How do I get some sleep?

[sleeplessblueboy]

I am new here but just want to know how to get some sleep as since being in ICU I have trouble sleeping or wake up having had weird dreams and cant get back to sleep. Have been like this for 20 months now and it wears you down.

[Rhyl1 Partner Moderator ICUsteps]

If your weird dreams are related to your memories of ICU you may be experiencing post traumatic stress disorder. If they are, then a visit back to the ICU you were in may help. You might need to speak to your GP to get some help as it’s been going on for such a while.

[Sepsur]

I completely agree with @Rhyl1 - sleep deprivation is awful to go through. As you know, it is used as a form of torture.

One symptom of a condition I have is insomnia. This is not constant, I have bouts. Whether au go to bed at 8pm or 12pm, I am awake by 2/3am and can’t get back to sleep at all.

I have been recommended to drink a milky drink before bed ( no caffeine). Read or take a warm bath.

Watching TV before bed apparently isn’t ideal.

But if you are plagued by bad dreams - get some professional help. From what I understand, it will diminish in time but why suffer?

I had ICU delirium which was no fun. When I woke from coma, I didn’t sleep for 3 days solid, petrified that I would disappear back into that ‘other world’.

[Sepsur]

I was also told to try elemental magnesium