Insomnia

[MissMogwai]

Just having a bit of a moan really as I don't see a way out of this at the mo! It's a long, negative rant so I apologise in advance!

I've always struggled with sleep, from my early teens. Waking at 3/4am and then either falling back off about 6 or not at all.

I've tried everything over the years, various herbal tablets, over the counter meds, 'sleep hygiene' - some things work, some don't. Some work for a while but I must become immune and then they don't.

For years I used Nytol and then Pherneghan sleep which have been out of stock since November. I've had about 4 decent nights sleep since.

I've been to the doctors over the years but nothing they ever gives me works for more than 1/2 nights. I changed GP recently and they won't give me anything as they're saying it must be anxiety, and I shouldn't be dependent on sleeping tablets.

Fair enough, but I'm anxious as I'm shattered, worrying about my constant state of exhaustion and how it's now impacting on my life to the point of I just work/home. I'm forgetful, angry/upset, not performing to my usual standard at work (my own standards), have no energy. Im so tired I've gone into an odd zombie trance a couple of times!

I have had issues with anxiety before but other than this sleep issue, I have a good life and no major worries so I don't see how it can be that. I've tried no phone, hot bath, lavender this and chamomile that, but makes
No difference whatsoever.

I realise I sound defeatist and rambling here but im bloody nackered. Does anyone have any advice or just some solidarity would be much appreciated!

I’ll stand in solidarity with you.
Just the same as you are, I’m also worried about my constant state of exhaustion. I wake at 3/4 too and that’s it. I feel like a zombie and some days I look like one. I don’t want to do anything or go anywhere because I’m exhausted.
Like you I have tried all kinds of remedies and drugs, some work for a while then I think my body gets used to them. The most success I’ve had has been with antihistamines and co-codamol, hardly ideal! There was a thread about magnesium (which I’ve tried) on here and a few posters recommended a product called ‘Dream Sleep’ so I’m going to give that a go.
Fingers crossed someone comes along with a miracle cure!

Do you sleep better in a colder room? I certainly do. Do you eat late at night?

Yoga Nidra helped me massively with insomnia.

And the mantra eye mask, it totally blocks all light.

Thanks for your reply. I've tried magnesium too, didn't do much! I've not heard of dream sleep, I'll have a look at that, thanks!

Sorry you're in the same position, it's just exhausting isn't it.

I've tried the Calm app which is good for meditation etc but I still wake up. I fall asleep really easily at night, it's the horrible waking up!

The only positive is that I've lost over a stone since the Phenerghan ran out. My appetite has really reduced, so every cloud...

I hope things get better for you!

It's not been an issue, but I'll try it!

I do have an eye mask and I've been using the calm app. It's really good for sleep stories and meditations.

I still wake up in the early hours though and it doesn't seem to work the same then.

I'll look in to the Yoga. Thanks for suggestion!

Thank you-and you!

My GP prescribed me Trazadone which is not usually used for sleep but works amazingly well after years of insomnia. It also helps with anxiety. Might be worth asking about. I take 200mg about half an hour before bed.

I feel your pain. Insomnia is debilitating. The only thing that works for me is a swig of Night Nurse and a melatonin tablet. Disclaimer: I am not medically qualified !!

Are you menopausal age?

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/insomnia/

Have you tried a course of CBT with an experienced therapist?

Thanks for replies. I can't get night nurse anywhere locally, but will keep an eye out.

I'm 43 and do have some peri symptoms however my hormone levels mean the GP won't give me HRT. I've also had this issue for probably 30 years to varying degrees but I had read about sleep issues when menopausal.

I'm really trying to up my exercise but as I'm absolutely whacked it's a real effort. I love swimming and some classes but I'm so exhausted I just can't summon the energy.
I took a huge walk yesterday and was out like a light but then awake on and off from 2am.

I've had a good old dramatic cry this morning about it. Took myself on another walk to clear my head but I've had enough.

Heya, just wondering if u have found anything or are u still struggling?

Hello, after years of lurking on mumsnet your thread has encouraged me to comment (first time 😆). I too have had this from as far as I can remember. Went to the docs for a blood test. Turns out my thyroid is out of whack because of something called hashimoto disease. If you go for a blood test for this make sure they test the thyroid antibodies, as normal thyroid tests sometimes show nothing wrong. Also get a doctor to discuss your results with you not a receptionist. Their not qualified. I was told 'oh your thyroid levels are slightly out but that's pretty common so don't worry.....' yea thanks 👍🏻 nearly didn't follow through on getting another appointment because of this. All I'm saying is get a blood test in and don't be fobbed off. Good luck and God speed!

Sounds like you've got a Night Watchman. Was there something/someone that regularly disturbed your sleep in the early hours back in your teens?

Unlike the conscious mind, the subconscious mind doesn't shut down overnight, it deals with the events, lessons and thoughts from the preceding day, files stuff into 'to do' lists for tomorrow and often has a bit of playtime as well (that's the really weird dreams!).

If your subconscious found it necessary to poke the conscious into wakefulness to deal with a noise or a potential threat at some point in your life then it could have wrongly adopted that strategy as being useful and necessary going forward - much like a night watchman patrols at set hours to check that all is well in your mind.

I recently worked with someone who's bladder woke them regularly at 4am - very annoying and completely unnecessary. She nows sleeps through the night 😊

I found a low dose of Mirtazapine did wonders for my insomnia, along with sleeping in a morgue-like cold bedroom. Have you tried telling yourself that you must stay awake, listening to something boring and quiet? It's a little bit of reverse psychology that my brain falls for every time!

I've suffered with insomnia most of my life ' working shifts doesn't help but I am much better when I'm on nights as it fits more with my natural body clock!

Phenergan never worked for me as it I found I couldn't shake the drowsy effect the next day, I also tried Kirkland Sleep Aid after seeing it recommended on another thread and it had the same effect, so that might be something that works for you? I can only take it if I have no plans the next day!

Amitriptyline helps - if I take one before bed I don't tend to wake up in the night or can get back off again easily if I do, and I don't feel too bad the next day either.