Trouble Sleeping, Advice Needed Please...

dalebillster | 22:23 Mon 23rd Jun 2014 | Health & Fitness

20 Answers

Hi AB'ers, glad to be back on here.
It's a common problem for a lot of people i understand, but iv really been struggling to sleep for a few months now, i can get ready for bed, feet up, hot drink etc... but just cannot settle off. I go to bed then i get incredibly irritated & get twitching in various muscles, i can lie there for hours but just never settle off. I'v never quite had it like this before and always enjoyed my sleep. I'v been prescribed medication by the doctor about 3 months ago for anxiety & depression. i was informed that one of the two types of medication would help me sleep &/or drowsy, but it aint touching me in that respect. The doctor wont give me any sleeping tablets as it may not mix well with the tablets im already on. HELP!! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, Dale...

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pixie373

You're on two medications for it? It would depend which they are. Do you have caffeine, sugary drinks or nicotine in the afternoon/evenings? Also, what time of day are you exercising?

dalebillster

Question Author

hiya pixie, im currently taking sertraline (75mg) once in the morning, & promazine (liquid in 25mg spoons upto 5x per day), I try and stay active during the day, fitness, gardening etc, i only really have a cup of tea in the morning and dont touch energy drinks as they tend to encourage heart palpitations, tend to favour dilute drinks, i do smoke but not in the house, and not really after about 6pm once im back home. My stress levels rise during the night for no apparent reason. Can you suggest anything?

237SJ

Melatonin?

dalebillster

Question Author

whats melatonin?

pixie373

I've used both those medications at work, but not familiar enough with the doses. It might be worth updating your GP, as it seems your anxiety is not under control yet- but with many antidepressants, they are increased slowly and three months can be early days.
I can only really suggest some stretching type exercises in afternoon and then warm bath to relax the muscles. Camomile tea makes my daughter sleepy. Sorry, haven't been much help, but hopefully some other suggestions will come along. Routine is important and not sleeping in the day (if you do).

237SJ

It`s a hormone that is produced in the body when light levels decrease and it induces sleep. You can get it in tablet form. A lot of people use it to help with jet lag and it does work but it`s probably best used in the short term to get your natural sleep rhythms back in sync.

dalebillster

Question Author

thanks pixie, i spoke to my doctor a few weeks ago as i was originally on 50mg sertraline but they increased it. A hot bath is something il certainly give a try. Thanks Pixie, il see where it takes me...

dalebillster

Question Author

Oh right thanks for that, Il pop up the pharmacy

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dalebillster

Question Author

thanks methyl, only problem i have with the no electronics part is i struggle to sleep in silence as i have always had ringing in my ears. I cant understand why i get so worked up at night when i should be relaxing :-(

pixie373

That's anxiety, dale- when you should be able to relax, you can't, as too much adrenaline going round still. Let your doctor know, he might adjust your medication or get you to take more promazine later in the day.

nurein

I think you should take some yoga or go for meditation because with sleeping pills you will affect your health only.

boxtops

I'm the opposite re sound - from choice I sleep with the radio on. It's a distraction if you wake up in the night, and it lulls me to sleep. Worth trying, from the other perspective!

Eve

I have a very strict bed routine and regime now, bedroom is only used for sleeping and getting dressed, hair done etc... No TV, no reading etc... I have a routine of shutting things off, locking all the windows and doors, taking tablets... right before I head to bed. I don't drink any caffeine before bed, eat my tea earlyish.

I know what you mean about sound, I have tinnitus and pressure and I have a humidifier on on a timer for one hour which keeps me nice and cool and is a nice distracting relaxing sound.

If I can't sleep I try to concentrate on just getting comfortable then have a day dream about something uncomplicated and relaxing (say a "perfect" bedroom, not having to get up for anything, even having room service if you need anything) and I find I often drift off then, I think focussing on not being able to sleep can be distracting it itself. Even if it takes a while to get to sleep it can help you relax and at least get some rest rather than tossing and turning.