I am 16, and for as long as I can remember I have had extreme difficulty falling asleep. Once asleep I have no problems maintaining in this state, though the vast majority of nights I’m awake to see the sun rise even if I attempt to sleep prior to sundown. In fact, last night I had attempt to sleep at ~10:00pm and have been awake since (it is now 11:00am). The problem is not that I do not become tired, I have been tired for years. I simply can not fall asleep, even after consuming large doses of sleep aids such as Diphenhydromine (I have taken over 500mg at times, over 10x the recommended dose), Dramamine, 5-HTP, L-tryptophan, melatonin, and serotonin over extend periods of time.
Often I maintain a "semi"-sleep state throughout the night, it is more related to rest then sleep. I am conscious of my surroundings though I will sometimes have ‘light’ dreams and will feel slightly rested compared to a typical night. Recently all of these problems have become more frequent and sever. I have gone days without sleep and am beginning to fear for my health and mental well being. I have experienced mild hallucinations and degenerating cognitive ability, though both are rare.
Until recently (past couple of months) I was a very active person and I’m still in great shape, I have played Football since 6th grade as a offensive tackle and defensive end. I moved recently so I was unable to continue in the athletics program though I don’t think that it has much to do with my problem as I have struggled with it for over a decade. I am have started training in MMA (BJJ and Mauy-Thai) as well so I am positive that physical activity is not the problem (BTW, I’m 6’3" @ ~185lbs.) I do not spend excess time in bed when not attempting to sleep either. I doubt that it is a dietary problem and I don’t suffer from any kind of aches or pains during the night. I maintain a comfortable temperature in my room and my bedding is comfortable as well.
I have no idea as to what the problem could be, I have spent a large amount of time researching insomnia treatment and have tried nearly all of them save going to a physician/sleep specialist.
Please excuse any grammatical or spelling errors, I’m sure you can understand the reason for such mistakes given my situation.
First know that you are part of a large population. 30-40% of people suffer from some sort of sleeping disorder. The hallucinations and cognitive degeneration is no so uncommon when you are sleep deprived, so don’t be alarmed. The next step since you have obviously tried all conventional methods of improving sleep hygiene would to be evaluated in a sleep study for any abnormalities.
Having suffered from insomnia for almost 40 years, I feel for your frustration. Unfortunately, fear of not falling asleep or sleep related anxiety can come into play requiring professional care. Medications such as Trazadone and clonazapam have proved highly effective in small doses for my situation. My son and daughter also have suffered from the same disorder since their teens and are being treated.
I’m sure you also practice not having caffeine or carbos after 6 pm, not watching TV or using a computer after 7 pm with the use of yellow tinted glasses as they emit a blue light that activates the brain, making sure you room is cool and completely dark, taking aspirin to lower your body temperature and so on.
I wish I could offer a solution, other than letting you know you are not alone. Good luck and I wish you well.
First know that you are part of a large population. 30-40% of people suffer from some sort of sleeping disorder. The hallucinations and cognitive degeneration is no so uncommon when you are sleep deprived, so don’t be alarmed. The next step since you have obviously tried all conventional methods of improving sleep hygiene would to be evaluated in a sleep study for any abnormalities.
Having suffered from insomnia for almost 40 years, I feel for your frustration. Unfortunately, fear of not falling asleep or sleep related anxiety can come into play requiring professional care. Medications such as Trazadone and clonazapam have proved highly effective in small doses for my situation. My son and daughter also have suffered from the same disorder since their teens and are being treated.
I’m sure you also practice not having caffeine or carbos after 6 pm, not watching TV or using a computer after 7 pm with the use of yellow tinted glasses as they emit a blue light that activates the brain, making sure you room is cool and completely dark, taking aspirin to lower your body temperature and so on.
I wish I could offer a solution, other than letting you know you are not alone. Good luck and I wish you well.
References :
Your first respondent is for sure, correct in the recommendations. And I can tell you as well, I have had a sleep disorder for 30 years. Here are the things that have helped.
1. A warmish bath, with a scented candle.
2. Eating dinner early…. 5ish
3. Reading things that don’t require any thinking at bed time.
No caffine, no tea no heavy foods nothing 5 or 6 hours before bed.
Then, got my doc to script me Darvocet, Methocarbomol, and Atavan. One is a pain killer with darvon, + tylenol, the second a muscle relaxant, and the third a tranquilizer. I take half of each every night, and mostly my problem is gone.
I have Fibromyalgia, and that it has been decided is a sleep disorder.
Like you, I’m active, work hard, exercise, have tried all of those you have tried, with no relief.
I am dependent upon these to sleep (just like I am dependent upon water, and food) but I am not addicted…. there is a difference.
Addictions require more and more and more for the same "benefit" this has worked for 20 years, and actually I have even been able to reduce the amount…… 20 years ago, I had to take an entire tab of each to sleep.
You might see if your doc will let you try this.
References :
Dad and husband both were mds.