Post covid insomnia SOS

[curiousturtle17]

I've always been a great sleeper but since having covid at the end of 2021 I've been up until 5am most nights and had a full 90mins before the alarm goes off.

I don't do screen time after 8, no caffeine after 2, warm baths with soothing salts, don't eat late, no sugar in the evenings, meditation podcasts, herbal over the counter remedies. NOTHING IS WORKING.

I've spoken to the doctor who refuses to prescribe anything for it. I've stressed how debilitating this is and that I'm struggling to function. I'm exhausted all day, my memory is appalling and I have no concentration but the doctor just seems to be like 'oh well I'm sure it'll pass eventually'.

Does anyone have any more useful advice?!

I know this might seem a funny question, but how is your breathing?

I had this for months after my covid vaccine. In the end methylated b12 and 600mg n-acetyl cysteine before bed cured it. It stopped the day I started the NAC but also started b12 a few weeks before.

I literally went from not being able to sleep to fast asleep within 5 minutes of turning the light out. I was also taking amitryptiline for migraines which is supposed to make you drowsy but had been taking it for a few months with no effect at all.
schoolafm.com/ws_clinical_know/insomnia-relief-for-night-time-racing-mind/

I can now go back to reading my phone before bed with no effects on sleep at all (that is all GP was interested in -sleep hygiene).

It’s a very common side effect of covid so it must be interfering with sleep pathways in some way.

You could try melatonin. That's helped me regain a level of sleep - c5 hours a night- but yeah its shit.

@JS87 very interesting

What about trying phenergen? Nytol does nothing for me but works for a lot of people. Melatonin or Kirkland sleep aid are other options - both available on Biovea.

You can get referred on the NHS to the sleep school app. The Sleepio app (same sort of thing) is also free if you’re in london.

Marshmallow root works for some people (natures diazepam).

Disclaimer: not covid-related advice. Just speaking with authority as a seasoned insomniac.

Hi - I’m still struggling with this months after covid. Am wide awake and ‘wired’ at 3am... Have tried magnesium, nytol and melatonin but no change... have you all had any luck?

I used to have trouble sleeping at night until I started smoking weed before bed. A nice Indica strain will send you off into a peaceful dreamy rest. Sativa strains are better for daytime use. And before anyone says this is wrong advice - heres how it helped me; Keeps me on a nice level mentally, stops me binge drinking and eating and I wake up feeling completely refreshed. I think you can get edibles if you don't smoke. Also if you don't want the 'lovely dreamy' high feeling you could try CBD gummies or oil all THC free.

Just to add, It's not an overnight miracle as it takes a couple of weeks to really feel the benefit once it gets into your system.

Just to say, you're not alone. Mine isn't as bad but I can definitely relate to being wired and getting very little sleep. It's so frustrating especially as I feel that my body needs the sleep to fully recover.