Sleep Problems

[catmother]

For the last couple years, I have been having some sleep problems, and I am curious if any of you have had something similar. I don't know if it's related to the depression or not.

I am constantly exhausted, though not necessarily sleepy. I just always feel like I need to close my eyes and rest. When I do sleep, I have vivid dreams, but I am also aware of everything happening around me. I know every time that my fiance moves or when my cats meow or jump on the bed. It's like I am asleep, but awake at the same time. When I wake up, I feel like I need to stay in bed for at least another hour with my eyes closed.

This is really starting to affect my job. I've posted before about always being late for work. It's gotten to the point where I go in at least 2 hours after I'm supposed to be there. Thankfully, my employers are working with me, but I would like to get this taken care of. I also have a lot of trouble concentrating, and I'm thinking the lack of quality sleep could be a factor.

My doctor did blood tests a few weeks ago to rule out anything physical, and I have an appointment with him to talk about seeing a sleep specialist. In the meantime, I just want to know if others with depression have had similar problems. What did you do to combat them?

[chloe40]

Hi there catmother I remember you from a while back.

I haven't experienced your particular sleep problem but I do have issues with sleep and it is so disruptive, you cannot function properly. Here is advice from the Shaw Mind Foundation and all the best.

Most people will experience some problems with their sleeping patterns in their lifetime. These problems usually persist for a short while and resolve themselves. However, when these sleep problems continue for an extended period of time then they can severely impact a person’s ability to function in everyday life, often negatively impacting mood and concentration. There are a variety of sleeping problems including oversleeping, insomnia and night terrors. Many mental health conditions, and the subsequent medications, can negatively impact sleep patterns but sleep patterns themselves can also lead to mental health problems and can greatly exacerbate current mental health issues.

Establishing a regular sleep routine can be of great use when combating sleep problems. There are a number of ways to improve your sleep pattern yourself, including reducing caffeine intake and reducing exposure to computer or mobile phone screens around the time you plan to sleep. You should also aim for a set time to go to bed and to wake up in the morning so your body adapts to a routine. If you are struggling to sleep it can be useful to get up and complete a leisurely task before attempting to sleep again. If these self-help tips do not work it may mean professional help is required. A selection of psychotherapies have been suggested for the treatment of sleep problems and many have shown signs of success including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Relaxation therapy. If talking therapies are unsuccessful then a psycho-pharmaceutical approach may be adopted through the use of sleeping pills.

healthunlocked.com/depressi...

Chloe

[Hidden]

Hi depression can certainly be the cause of insomnia as I found out. Fortunately I don't have to work now but when I did it was a nightmare and I would drag myself in and not be able to concentrate all day.

My employer wasn't at all considerate when I was late and I once had to attend a disciplinary meeting because of my time keeping so I think your company is great.

I now take a small dose of the ad mirtazapine which does help somewhat to relax me so I can sleep better. Maybe it's worth asking for something from the doctor? Be aware that they generally won't dish out sleeping pills nowadays or only for very short term use, but ad's can help too. Let us know how you get on.

chloe40 I know you are only quoting from Shawmind but I think most of us with sleep problems are well aware of a sleep routine etc. now and I would hazard a guess that most insomniacs have already tried all this first. I know I did. I don't think doctors take it seriously enough and make too many assumptions that we aren't aware of proper sleep routines so instead prefer to give us lectures about it.

I know my own doctor did the same when I went complaining of insomnia, flapped some leaflets at me and dismissed me without even diagnosing me with depression. I felt he was treating me like a fool. It might be well meaning but that's all it is.

[chloe40 in reply to Hidden]

I am well aware of the issues surrounding sleep deprivation and it's part of my role to offer the Shaw Mind Foundation information, thank you Hidden

Chloe

[Hidden in reply to chloe40]

Didn't mean anything by that Chloe so sorry if it came across like that. I did say I know you are only quoting from Shaw Mind.

[chloe40 in reply to Hidden]

No problem.

Chloe

[Clazzy78]

Hello. When I suffer with depression my sleep is awful. My anxiety is through the roof, so I cannot get to sleep, don't sleep for long periods either.

I've tried the Z- sleeping tablet Zopiclone, favoured by the NHS, it helps a little. I am given 2-4 weeks of it. I've also tried antidepressants Amitriptyline and mirtazapine. Amitriptyline was very good at lower doses for my sleep but I had some side effects I didn't like. Same with the mirtazapine. Some GPs sometimes five diazepam or temazepam which are benzodiazepines, so can help you relax, before bed.

My personal preference is zopiclone if it is for insomnia. But if it is related to depression it may be worth trying an antidepressant with sedative properties also.

I find SSRIs too stimulating when my depression hits and my body and brain cannot tolerate them along with the general insomnia my depression causes anyway.

Are you in an antidepressant at the moment?

Best wishes💗

[catmother in reply to Clazzy78]

Hi Clazzy,

I am on Pristiq and Latuda. I take the Latuda at night before bed. However, I had the sleeping problems before I started taking both of these medications. I know that I snore a lot, so I am wondering if perhaps I have sleep apnea.

Honestly, I'm not sure what to make of it. I think that the lack of quality sleep is certainly contributing to some of my depressive symptoms. I just don't know if I'm caught in a vicious cycle where my depression is also causing the sleep problems.

[loggerslot]

Hi, I've tried lavender oil on my pillow. seems to knock me out or get a lavender oil burner.

other thing I've tried is taking warm water with a very small spoon of baking soda ( bicarb soda) and take that for a few weeks. it is said to help clear up the pineal gland which produces a hormone to regulate our sleeping patterns. GP's or doctors will always try to sound sceptical about natural treatments