To keep going back to the doctors for this

[IADBUithink]

Name changed for a different post but have been on here a while.

I went to the doctors years ago about my anxiety and other related problems.
Was diagnosed with GAD and an array of other issues and put through CBT.
One of the biggest issues I had to battle with was not being able to sleep. I was given tablets to help me but they did nothing. I feel like the more I go back to the doctors the more they treat me like I am just attention seeking/a burden.
I managed to get my sleeping back on track by myself but for the past few weeks have been getting a maximum of about 4 hours a night.
I’m getting so frustrated right now because some days I can be fine but more often than not (and usually when I have to get up in the morning for work etc) I can’t bloody sleep at all.
Obviously tonight is one of those nights and I’m so frustrated lying here on my own that I’ve decided I need to ask for help.
I just don’t know where to go if my doctors is so keen to pass this off as not important.
I really don’t want to become reliant on tablets to sleep if possible.

Don’t let your doctor fob you off. Sleep is so crucial to overall health, including mental health. There is medication available to help in the short term of breaking the cycle and letting you get a restful night of sleep. It doesn’t mean you’ll be reliant on drugs long term. Do you remember what was prescribed last time? I find zopiclone a bit of a wonder drug but it’s only for short term use.

I don’t have the same chronic issue but I do find that the more I worry about not getting sleep the more awake I become if that makes sense.

I also have GAD but I won’t take pills for it because they’re just not for me. What I have found is ASMR. I listen to you tube videos with headphone and I can’t help but fall asleep. I couldn’t begin to explain how it works but I think it would be worth a try. Basically it’s to do with our brains reaction to sounds, whispering, self-care kind of stuff. Some is definitely not for me (tapping and mouth sounds) but some other stuff like face massage and hair brushing is quiet nice and works great for me.

Like I said, hard to explain but maybe google the term and give a few vids on you tube a go before you write it off. I have quite bad depression too and it’s helped me more than CBT did.

You could also listen to sleep talkdowns. There’s a great YouTuber called Michael Sealy and he’s lovely and calming to listen to.

Sorry I can’t suggest anything else. Hope you find an answer

How about yoga? There are poses that are meant to aid sleep. Deep breathing in a particular way is helpful. Look it up.

What is your diet like? Caffeine/alcohol consumption?

Keep going back, and don't be afraid of finding a new GP if you need. Some are better with mental health issues than others, but if you're still struggling then definitely go back and push. You are within your rights to ask to be referred to the MH team who may be able to offer alternative therapy, or another course of CBT if you found it helped. Your GP may ask why you want it, but they shouldn't deny the request.

What pills were you given? Amitriptyline could be really useful here. It doesn't make you fall asleep as such, but makes it easier to drift off and stay asleep

You have every right to expect the doctor to help you. Is it possible you’re depressed? I say this because when my mental health is slipping a bit usually the first sign is that I start waking up super early.

I use guided meditation for deep sleep. I have 15 minute, 30 minute and 45 minute sessions which I go between depending on how I'm feeling and I never get to the end.

Don’t let your doctor fob you off

In an ideal world that would be good advice.

But unless the OP is a danger to herself or totally dysfunctional then NHS can be next to useless.

I had BPPV - extreme dizziness- and my GP told me Youtube would be a better solution than waiting for a specialist.

OP you are better taking things into your own hands.

I would echo the suggestions of others.

Do you exercise? Yoga and meditation are good ideas.

YANBU

If you haven’t already, look at sleep hygiene (no screens in the bedroom or for an hour before bed, reduced caffeine etc) if it helps great, if not then at least you can tell the doctor what you’ve already tried

What do you expect the doctor to do for you? Do you think they have a cure they are holding back from you?

GPs have a very limited range of drugs to help you with this. They are not withholding or being unhelpful.
So yes YABU. I sympathise. As a PP said, you need to do everything you can to ensure that you are following the sleep hygiene rules.
Good luck

Maybe the OP has depression. They shouldn't just be sending her away.

There is not a lot tablet wise that can be offered for sleep. However do you think your GAD has been fully addressed?

Also has anyone spoken to you about sleep hygiene?

Unfortunately for it to work you have to do all of it, not just bits of it.
www.beh-mht.nhs.uk/Downloads/GP%20and%20referrers/Primary%20Care%20Academy/BEHMHT%20Resources%20Sleep%20Hygiene%20Leaflet1.pdf

www.nhs.uk/Livewell/insomnia/Pages/bedtimeritual.aspx

Have you tried Headspace? If you get into it, it has a whole series on sleep plus is free to start.

Thanks everyone didnt mean to post and run.
I’m not expecting a magical cure I’m fully aware this is something I have to deal with for the rest of my life but the lack of sleep is more than frustrating.

I have tried phenergan (I think that’s how they’re spelled) tablets and they did absolutely nothing. I used to use the YouTube sleep videos which worked wonders at first but couldn’t get them to work at all recently. I’ve tried a fair few over the counter sleep remedies which also don’t seem to do a thing.
Yoga I have tried but it’s a long term thing and I can’t afford to keep going to the local classes at the minute. They’re also usually on when I’m at work unfortunately.

I think perhaps depression might be an issue. They have said it before but I didn’t really explore it. I’ve grown up with both parents who each have their own set of mental health issues and I’m trying hard not to turn out like them.
I have been a lot worse in the past than I am now but I’m aware if I let my sleep carry on this way I’m on my way to a breakdown of some sort ans I really don’t want to go through it all again.

The sleep hygiene seems like a good way to go. I didn’t start improving until I stopped having him caffeine after 2pm and my phone is usually put away about an hour before I try to go to bed.
One of the biggest problems is probably DP. He snores loudly and it’s seriously annoying. I love him and I know it’s not his fault but when I’m tired I’m grumpy and that’s when I start gown downhill.

I use a few days temazepam as a reset when my sleep is bad. But that's from my CMHT suggesting it to my GP.

I’ve just been told there are free videos of yoga to do on YouTube. I think I’ll be giving that a go this evening!
I need to maybe start getting up earlier before work and getting some exercise in as well.