Sleep.... or not

[Matt3013]

I have for the last 12 months been suffering daily with headaches, pins and needles etc... the normal anxiety symptoms!

I am pleased to say that in the last 3-4 weeks these have really reduced greatly on a daily basis.

However my sleep is totally devoid. I mean I cannot sleep, I lay there not even sure how to lay any longer. I can't fall asleep and if I do it's not for long. I am tired and feel like I want to but just cant.

I wondered if there was any old wives tale or secret to helping with this??

[Agora1]

Hi mattmorris, what do you attribute the last 3-4 weeks being better in regards to your headaches and pins and needles feeling? One of your posts mentioned cutting down on your medication. Are you still doing that or are you off your meds?.

When I came off my meds, the last pill to be given up was the one before bed because of sleep problems that would automatically develop. Having been on meds for many years, made my brain forget how to fall asleep naturally. I had to find other methods to relax my mind to fall asleep. It did take time once I was off medication. Before I go further, let us know what point you are at med wise. Unfortunately, as far as I know there are no old wives tales or secret in helping with this

[Matt3013 in reply to Agora1]

Hi Agora1, thank you, well I am still taking 50mg of Sertraline per day, I tend to take it first thing in the mornings. This has always been the case with my tablets because I'm a bit forgetful....

the last 3-4 weeks, I am not sure. Either a natural process of my brain calming down to a reasonable level, or the right dose of medication or both? It has been literally 1 year to the week that Ive had all these symptoms.

[Agora1 in reply to Matt3013]

Hi mattmorris, I was just reading that Zoloft and Insomnia seem to go hand in hand. Unfortunately, it is a common side effect of the drug. Fortunately though, the remedy is the same as it is for anyone suffering from sleep issues.

Some of the things that may help are keeping the room cool, dark and in a relaxing mode. Meaning, no electronic devices esp. a cell phone. Do not eat anything before bedtime including no caffeinated beverage. Listen to relaxing meditation or imagery along with deep breathing. Make your room a place that you can escape from any and all problems from day. Smoking and drinking alcohol should be avoided. No game playing, no stimulating tv shows or movies one hour before bed time.

You are probably thinking, gee all this to just get some sleep. It's actually to retrain your brain to allow sleep to come over you. Following these techniques will make it easier if and when you do come off the Zoloft. My daily tension headaches that I had for years were also helped by the above list of things to do. For me matt, I had a habit of taking long naps in the afternoon because of the meds making me so sleepy. Once I cut out the afternoon siesta :), my night time sleep was not a struggle.

I can only wish you luck in getting the rest your mind and body so need. Keep us updated on your progress. I'm sure we can come up with other little ideas in helping with sleep deprivation. Stay positive

[Beth46]

I take melatonin and doxepin to help me sleep. Melatonin is all natural and you can buy it over the counter.