Inverted Sleep Pattern

[sweetkitten]

Hi there! Firstly, I suffer with very bad depression. Due to this, I don’t get out of bed most days a week- unless for food or the bathroom.

Recently, my sleeping patter has been completely inverted. I’m sleeping at any time between 8-11am and waking up anytime between 5-9pm. It has been this way a little over two weeks now. Due to this, I find i’m not eating properly or practising any self care as I should, such as showering (I know, gross.)

I have tried to give help a go, yet to find any lactose free sleeping aids though. I have watched ASMR, soothing music etc but nothing works. Due to waking up so late, I don’t feel sleepy until i’ve been awake for at least 14-16 hours thus i’m going to bed so late. I feel like it’s a catch 22.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. TIA💛

[Sheeniejay]

Hi. I know what I'm about to suggest might seem like a mountain because of your depression - and that is understandable and you must never feel ashamed or worse because of it. I have several friends who suffer from depression and there have been and are times when I don't want to leave my apartment - it's only the fear of the dog taking hold that forces me out and the hope that I will feel better if I do.

In the UK (and I'm guessing other countries if you're not UK based), there are chat cafes and other initiatives which your local council often know about. These are not labelled as for people with depression because, let's face it, mental health is hard enough without reinforcing the stigma, right? But there are people who go because therapy has not worked, who just need to sense that others are there who understand. And the topics of conversation etc are not about depression - it's about other things, light-hearted often. Of course, you can branch off with someone you connect with and talk about your issues, but that's not the goal so no pressure.

If you want, you can message me your local council name (if it's UK based) and I can give them a ring on your behalf and then message you the info.

You might also think about cat cafes or voluntary animal care etc if you like animals. They offer a lot of comfort and are often said to help those with depression.

All these things would also give you a structure which would put your hours back to normal.

Whatever you decide - good luck. I hope you find your way.

[Net65]

Why doñt u seek help from docs he might put u on a low strengh sleeping pill to get ur body clock back to normal

[MidnightBriarRose]

I am dealing with the same thing and about to make a post about it. Your post sounds so much like me, it’s like I could have written it myself. Maybe we can help each other by putting our heads together and coming up with some ideas. I know it’s been a couple of weeks since you made this post, but I hope you are doing better. Please feel free to private message me if you’d like to talk more in depth about this crazy sleep schedule that we both find ourselves in. Take care and all the best to you! 🌸🌷🌸

[MichelleHarris]

Hopefully youve had loads of good advise. Have you heard of Wim Hoff the Ice Man?

Google how he overcome severe depression after a tragedy. Cold showers every day. I know it sounds bizzarre but it works. I wish you a full recovery. Also check your full thyroid panel including antibodies and get your vits checked. Should have B12 and VitD at top of range and take Selenium x

[MichelleHarris]

I would get your Hormones checked too. Low progesterone causes sleep problems x

[Malaguena25]

Hi,

I'm not a doctor, but when I was in your situation I felt like a few things helped me a lot. They might seem strange to you, but they might be of help, so here you go:

1. Take your vitamins! In the UK we're not exposed to a lot of sunlight and therefore it's difficult to get the right amount of vitamin D which is directly correlated with the overall mood.

2. Johannis herbs or St John's-wort. In Germany those are known to help with depression. I don't know where to get them from here but they help a lot of people including me. Here is a page by Mind: mind.org.uk/information-sup...

And here is where you could buy it: hollandandbarrett.com/shop/...

3. A little bit of fresh air and movement. I know it's the last thing you want to do, but if you manage to go outside just 5 minutes it can really help.

4. If you can't find sleeping aids without lactose you could try to take lactase pills before taking a normal sleeping aid. This way you don't have the symptoms from the lactose and you can just chose a regular sleeping aid. I use those: leagogo.com/shop

Hope there is something that can help even just a little. And if you want to chat, please get in touch!

All my courage!