Insomnia driving me nuts

[itsallaboutschmoo]

In the last 9 months I've developed an irritating level of insomnia. I'm epileptic and I'm December was hospitalised with my seizures. After that my GP upped my anti seizure meds and I've been struggling ever since. Im ok once I get to sleep but dropping off is impossible. Im also perfectly capable of falling asleep in the day weirdly.

I'm not sure if it's medication related. I presume so? GP was unsure and I haven't seen my consultant since 2019 'because Covid.' I do know I can't be medicated to sleep due my seizures though which is quite annoying.

Does anyone have any experience/tips? I'm tearing my hair out. Ive had about 7 hours total since Sunday.

A mental sight called the mighty might help, or healthunlocked

www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2018/0904/991487-how-to-fall-asleep-in-two-minutes-using-a-military-method/
Have a go at this. I find the hammock thing relaxes me if nothing else.

Ooh thanks- the hammock thing sounds interesting.

I've given up and come downstairs for a bit. I find just lying there the worst thing

Have you tried the Headspace app? Both my GP and CBT therapist recommended it to me. I find it really good. Also, my GP prescribes antihistamines for insomnia. They also helped.

Other things that help - always get up at the same time, go out for a walk within 2 hours of getting up.

The only thing that works for me is a guy on you tube called Jason Stephenson… he does ‘insomnia talk downs’ loads of different types. Stick some headphones in and tell yourself if nothing else I’ll get to chill out and relax to his voice for a while… this takes the pressure off ‘trying’ to fall asleep which I find is soo frustrating! Good luck op, hope it helps you too.

@itsallaboutschmoo
I feel your pain! I have epilepsy too. I had two seizures and both were after only sleeping for a couple of hours the previous night.
I'm on lamotrigine and a side effect is insomnia My consultant has said I should have a supply of zopiclone (sleeping tablets) at home to take if I can't sleep. They can be addictive though so he says to only take one or two per week. My GP let's me have 28 every six months. I have a 'rule' that if I am not asleep by midnight I take half a tablet and most times that knocks me out.
Might be worth speaking to your GP/consultant?

[quote wizbit93]@itsallaboutschmoo
I feel your pain! I have epilepsy too. I had two seizures and both were after only sleeping for a couple of hours the previous night.
I'm on lamotrigine and a side effect is insomnia My consultant has said I should have a supply of zopiclone (sleeping tablets) at home to take if I can't sleep. They can be addictive though so he says to only take one or two per week. My GP let's me have 28 every six months. I have a 'rule' that if I am not asleep by midnight I take half a tablet and most times that knocks me out.
Might be worth speaking to your GP/consultant? [/quote]
Ooh! I'm also on lamotrigine! That's very interesting. I was told I wouldn't be allowed sleeping pills but those sound great even if I can only use them for hopeless case nights. I've got a horror cold this week and I'm pretty sure it's in part due to the fact I had bugger all sleep last week. Not exactly great for the immunity