Sleep Disorders Forum

Mental Health > Sleep Disorders Forum > Insomnia?

Q: Insomnia?

asked by: Brutali on February 2nd, 2006

New User

Hi there, this is the first time i've ever registered and posted on a medical forum, nor do I regularly visit my doctor. Just thought i'd say that.

I am 17, I am unemployed and in the process of getting a new job, im in more and more debt every week, I live at home, iv just started talking [and meeting] to my teenage love again and started seeing her behind my friends back. Obviously these things put together cause me quite a bit of 'raceful thinking' at night but I used to think it was just that,"im worrying too much" but now im starting to think otherwise. I've looked at some of the symptoms for insomnia and I myself show the following :

i wake up on average 3/4 times each night, normally only one of those to go to the toilet.
I keep having horrible dreams/nightmares and I have some red lights in my bedroom which I leave on when I go to sleep due to my having a few months of rem sleep paralysis a few years ago and ever since i've never been fully confident sleeping in the dark, hence I leave the lights on.

I havent gone to bed 'tired' for at least a few months as I just..Think too much, I cant help, my nature i've got an overactive imagination.

I'm just getting a little worried, I keep waking up tired and it takes me at least 30 minutes to get to sleep, even listening to some of the relaxing songs on my ipod just irritates me. I've seen the symptoms but I dont know what to do, I dont drink before I go to bed or drink caffeine or do drugs, smoke or eat before I go to bed, I get irritated by the small things sometimes [like the sound of someone eating at the dinner table] and I dont know what to do. Can anybody offer me guidance or advice?

Many thanks,

adam.

Replies(3)

jade##

replied on February 2nd, 2006

New User

Adam About Ur Sleep

Hi adam,

i have suffered from insomnia in the past and still do at times when I am stressed.

By nature I am a positive person but like you I have an over active mind too!

My problem is actually getting to sleep; it can take me up to 4 hours sometimes, on average 2hrs. From what you have explained I think you may have problems staying a sleep. You said it takes you 30 minutes before you get to sleep but wake up several times during the night.

Have you tried any herbal remedies?
I would suggest you try these first and if you don't have any luck go speak to a doctor. I can suggest a couple of sleep aids, although they are prescription medicines.

I’m not sure what country you live in so you may not have these. I am currently taking imovaine tablets; they are a mild sleeping pill. They work wonders at getting you to sleep and keeping you asleep. You can become dependant on them so it’s best just to use them to get you back into a normal sleep pattern. Once that is established just take ½ of one and gradually come of them.

Your local chemist should stock unicem sleep gel these are not a prescription drug; they are efficient at keeping you asleep but they don't put you to sleep like imovaine. Anyway it’s probably best you speak to a doctor a bout this.

Sleep disorders are generally brought on by stress and if you don't treat the underlining problem and in some cases lead to depression.

Hope I have provided you with some information

jade##

w0rldd0minat0r

replied on February 26th, 2006

Experienced User

Insomniac

Things that cause problems when trying to get to sleep in my personal experience:

doing something active before going to bed like doing weights or having a wnk (im 16 and male! Lol!) try relaxing mind for 30 mins before going to sleep

having something worrying u before going off to sleep I try writing in notepad on the computer a diary it helps to put ur feelings and thoughts down in a diary it helps to clear your mind

try taking a relaxing bath before bed

most important thing is not to worry about sleeping thats one of the main problems and dont exagerate how long it takes u to get of to bed tell urself it takes 20 mins to get of to bed and it will at least thats what I find :wink: do these things and should help u get u off to bed earlier

sleep well

stefanie

replied on February 28th, 2006

New User

Hey there

all the symptoms your feeling are caused by the insomnia, people really don't realize how important sleep is, and the irritation is a major symptom of not sleeping properly.

It sounds like your body isn't getting into the rem stage of sleep which is the restoritive stage. I would talk to your doc, which I know you don't see often but if you want to get relief that's the only way to go. Talk to him and tell him that your not sleeping well.

There are some really great sleep aids that they can give you that will help you get that rem sleep.

Over the counter aids aren't bad but they are not good for long term use so better to have the doc perscribe you some it's better.

Take care

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