Can't sleep without alcohol. Any suggestions? Need help

[Anxietyguy]

I'm going through a tough time. Recently lost my new job after just 3 months. Wasn't what I had hoped. Been struggling with mostly anxiety for the past several years. Some depression. Also I think I will have to break up with my girlfriend, to take a job in another state (she won't move, has stated she will not relocate.) I like her a lot so it's going to be tough.

Anyway, with all of this going on I've found I can't sleep without alcohol. I do take amitriptyline at night, and it used to help me sleep. Seems like it doesn't anymore. I will start feeling like I'm out of breath, and my body will jerk awake. Or I'll get weird feelings like a quick panic right before in falling asleep. This repeats, until I give up and walk around or play on my phone for a few hrs, then try it again.

I had a sleep study done once several years ago, but didn't detect apnea. Dr thought it was all anxiety.

I also have this weird sleep paralysis that happens at times. This occures when I'm waking. I feel I'm awake but trapped in a dream. It's almost like being in a coma. I can't move my body, or wake up for a few minutes. It can be very scary. But not sure there is anything I can do about it.

I've tried the reading a book thing, no blue lights. Doesn't help. I've tried meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, and they help sometimes. Thinking maybe I need a new medication or to up the one I'm on. I tried Zoloft once and hated it. Stomach was in knots and I felt like a zombie. So I'm a little scared to try a new one.

Sorry to rant, just wanted to get it all spelled out and to see of anyone else has this, or any suggestions. Thanks!

[Hidden]

Your sleep paralysis upon waking is indicative of someone with narcolepsy. The hynick jerks you have prior to sleep also mentioned in another post, may not be hynick jerks at all and another parasomnia or extension of narcolepsy, unless this really is all anxiety. I would get it checked. There is no cure, only supportive care through Gaba agents, better sleep habits, sleep hygenie etc.

Sleep studies should pick these up, and when narcolepsy is suspected they also do a daytime study as well.

Alcohol only exerbates this and insomnia in general.

[Anxietyguy in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reply. I will def look into narcolepsy.

[Sunandrose87]

Maybe this is not the right time to spend time with your love ones, girlfriend. Don’t break up till you know for sure that she won’t visit you.

[Hidden]

Consider talking again with your GP, Sleep Problems.

I do drink on the medication you mention although the dose now is very low 50mg in the evening, Normally I have 2 drams of Malt and a can of Export, I have no problems and sleep as normal

If you have sleep problems in your case I would stop drinking and see if I feel any better.

BOB

[Hidden]

Sounds like the booze is going the other way. Have you tried a warm bath with healing music you can find on YouTube ? It helps me to ad eucalyptus and lavender it’s anxiety it means you’re very stressed too long? Are you doing breathing techniques before bed? It may take awhile as you have a lot on your plate. Try not to eat late cut off the booze think of those that love you in your life that are there for years the constants could be your parents siblings friends stability is what you seek feel their love and best wishes. I used to chase night time cold medicine a few nights to get a few good nights it’s not a constant but helped me. You sound like you’re worn out try to keep mindful in your day and since your off work do what you need to do to prepare for your new job your move and your best interest. And also just go out enjoy a cup of coffee by yourself cell phone off or ignoring any incoming texts lol

[Anxietyguy in reply to Hidden]

Yeah I've been trying a lot of the destress stuff. Bath does help a lot actually. I think it's getting better. Thanks for the help

[bandit09]

I have taken Ambien in the past and it worked for me. Now I take Trazadone. I still have trouble falling asleep some nights, but it is better than it was. Good luck.