Really struggling to sleep and extremely painful headaches.....

[Misstully87]

I thought with the run up to Christmas everyone feels a little stressed right? Headaches are normal, but I've had this headache for 3/4 days now, taking anadin, paracetamol (all the correct foes and at correct times) but I just can't shift it! It's very painful and hurts my eyes when I look around! I'm struggling to sleep at night again... It was suggested before to take my anti depressants in the morning which I now do but it gets to 3-4-5 in the morning and I can't sleep. Do you think it's my body clock maybe? I am so tired by lunch time I'm so upset I nod off on the sofa! Or does over eating make sleep patern worse? I have over indulged for the last two day? What can you suggest!? Should I see my doctor?

[Gambit62]

There was an experiment 10-15 years ago where a people were left in isolated environments and left to decide when it was time to eat and time to sleep without the interference of any clocks or anything that told them the time. The results were that they actually moved to a 12 cycle of sleeping and eating so I suspect feeling tired in the afternoon is just natural.

If you are getting pain when you turn your head to look, or trying to move your eyes around without turning your head then it would be best to go and see the doctor ... and if you have had the headache for that long it would also be a good idea to get things checked out.

[bruceybonus in reply to Gambit62]

Please see following comments.

Bruceybonus

[bruceybonus]

Hi Misstully87

I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble with sleeping and headaches over extended periods. I would suggest you seek professional medical advice from your GP about the headaches (rather than self medicate long term) who may then prescribe more suitable pain relief in the short term whilst referring you to a physiotherapist/neurologist for assessment, depending on your GP's initial examination. With regards to your sleep pattern: you're probably aware this could be caused by many things. However, wherever possible if you are prescribed anything to aid sleep from your GP please discuss the potential for addiction/physical dependence, eg Clonazepam. If after reading my comments you get the opportunity to search on Google about this drug you will find many people having difficulty in stopping taking this, even after relatively short periods of time - and - in amounts from as little as 1 mg. There are some sites that state that it has 20 times the efficacy of diazepam, (or to put it another way, depending on age - not sure about gender - 1 mg of Clonazepam can be equivalent to taking 20mg of diazepam [Valium]). I am not medically trained, but I am talking from personal experience. Most would not recommend eating just before going to bed because of the extra boost your body will get from carbohydrates etc.., but if you would otherwise be waking earlier, than usual for your sleep pattern due to feeling hungry, then a light snack such as cereal without adding any extra sugar might help. Alternatively, as this forum relates to anxiety it is possible that this is preventing you from achieving a sleep cycle adequate to meet your body's needs. So again, I would suggest you speak to your GP who may reconsider your antidepressants in respect of dosage, when to take them and, even look at different antidepressant options. There are quite a number of different medications, which are less generalised, with intended specific benefits. As you are already prescribed antidepressants it would probably be better for you to discuss your sleeping problems with your GP rather than self medicate. Herbal remedies and other 'over the counter' options may interact with your prescribed antidepressant medication, eg St John's Wort.

I wish you well.

Bruceybonus

[Hidden]

Hi

I suffer with headaches & migraines & can have a headache for up to a week

They are really frightening as well & the more anxious I feel over them the more they take to move on , I have seen my GP over them & I think they are anxiety & hormone related

You could be suffering with migraine or have a sinus infection or it could be anxiety

I would see your GP , I am sure everything will be fine but they can check you over put your mind at rest , maybe prescribe something for you & that alone will relieve some of the pressure you are feeling

Let is know how you go on

Love

whywhy

xxx

[jules2105]

Hi

I struggle to get to sleep too and find it is as vicious circle as then can't get up early in the mornings. I need to start going bed earlier and either reading before bedtime or listening to relaxation cds as this usually helps.

With regards to your headaches I take syndol when my headaches get bad, would recommend you goto see the pharmacist for some advise

Jules x

[Misstully87]

Aw thank you all so much for your advice and support, your points of views are very helpful!

I will be making an appointment to see my GP as this headaches still here, quite unbearable at times

I'll let you know

Many thanks