about potential interactions)...the only thing that worked for me was 1300 mg magnesium chloride (2 x 650mg caps) to relax muscles + 1000mg l-tryptophan (2 x 500mg caps) taken as I go to bed. It started to work from the first dose within about 30 minutes. After 2 months of no deep sleep to the point I was a walking zombie and a total mess it felt like a miracle.

dizzydizzydizzy · 14/05/2023 12:21

I would definitely make a GP appointment tomorrow. Sounds horrible.

Thegoodbadandugly · 14/05/2023 12:24

TolpuddleFarter · 14/05/2023 11:56

Thank you.

I have always had anxiety, but it has been worse recently.

I believe the fluoxetine has started the jerking, and I guess the Zopiclone hasn't helped.

I did get to sleep - I went and got a glass of sherry and then I managed to get four hours after that (I know this isn't a good idea, but I was desperate.)

Show quote history

Have you had your thyroid checked?

Wapping123 · 14/05/2023 12:25

I have been through exactly this, I know how desperate it feels. I was afraid I was going to lose the plot completely and end up being sectioned or something. The anxiety and lack of sleep is very destabilising. The longer you don’t sleep, the worse the jerks get. It’s adrenaline, basically - your body and mind are stuck in constant fight or flight and as your body relaxes into sleep, your brain panics and jolts you awake to keep you safe. What has worked for me in the past is firstly accepting that I’m going to get very little sleep for a few days, but that although I will feel grim, that’s not going to be the end of the world. (Best not to drive though. You feel alert but it’s as bad as being really drunk in terms of judgement etc! Also try not to buy anything for the same reasons!). Then get plenty of exercise. Even just a walk will start to use up the excess adrenaline and that will help. Then when you do go to bed, don’t focus on sleeping. I pop in AirPods and prop up my tablet next to me, and I download a series of a TV programme which I find calming but not too interesting (Escape to the Chateau and GBBO have proved genuine life savers in the past!). As you watch them, you’ll get sleepy and you’ll go through the jerking awake thing multiple times - the trick is not to get scared or frustrated, just refocus on watching. Eventually you’ll sleep for a few minutes, then ten, then half an hour, longer chunks each time. Once you’ve got a few hours sleep, get up again. The next night you’ll find it easier, and after a few nights you’ll hopefully be back to normal. Just keep reminding yourself it’s anxiety based and like most anxiety issues, it peaks but no one can sustain that peak of anxiety for ever. Your background has understandably left you afraid of psychosis, as mine has, but try to steer your mind away from that thought - it’s just about recognising the fear, and then refusing to invite the anxiety gremlin back to tea with you. Slam the door in its face, eventually it stops ringing the doorbell, I promise. Very best of luck and if you are getting worried speak to your GP. During one really bad episode mine prescribed a pill in pocket beta blocker which was a real help.

NillyNoMates · 14/05/2023 12:38

I have always been a terrible sleeper, and often go for a couple of days with no sleep. It’s soul destroying. The only time I have ever slept was when I was on Mirtazapine for a couple of years. I had to come off it because of the side effects unfortunately, but it may be worth you looking into it.

Nomad12 · 14/05/2023 12:55

The fluoxetine side effect's usually only last 2 weeks & are great for anxiety. If you can stick it out for another week, it'll be useful. It's common to have sleep disturbance when you first start them.