Chronic Insomnia

[Readingandrighting]

Anyone else?

What to do?

I’ve tried everything I can think of: guided meditations, sleep tea, magnesium at night, no caffeine in the evening, breathing techniques.... it’s starting to feel hellish.

Anyone tried anything that worked?

Thanks

Active cherry helps a bit
Melatonin hit and miss

I’ve tried valerian & nytol (didn’t work last night) but never even heard of active cherry. Thanks.

OP, I did this program 14 years ago and it changed my life. It's not easy but if you can do it, it absolutely works.

www.sleepbetter.com.au/

Thank you. I have just been lying in bed crying at another night of insomnia (I didn’t sleep at all last night); so I’m willing to try absolutely anything at this stage.

@Grimsknee

I just went onto the website. Did you use the book? I’m amazed it costs $99! There’s a Kindle version but I don’t have Kindle.

Following
I average 3-5 hours of sleep

@Readingandrighting you can get a kindle app on your phone. But I’d suggest seeing your doctor and asking for promathazime hydrochloride (phenegen) it’s an anti histamine based sleeping tablet so you can have it long term unlike temazapam/diazepam. Also suggest buying melatonin off the internet.

Could peri-menopause be at play?

Thanks @E1ffelTower

I’ve never tried melatonin but have heard of it all right. When I eventually get to see the GP, I’ll ask about that anti-histamine. Nytol doesn’t work as well anymore.

@Aquamarine1029

I don’t think so ... I’m 40. I’ve had these issues since I was a teenager. I go through phases and right now with Covid stressors and marital separation, it’s acting up in a big way.

I didn’t sleep at all last night & felt like I could cry at any given second all day long today. Really ready to tackle this for once & for all.

How long ago did it start?

On & off in phases since I was a teenager. Significantly worse in last 7 years.

@parado
I feel your pain.

You can buy phenergan over the counter at boots etc I use it for hives.

How much exercise do you do? There is a direct correlation for me between physical exercise and better sleep.

Have you tried prebiotics? Those help me too.

@loubieloo4

Thanks. I will. It’ll help my hives too so

@BumbleNova

I go for a walk most days. I take probiotics - do you take prebiotics?

Me too and I'm up in 45 minutes for work 😭

Have you tried an anti anxiety med like Sertraline?

Insomnia can be so debilitating. I feel for you
I found the Sleepio course excellent. Very simple and well designed, clearly evidence based throughout and free for most postcodes ( I think it is funded by NHS health trusts in most areas, and can be the first port of call by GPs.... this also gave me confidence)
Good luck. 1 day at a time 🙂

Have a look at the “One week insomnia cure” by Dr Jason Ellis. I’ve done his training course for cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia and I think this book has all the principles in. It has a good success rate if followed consistently. Good luck.

Hi OP, the hard copy might be $99 but you can get the kindle app for free (phone, tablet or PC) and the audio downloads for around $30.

I also second what PP said about phenergen - I still have sleep difficulties when stressed, and use phenergen for one night here and there. It knocks me out but can feel a bit groggy the next day.

Actually you know what. I think I have the hard copy of the book somewhere, just need to find it. I'd be happy to scan and share if you want to pm me.

Following for advice. Averaging three broken hours a night right now.

I feel for you, I've had insomnia for most of my life and it's horrific. I was barely able to function some days.

I've found amitriptyline from the GP really helps, as does CBD oil. Used both last night and had a lovely deep, refreshing sleep and feel all energised today .