Can't sleep!

[Debby]

Hoping that someone can relate...I am exhausted but when I close my eyes I'm wide awake again...and mind is racing. I sit up all night alone while my family is peacefully sleeping. Feeling so... Frustrated. Three weeks ago I went 5 days and 5 nights before I slept - my longest stretch. I try melatonin ultra with minimal success, valerian tea, other natural remedies, and it just does not seem to make a difference if my body isn't ready to sleep. Thoughts? Ideas? Sympathy?! Help plz!

[Camsue]

Hi Debby

Welcome..Personally I've never had a problem going to sleep..the opposite, I have to fight to stay awake!

My son has your problem and is using a product to helpm'turn him around'..I'll have to check with him to find out what it is..He said it's like a reverse 'Rockstar' helping set a good pattern. I also read good reviews on Natrol Sleep N Restore Tabs

[22cyclist]

Debby: I have that same problem, or had. Taking Tysabri keep me awake. I can't get to sleep, and when I do finally I am wide awake at 3 am! So, my neuro tried ambien, lunesta, some antidepressants, none of them worked, all of them I was awake at 3. So they finally gave me Seroquil. Now I sleep until 6 am. Much better. So you should ask for something. I mean you can try benadryl if you want to just try something OTC.
You need to sleep.

Good luck
Lisa

[JerryD]

Debby,
I was in your position 3 years ago. I tried every herbal supplement and then I tried a standard dose of Benedryl. I then found a sleep aid that included a low dose of Benedryl. It worked but I would get a 'hangover'. I then found out about Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). I began taking this pharmaceutical (4.5 mgs.) and I have been able to sleep well ever since. Good luck

[Debby]

Thanks y'all...unfortunately I've tried most of your suggestions...and they either didn't work or no longer work, or have negative side effects. I seem to become used to meds really fast and they lose their effectiveness. That's why I am trying more holistic type things, but it's all new to me and I have a lot to learn. Seroquel did help me sleep, but it altered me so much, made me feel so strange...scary strange, that I had to let it go. When you find yourself LOST in the dry shower in the middle of the night, calling for help and desperately confused, you have a bit of a problem! . Susan, I'll look forward to your son's superstar solution! You never know...it might be just what I need! That is the beauty of these forums, so many different ideas you might not have known about or considered from people who actually KNOW what you are going through!

[Debby]

JerryD, that's one I have not heard about. I will ask my doc about it - thanks so much!

[Tracy42]

I sooo get it

Debbie,

I just want to sympathise with you!

I have tired everything, and my doctor told me how important it is, it's when our nerves regenerate.

It's been 5 years and I am pretty much resigned to it. I used to sleep like a baby, and was soooo happy to crawl into my comfy bed and my dark quiet room.... I go on and off with sleep meds, but they don't work anymore either...I've stayed up for three days at a time, totally quit trying to sleep...I would go watch horses exercising and journal. Now I try having the tv on and no good. I was told Benadryl and a glass of wine...I think that worked (yuk, I hate wine though)

Now, I just try to accept it as my new reality. I think when my body and brain are sooo exhausted somehow my boys says "you used to go go go non stop, you shouldn't sleep". I have no idea. BUT I feel your pain!! If you can sleep when ever you can. I have found that I may fall asleep at wired times and places and I go with it.

I'm probably rambling, but hang in there!

Wishing you fast approaching sweet dreams!

God bless,
Tracy

[Camsue]

from my son

http://www.drinkdreamwater.com/

Hi again Debby..I talked to my son and it's called Dream Water. He said he tried because it was offered on one of those 'Groupon' deals.
He drinks green tea sugar-free Rockstars in the morning instead of coffee. This works for him and I hope you get some fast relief too!!
Take care

[fishead]

Debby,

I know this will sound CRAZY.... but take3 diff pain meds every night, (have been on them over 5 yrs now), so I do not respond to "over the counter" sleeping aids. What I HAVE found to help (not "put me to sleep", but helps"relax me") is this simple little thing: I talked to a "natural healer" and they told me about "sleepy time" tea (can be found in any grocery store). I went to the store and got it. I use 2 bags of it every night, and it REALLY DOES help me to "calm down/relax". It will not make me sleep, but helps me to start down the "path" of getting to bed so I can sleep.

I hope this can HELP you. Sorry it is not a panecea, but hope it HELPS!

[Debby]

Fished, Susan and Tracy....thanks guys so much, for the ideas, your time, empathy....means a lot. Don't feel so alone tonight. I seriously will check out your suggestions.