Horrendous insomnia on long haul holiday

[MichaelandKirk]

Can anyone help please. I have had this sort of thing before but I am determined not to let it ruin my life.

We are on a luxury holiday in the Far East so 8 hours time difference. We are on day 10 and I am having horrible insomnia. I have been taking some sleeping pills (zopiclone 7.5 mg - hate taking them which I suspect doesn’t help) for 6 of the days and really tried to do without them for a few days. Nothing is helping and I feel I am ruining the holiday not just for myself but for my DH too.

Over the years I have tried over the counter everything, a pillow from home once and even tried the military way of trying to sleep. Nothing works! I am an over thinker sometimes but only work part time in my current job which although frustrating isn’t stressful. I am early 60’s. Cannot sleep on planes or upright. Everyone else seems to manage just fine.

Should I try a different sleeping pill? My Dr isn’t keen on them. Or has anyone tried CBT. I think it might go in more if I actually attended in person rather than online.

At home I am much better. With all my stuff around me and I guess a routine.

Any advice from anyone that I could try.

I know it sounds completely ridiculous doesn’t it?

See if they sell circadin (melatonin) in any of the pharmacies over there. That’s the only way i can sleep on flights or when dealing with jet lag.

You’re not the only one, I have similar issues, although for me it’s generally when I’m away on my own without dh, just can’t sleep without zopiclone and now I’ve run out!
It’s stopping me doing things like going away with work, going away with friends. Sadly I don’t yet have a solution but wanted to let you know it’s not just you. I hope it improves for the rest of your trip.

I used the Timeshifter app on our last long haul trip. The first trip is free. Depending on how long you’ve got left before you leave, it might help for adjusting on the way back.

Is it the case that the Zopiclone is working but you don't want to take them? I have the same issue with jet lag and I find that half a 7.5 tablet works fine. You might feel more comfortable with the lower dose.

Usually you only take zopiclone for 3 days in a row so you don't become dependent on them.

Can you see if you can buy Phenergen?

Melatonin is best if you can buy that.

I'm a terrible insomniac, home and away, but whenever I go abroad I stock up on melatonin. I don't feel groggy in the morning either.

Currently on holiday in Malaysia, 5am and am feling the same way OP. No advice, just sympathy. I have a 4 month old too though, so I think I'm used to living on no sleep by this point.

I had the worse jet lag in Japan

If I got to the states I'm fine even when i return.

When I can back From Japan I had zopiclone as id not slept for weeks

Try taking it at a different time and the wean off it.

Sorry not much help
But massive empathy

Thank you all. I am you going to see GP when I get back. If I need to take sleeping pill every night then so be it. No issues on the return to UK.

I know GP’s don’t like to subscribe but honestly it’s one of the most prescribed so someone must be getting it!

Got back yesterday from Far East to UK. Now had a sleep in my OWN bed. Although not 100% much much better. What is all of that about?

I could understand if I just suffered for a few days or even 5-6 days but for 14 days.

I am thinking now sleeping pills are the answer when I am abroad and definitely with big time differences. I need to take them and ensure that I get a full 8 hours but should stop beating myself up by taking them or trying to fall asleep and then taking the pill too late.

Thank you all for supporting me. It’s good to know I am not the only one.

@MichaelandKirk

Now had a sleep in my OWN bed. Although not 100% much much better. What is all of that about?

Might be tied in with this:

https://www.reuters.com/article/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/why-you-dont-sleep-well-in-a-strange-bed-idUSKCN0XI28D/#:~:text=“When%20you%20sleep%20in%20a,Yuka%20Sasaki%20of%20Brown%20University.

Now you’re home, back in familiar surroundings, and the perceived need to be extra vigilant has gone…?

I do know many people find night one in a strange bed/room when time zone crossing a particularly bad one for sleep, even if they go to bed absolutely cream crackered.

Be aware that Zopiclone doesn't replicate natural sleep so don't worry if you don't get the full 8 hours on it. I barely make it past 5/6 hours. I just like the fact that I get a break from being awake and unable to sleep!

You’re just sensitive that’s all?

Could read Highly Sensitive People.

the best time is on your 20s sensitivity goes down.

The other thing that would really stress me out on a long haul holiday would be knowing I had a fixed itinerary that I had to stick to.

When I can’t sleep I need to know all commitments are off.

The other thing I’ve trained myself to do is fall asleep to podcasts.

It’s amazing. I only need to hear the voices of the hosts and I’m off.

they make me laugh and take away my stress about sleep.

often it’s the stress about getting to sleep that stops you sleeping!!