Thread: I have horrible insomnia and need some help?

I've struggled with severe insomnia since I was 12; we're talking days upon days of little to no sleep at all. If I do fall asleep, it's usually only when I physically can't go anymore and even then it's not more than maybe an hour (and that's only after about 4 or 5 days). Trying to nap during the day really isn't an option because I have a 2 year old son and nobody to watch him so I can try to get some rest. I've recently been losing my appetite, rapidly losing weight as a result of no appetite and feeling more and more sick and lethargic each day. Medications are out of the question because the last time I was given meds, they caused migranes, nausea, loss of appetite, fever, rash, depression, wild mood swings and even moderate hallucinations and paranoia. the last time I took the meds, I landed in the hospital for a week being treated for psychosis. Does anyone know what I can do about this??
It was flurazepam (Dalmane) I ws taking. Even my doctor said, though, that he'd never seen anyone that reacted so harshly to it >_< Made me afraid to take anything more than Tylenol PM

I'm sorry to hear about your insomnia.

Have you tried to wear yourself out quicker? I realize you have a young child, but if you went to the gym, say, for a few hours you might burn some energy.

I don't know much about insomnia, but I have trouble sleeping, (nothing like you) and I find it helps me a bit.

I have this too since I was young, I know what your are going through.

What drugs have you tried? anything OTC?

I will edit my answer.

I hope you check this, sry took me so long to write back, was sewing :-)

I have tried all of the drugs they scare me and don't work. I am thinking you might want to try Melatonin its over the counter, in the vitamin section. its the only thing that works for me.

Melatonin is what our bodies make to make us sleepy. you and I have low levels of they or don't make hardly any.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin

As far as OD'ing on it?"Is a lethal overdose of melatonin possible?

Well researchers cannot seem to identify a 'lethal dosage' of melatonin, but nevertheless, melatonin will apparently build up in your body if you take regular high doses of it.

The consequences of taking regular high doses of melatonin are still unknown. But one study in Holland tested doses of 75mg of melatonin on 5000 women over a period of 5 years and concluded that it was not dangerous, even at these high levels."

http://www.sleepydust.net/overdose-melatonin.html

So lots of the "Risk Factors" are gone. I had to up my dose after 5 years. but works every time.

Hope this helps.

Best Wish's,
Nolwe

I got into a horrible car accident a few years ago and broke my neck and ever since, been having the same problems. You can try relaxation techniques but if your mind tends to race like mine that might not work either. I know you said you cant take meds but ask your dr about a medicine called doxepin. It's for R.E.M sleep and also works somewhat as a light antidepressant. It really works well and its not a narcotic like most sleep aids that work. Good Luck.

I used to have that same problem and I cured it through the use of self-hypnosis. I know that many people believe that all hypnosis is a bunch of baloney, but that isn't true. Most people get their ideas about it from stage acts and television shows, and the things they show there are wildly inaccurate.

Once you learn how to hypnotize yourself, you can program your own mind to shut down all the wild and scrambled thoughts that are keeping you awake. Then you can sleep like a baby whenever you want or need to do so.

You can find step-by-step "how to" books on self-hypnosis in just about any boodstore, such as Waldenbooks, or you can even order one online from Amazon.com. Just type in "Self-hypnosis" on Google.

Hopefully you are taking a multivitamin with extra B-complex. Women need to replenish these vitamins after having our babies. The with all the stress and lack of sleep, we tend to need these vitamins even more because we don't always eat right during this time of our lives. Also, believe it or not, if you could take the baby out for a fast stroll everyday, about 20 minutes, it would raise your heart beat up and cause you to feel more tired and ready to sleep at the end of the day. Of course, it would also be a good idea to try a natural doctor if you can find one in your local area. They would also give you some great tips for solving these problems. But, if you cannot afford it, just try and buy some good multivitamins with extra b-complex in them and do a small work out to raise your heart beat for a short period each day. Don't forget to eat healthy and drink plenty of water. Dehydration is the leading cause of many of people's ills today and can lead to many more illnesses. Hope this helps!

My friend used to suffer from insomia as well but it was not serious compared to yours. I agree with mikaela. Tea and milk does help to get you to sleep. Also, try taking a warm bath before you go to sleep or ask someone to give you a massage.