Insomnia

[Thatslife72]

I have suffered with bouts of insomnia for years but it was never really a major problem I would just make up my sleep in the day or have a few crap nights sleep followed by a good one! However over the last few months it's really been having a huge effect on my life the last few weeks in particular, this week it got worse and worse to the point I wasn't sleeping at all because I began to panic at bed time knowing I wouldn't sleep. I have become an emotional wreck crying panic attacks, no energy, headaches. In the end my bf persuaded me to go to the drs as I was absolutely desperate.

The dr prescribed zolpidem sleeping tabs, warning me not to use them too often as they are really addictive, I was so scared to even take my first dose but I was desperate so I did and they knocked me out, I felt a bit drugged the next day for a while but they did the trick, all I want is to get a natrual sleeping pattern back again, I'm still not sleeping so wondering how many more times I should take them without getting addicted. Anyone got any experiences with this, I know there's loads of bad experiences but is there any positive in the short term?

Yes, I take them. I first had the 7.5mg strength quite a few years ago and they were great. I used them most nights for a couple of weeks and then occasionally for a few weeks after that.

For the last year I have had the 3.5mg strength and take them, on average, once a week. Sometimes I don't have one for two to three weeks then I might have two in a week. I normally know when I'm going to have a bad night and can actually manage 1 bad night just not several in a row. I don't have any side effects from them at all and feel better knowing I have them there if I need one.

The other things I have found that help me are the Bach's rescue remedy night melts and the Febreeze lavender spray. I expect that's "all in my head" but I have had some good nights using them. I have also had a course of CBT and find some of the techniques help.

I used them for about four nights in a row to get back into a good habit. I use sleepy antihistamines to help otherwise.

Thanks for that, I think I will take one tonight,nits been a really bad day after an awful few nights x

Those nits, eh?! They really hate not getting their sleep! ??I also listen to plainsong chanting and music whole I go to sleep. Hope you get some rest tonight.

In a similar position, but haven't been to the doctor yet. I can handle one sleepless night, but have started going through periods where I get two in a row, and on either side of that a few nights of broken sleep, maybe 3-4 hours of half-dreaming with my mind racing over nonsense. Haggis, do you mind saying which sleepy antihistamines you use? I had a look once but all I could find were "Non-drowsy" ones.

I think it begins with a c! I'll have a look and post tomorrow.

There's a product called Asphalia which I have found very helpful - only available online, I think - and non addictive

Sorry my I pad changed it's to nits for some reason. I took one last night and slept, I need a few more nights like that to feel normal again, it's difficult to know what to do

Sko do they work like nytol? How do they make u feel, thank you everyone for your help. I was just discussing it with my bf, these tabs are helping me sleep at the moment and although I feel better today my energy levels are still low, so thinking might take them for a few more nights, just so I feel normal again, then wean myself off them try something natrual. What does anyone think I need some advise or opinions on this. I have felt absolutely awful

Thatslife72 what strength tablets do you have?

Eva, they are 5mg though it does say take 2, I took 2 the first time because I was in such a state they knocked me out, but last night I just took the 1 5mg and it just made me sleepy and was all I needed really plus I felt ok this morning!

Skolastica, I just bought some asphalia to try, I will try anything, it does have good reviews actually.

I take Amitriptaline ever night to help me sleep

I would take 1 for a few more nights until you catch up a bit and then either try without or try a half for a couple of nights. I find that just knowing I have them and can take one if I really need to helps me. I might try some Asphalia too. Nytol (non herbal) worked a bit for me years ago but gave me a dry mouth and slight hangover effect.

Thanks Eva, really appreciate your reply, I will let you know how I get on, good luck with the asphalia if u decide to try x

I have suffered insomnia too, what I found the most beneficial was a nice relaxing bath before bed, followed by a guided relaxation cd.

That used to help me 40something but I have gone into high stress mode from complete lack of sleep and now panicking at bedtime that nothing works only sleeping pills which is shit! Will get some rescue remedy tomorrow maybe that will help with the anxiety x

I have the rescue remedy spray and the night melts. I do think they help.

Re asphalia

I've had a couple of bottles. Didn't take the full dose - maybe I just took one when it said to take two. I broke the capsule by chewing - I always do this - and then swallowing with water.

The sleep was deep and refreshing.

I was struggling to afford them, so I just used to have one after I'd had a bad night, that way they helped me to catch up.

The only reason I haven't got any in my cupboard now is because I can't afford them

Yeh they are expensive I noticed that, I've ordered some but not sure if would be able to afford them long term either, but thanks for the recommendation ! Xx