Sleep??? What’s that??

[amberbily]

I have such a terrible time sleeping and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions? I take prescribed meds, I listen to guides sleep meditation, which helps. However, I’m up about every couple hours either waking around or just tossing and turning. I get such a dry mouth and my nose is so dry & stuffy, which is very uncomfortable. I will keep water by the bed and I use a saline spray for my nose. Sometime I put the guided sleep meditation on again or I put an 8 hr one on when I go to bed. I also try my breathing exercises/meditation. I hate mornings because my depression and anxiety is much worse because lack of sleep. I usually fall asleep pretty good, but staying asleep is the problem. This has been going on for a long time and I’ve tried everything I can possibly think of and it doesn’t matter if I go to bed at 7pm or 10-11pm.

[JDinFL]

If not to nosy, or rather maybe I should ask if you've tried a different sleep medicine. My problem is going to sleep, once I fall asleep I rarely wake more than 1 or 2 times a night which is usually for a sip of water. I've been on mine for over 15 years. Maybe what you are taking just isn't for you. Have you talked to your Dr about it. My Dr just recently told me that insomnia was considered by many medical professionals to be an untreated form of anxiety.

[amberbily in reply to JDinFL]

JDinFL I’ve tried several different kinds of sleep meds/anti-depressants. I’ve even moved medications that I’m taking that may cause sleeplessness from a bedtime dose to noon. I tell my doc all the time my sleep pattern is terrible. My mom and my sister are the same way. It’s problably one of those thing I just need to accept and work around it. Before I was furloughed I would be in bed during the week between 7-8 pm and got up 4.30-5. Now that I’m furloughed I go to bed about 10 and get up between 8-9. Either way I have the same problem. Falling asleep is never really an issue, it’s staying asleep. I appreciate your input.

Since you mentioned you have trouble falling asleep, if you don’t mind me suggesting, guided sleep meditation for anxiety and depression on YouTube. I just ask Siri and a bunch come up. They vary in length, topic and speaker. I’ve done 2 hours and 8 hours. Speakers I enjoy are Michael Stealey and Jason Stephenson. Who knows, maybe it will help you fall asleep faster. Just a suggestion.

[JDinFL in reply to amberbily]

Ever talked to someone about a sleep study? My old neuro office use to do them and I was urged. I declined and stuck to my standby that still works, but if multiple meds and patterns haven't changed anything, maybe it's a consideration.

[scarr6]

I struggled with anxiety for a long time. The thing that helped me the most was a book called "Say goodnight to Insomnia". It is structured as a 6-week program, adding different techniques. It was so helpful. My insomnia has started to come back during lockdown and I need to go back and revisit it.

[Marshall64 in reply to scarr6]

Can you give some examples of what the book recommends?

[Marshall64]

Have you ever had a sleep study? Having a dry mouth may be indication of snoring. Snoring can be from apnea. Cpap machines help with that issue.

[amberbily in reply to Marshall64]

No, never had a sleep study. However, my husband never said I snored. Although, that is an awesome suggestion. Thanks

[Marshall64 in reply to amberbily]

I have had two sleep studies and I was borderline for sleep apnea. I found that I had periodic limb movement disorder (like restless legs). The two of those things were constantly waking me up without me even realizing it. I had no idea that I had those two things.

[amberbily in reply to Marshall64]

That’s really interesting. Thanks.