T is attacking my sleep

[Jdaniel123]

I have had T for about a year. My version is the constant hissing or buzzing kind. Sometimes louder than others. It is worse when I take medicine for whatever reason. The one thing that has been good for the past year is that it has not affected my sleep for one minute. I could even take naps during the day and still sleep all night. Then about a week ago something changed. I was walking into my house and heard about 4 or 5 whistles. They were as clear as day. I looked for my wife to come out thinking she was doing it. But it was the T.

Since then I started hearing random noises when I try to sleep. Most of them are like a knock, like something hitting the wall or a drumbeat. One time I heard the whistle again. It is so weird, it is like the T almost lets me get to sleep and then it sends the thump or beat just loud enough to wake me up.

I went to the Doctor 3 days ago. I thought maybe i had Covid and this was affecting me. Well, i tested negative but she did say i had fluid behind my ears. She gave me a steroid shot and recommended to take Flonase daily to get rid of the fluid. That night, which was two nights ago, I slept perfect. I guess the shot was really helping. Then last night the random noises were back. No whistles but the bumps and thumps were back. So I don't know where this is going but it is very frightening. Will I lose my ability to ever get a full nights sleep again? Will I start hearing random noises constantly?

Sorry for the long post, just a little upset currently.

[doglover1973]

In a word - No. I don't believe you'll lose your ability to sleep long term. T is disconcerting every time it increases in volume or changes tone or adds a new sound. Whether you hear the random noises constantly I don't know but you'll adjust & adapt just like you did with the original T. The brain is very clever at getting used to things. Don't forget the fear & anxiety drive the T. Stay as calm as you can. That's the best medicine.

[Happyrosie]

T does change … that’s part of its nasty nature. I see him (it’s a him) as an imp sitting in the top corner of the room just outside of sight waiting to jab me with a sharp stick. But I know it’s not there. If you look out for tinnitus you will hear it. If you look for comfort and relaxation, you should find that instead.

I quote from Tinnitus, From Tyrant to Friend: How to Let Go of Ringing in your Ears by Julian Cowan Hill

“Most people with tinnitus have good intentions but are dominated with sabotaging thoughts like: how on earth will relaxing for half an hour every day help a problem like this?”

And I’d urge you to let the sounds of nature penetrate your brain, rather than things that’s aren’t there.

Sometimes doctors are less than helpful, they know they can’t just prescribe a pill and all will be well.

Do have a good read of the British tinnitus Association website to hints and tips.