Sub-Acute withdrawal

[GlassPrisoner]

OK, the "real" withdrawal symptoms have been over for more than 3 weeks. Without a doubt, that was the most physically uncomfortable experience I've ever had.

Anyway, I've settled into the "Pink Cloud". I'm doing meetings, reading, praying, talking, doing commitments, etc.

Problem is, I can't fall asleep !!!!! And I'm often fatigued during the day. I took 1 over the counter sleep aid last night, and it did absolutely nothing for me. Finally knocked off around 2:30 AM.

How long does this usually last ? Any tips ? I don't think I'll drink coffee except for in the morning. Do cigarettes aggravate this ? I start a new job next week and need to be rested.

[Astro]

Well, for me it took a couple months and a prescription for Effexor XR to get to the point where anxiety attacks weren't keeping me awake 24/7, but I'm sure it's different for everyone. It helped me to give up coffee completely and switch to green tea, and yes nicotine is definitely a factor.

It sounds to me like you're doing just fine considering your sobriety time, but it couldn't hurt to talk a physician about a sleep aid that'll work for you.

[michski]

Exercise did it for me.. at first I hated every minute of it. But when I slept like a baby afterward it became a daily regimen for me... I found time to get high so why couldn't I find time to exercise????

hope you find it soon

[CarolD]

Hi GP...see if this is of help to you..

link from my files on PAWS...

http://www.tlctx.com/ar_pages/paw_part1.htm

Blessings..

[laurie6781]

It took a couple of months for me, I always felt tired, and the 'wonderful' folks in my AA meetings would say "No one ever dies from lack of sleep." GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR used to really p*** me off, lmao.

But finally went and got some melatonin capsules, as I recall and 2 of them about an hour before I planned on going to bed really started helping me to get some rest. Pretty soon I didn't need them anymore.

It seems it does take a while to re-establish a sleeping pattern, after all many of us, for years, didn't fall asleep, we passed out, big difference.

J M H O

Love and hugs,

[GlassPrisoner]

The "Thank you button" is not available for now, so thanks to everyone who replied. Seems I have to:

1. Deal with it
2. Eat Better
3. Excersise
4. Limit or remove caffiene and nicotinre

I may also investigate melotanin.

Thanks again everyone.

[Astro]

Seems like you've got the right idea! When I look back on my early weeks of sobriety I try to remember that if it'd been easy it might've slowed down my progress. It was painful at times, but that made me even more determined to do the next right thing, rather than dwelling on my past. Keep your health up and the sleep will follow.

[chip]

Hello GlassPrisioner!

You have the right attitude, and you are doing the right things.

Congrats on your sober time. It's been inspirational watching you grow in sobriety. Keep up the good work!

I had the same sleep problems too. I found that the suggestions you mentioned worked for me. I also remind myself that my body will let me sleep when I really need it. I found that after a couple sleepless nights, my body would let me sleep.

I hope you have a wonderful sleep tonight. If you can't sleep, I'll pray that you get some rest tommorow...
peace be with you,
chip

[barb dwyer]

Hi Glassprisoner -

I'm 93 days ... and still having problems more than not.
If I'm stressing about something, or if it was a rough night and I'm hyper when I get home - (I work graveyard shift) I can count on it taking a couple of hours to get to sleep.

I've got this book (Staying Sober) that says it could be up to a year to get 'normal' on sleep patterns... so what you're describing is actually better than the book talked about.
Hope that helps.

[Mongo]

Hi Glassprisoner

It took me about 2 months before I could sleep well. During that time I did try otc sleep aids, but they only made me more anxious.

Melatonin helped some as did a herbal tea(sleepytime) I think,

Now, I sleep better than I ever had. Even before quitting drinking, anxiety kept me up many a night.

I think after abstaining for awhile, your sleep will improve and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Keep well

Ron