Sleep Disorders Forum - How Long Can Brain Go Without Sleep Before Damage Occurs?

Mental Health > Sleep Disorders Forum > How Long Can Brain Go Without Sleep Before Damage Occurs?

Q: How Long Can Brain Go Without Sleep Before Damage Occurs?

asked by: cabits on May 13th, 2006

New User

I have been on medication for depression for years and the latest pills that I am taking have caused me to not sleep. I mean 24 , 48, 72 hours at a time. Doctor gave me ambien and that worked for about 2 to 3 hours but not every night. Now she gave me ambien cr. I take it. Wait for an hour then try and lay down to go to sleep but just stay awake for another hour or two. Then if i'm lucky will get to sleep for 2-3 hours along with some vivid dreams. The ambien cr has caused a resurgence in my depression so I am discontinuing it. So the question is how long before permanent damage is done to my brain becaue it can't shut it self off for sleep? Its been several months already.
:shock:

Replies(1)

Spirit

replied on May 14th, 2006

Experienced User

Use 5-htp, I use the one from metabolic maintenance(they got their own website), but any good quality one will do. Also took depression meds for a short period of time.....Stopped when it interferred with my sleep. 5-htp is actually something your body needs so give it a shot, one cap in the morning and one in the evening.....Works like a charm. Tried the melatonin but only worked once for me.

Don't know how long you can go without sleep before losing your mind...But if your already getting violent thoughts your probably long over due. :)

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