|
Possibly insomnia?
For the past five years or so, I've had an awful time trying to sleep. It's recently gotten so bad that I go days with just a couple hours of sleep. I feel awful and heavy and gross, but no matter how much I try, I can't sleep. I try to relax, I meditate, I do a little reading before bed, and I've taken medication.
I spent a whole month taking NyQuil because it was the only thing that made me tired enough to sleep. I tried benedryl too, which helped both my sleeping and allergies. But now, none of them are working anymore. I've spoken to my doctors about it, but they only gave me anti-anxiety pills and while they did make me a little drowsy, they made me feel horribly depressed too.
I've never been medically tested for insomnia, but I think I need to. I'm pretty sure that's what it is. I'm hardly ever sleepy and when I am, it's during the day when I have to be around people. Otherwise, I'm wide awake. And sometimes, after an all nighter, I'm exhausted, but push through the day so I'm tired by the time bedtime comes around, but as soon as it gets dark, I'm wide awake and active. I really need help because this is driving me insane, and my mom too as I still live with her and she constantly complains about my staying up all night and taking naps during the day.
Can I get this medically tested? If so, what kind of procedure is it? Are there any natural remedies I can try aside from meditation?
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Health?
Hi,
Insomnia can occur at different ages, and due to many things, like: stress, anxiety, depression, illness, drugs & medication, hormones (e.g. during menopause), lifestyle (e.g. working nights), and more.
It is important to know that Insomnia is most commonly a symptom of a condition, rather than a condition itself, so it is important to work out what is causing it.
So, did your doctors give you anxiety medication because they thought you had anxiety (which was causing your insomnia), or was it a last resort to help you sleep? I wouldn't approve of giving anxiety pills to someone without anxiety, because that isn't really helping. Anyway, it might be important to think if you have felt depressed, anxious or stressed for the last 5 years.
I think you should see a professional in sleep medicine. Insomnia that has been going on for years definitely needs a professional to help, and can take time to fix. Help can include medications, behavioural therapy, and sleep diaries (to help pinpoint the pattern of insomnia), and others. A specialist might combine the use of behavioural practices and medication(behavioural practices can include simple things like not napping during the day, to more complicated behavioural therapies, which a specialist could explain to you).
Unfortunately I am not aware of many natural remedies, but I would suggest asking your doctors for a referral to a specialist, or ask them for advice on how to get into contact with a sleep specialist (I am not from the USA, so I can't help you with that, sorry) You should try this website, which I think can help you find a specialist:
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
I also found this website, which lists some simple, natural things as well as a couple of medications.
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
But, because your insomnia has been going on for years, it might be more helpful to see a professional rather than find a herb to help you sleep. Whatever it is that will help you sleep, I really hope you find it :)
]
Maybe your body just has its days and nights mixed up. And your dr. can suggest some things to try. Or your Dr might suggest a specialist to help you.
I use natural medicine, herbal preparations and such but haven't used any for insomnia. I have not had insomnia until menopause but it's not bad, occasional.
You can start doing the research on line. Or check out your local natural health store, even if its a food store, there will be an herbal personal care section. I like Super supplements so if you have one near, try them. The people who work there are usually very knowledgeable. I would check out melatonin first. Also look up herbal therapy, homeopathic therapy, and naturopathic therapy for sleeplessness or insomnia. Depending on the words you use, you bring up new search results. Couldn't find one article that lists everything but i did like the following:
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
]
More Questions: |