I don't have insomnia, per se, but I do have issues with going to sleep and staying asleep. So, it's no wonder that it's 3:15am and I'm responding to a thread on TCS instead of being sound asleep in my bed...
For me, there are a lot of issues at play. To begin, I have severe anxiety as well as issues with post-traumatic stress disorder relating back to abuse and other situations. So, sleep is a very scary time for me. I also have OCD and, when not under "control," I can find myself up at all hours of the night. I then also have an eating disorder and that certainly can make sleeping difficult depending on the night. I am on medication to help with these issues and see professionals as well, but it's certainly not a cure all. Not by a long shot.
I also have some health issues that have caused sleep disturbances as well as the inability to fall asleep or stay that way. I won't go into all of the details, but I will second what others have said as far as having testing done to rule out issues such as thyroid and hormonal problems. I have chronic pain and a chronic health condition (interstitial cystitis) which also rears its ugly head at night. It's not uncommon for me to get up to use the restroom 10+ times per night. And, there are times where it gets far worse than that. True sleep disorders have been ruled out, but I do have health issues that influence the quantity and quality of sleep I get. So, I do the best that I can.
I am on medication. And, it's prescribed to me by my doctor. However, I went through many different avenues before settling on using some medication. I will NOT use a sleeping pill such as Ambien, Lunesta, or the like. It's my personal preference. But, along with an anti-depressant to help with my anxiety, I do take Valium (as needed) and Trazodone for sleep. I'd like to not take the Trazodone, but due to night terrors and flashbacks along with severe anxiety, I don't have another option right now. But, I should also mention that I see my doctors and counselors regularly and labs are taken at pre-determined intervals as well. Everything is monitored. It's not ideal, but it is what is working for me now and has been working for some time.
Are drugs the answer? No. But, before I took them, I didn't sleep for days on end. My body would finally take sleep and it was a dangerous and scary time for me. I still struggle today, but it is managed for the time being. So, while I may not have insomnia, I do understand and relate to the frustration. And, all I can suggest is to talk to your doctor and continue doing so until you receive some answers and some help. And, if your doctor won't listen, find another and another and another...until someone does. It doesn't have to be this way. And, please, don't be afraid to explore other options with your physician. It may not be insomnia at all. But, regardless, have faith that it can get better (and that goes for everyone reading this). There may not be an ultimate cure, but, with help, things can improve. Good luck
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For me, there are a lot of issues at play. To begin, I have severe anxiety as well as issues with post-traumatic stress disorder relating back to abuse and other situations. So, sleep is a very scary time for me. I also have OCD and, when not under "control," I can find myself up at all hours of the night. I then also have an eating disorder and that certainly can make sleeping difficult depending on the night. I am on medication to help with these issues and see professionals as well, but it's certainly not a cure all. Not by a long shot.
I also have some health issues that have caused sleep disturbances as well as the inability to fall asleep or stay that way. I won't go into all of the details, but I will second what others have said as far as having testing done to rule out issues such as thyroid and hormonal problems. I have chronic pain and a chronic health condition (interstitial cystitis) which also rears its ugly head at night. It's not uncommon for me to get up to use the restroom 10+ times per night. And, there are times where it gets far worse than that. True sleep disorders have been ruled out, but I do have health issues that influence the quantity and quality of sleep I get. So, I do the best that I can.
I am on medication. And, it's prescribed to me by my doctor. However, I went through many different avenues before settling on using some medication. I will NOT use a sleeping pill such as Ambien, Lunesta, or the like. It's my personal preference. But, along with an anti-depressant to help with my anxiety, I do take Valium (as needed) and Trazodone for sleep. I'd like to not take the Trazodone, but due to night terrors and flashbacks along with severe anxiety, I don't have another option right now. But, I should also mention that I see my doctors and counselors regularly and labs are taken at pre-determined intervals as well. Everything is monitored. It's not ideal, but it is what is working for me now and has been working for some time.
Are drugs the answer? No. But, before I took them, I didn't sleep for days on end. My body would finally take sleep and it was a dangerous and scary time for me. I still struggle today, but it is managed for the time being. So, while I may not have insomnia, I do understand and relate to the frustration. And, all I can suggest is to talk to your doctor and continue doing so until you receive some answers and some help. And, if your doctor won't listen, find another and another and another...until someone does. It doesn't have to be this way. And, please, don't be afraid to explore other options with your physician. It may not be insomnia at all. But, regardless, have faith that it can get better (and that goes for everyone reading this). There may not be an ultimate cure, but, with help, things can improve. Good luck
