Centered3

Thanks, Jesse. I'm very sensitive to meds so I wasn't sure how herbs would effect me.

I've heard Valerian tea is good, but I've been cautious about trying it. My psychiatrist talks about GABA a lot, but I don't know how to naturally raise it. I didn't know there was a GABA supplement you can take. I was going to try melatonin but I read some negative things about it mixing with antidepressants online. Chamomile tea sometimes works and sometimes does nothing, even after steeping it for 7 minutes.

Centered3

Hi CLAS, thanks for sharing what helps you. We've started to leave music on the tv and that helped one night but other nights I'd still be awake after the 30 minute timer went off.

I'd rather not use the laptop for music since the blue light supposedly keeps you awake. My husband falls asleep with his tablet on, and I sometimes wonder if that blue light is contributing to my insomnia. I also tend to look at my cell phone and read from there in bed and that also contributes to the blue light insomnia thing.

I like your idea of the fan blowing for some relaxing white noise.

I've heard that melatonin is helpful but I read something online about it that caused me not to take it. I don't recall exactly what I read but I think it was something about taking it while on an antidepressant. I'm glad it helps you, though.

Centered3

You could be right. Even my therapist said I'm doing a lot this summer--made some big amends, started a new job, etc. Maybe it is depression rearing its ugly head again. My therapist doesn't think I've processed the amends emotionally and I plan to bring that up this week with him. I have a feeling unfinished stuff is in my subconscious.

Meaning, increasing your antidepressant? I'm not sure what you mean by "taking a little extra meds" since with antidepressants we're supposed to keep the amounts consistent? Or do you mean taking something like an occasional Xanax? I don't feel anxious so I'm not sure that's a good idea to deal with insomnia...

Thank you, that is very kind of you.

Transparency is the only way we help ourselves and help others.

Centered3

You described this perfectly. Maybe that's what's happening. I can't seem to shut my thoughts off. Or, the thoughts are in my subconscious and I'm not aware of them. My therapist says it's my trying to avoid feelings. But he doesn't explain to me clearly how I am supposed to feel my feelings. It's very frustrating.

I agree. Alcohol stopped the thinking. Sometimes I feel like saying, "God please shut off my mind!!"

I've tried these things too. I think I need to figure out what to read before bed that's relaxing, and not related to recovery/addiction. Even reading spiritual books before bed don't always help because it's just a reminder again. But sometimes certain spiritual books are helpful.

Centered3

Wow, Dame, I'm sorry you've been dealing with this for 4 years!! I didn't know Ambien was a controlled substance. My sister was on Lunesta during a temporary depression in her life and that helped her. My doctor seemed to think I could take Xanax for occasional insomnia, and I did once or twice, but this is nightly and I do not want to take Xanax like that.

I was prescribed Trazodone last summer when I had insomia/depression but came off it when I read negative things about it online--that it's very difficult to come off of, and could cause Serotonin Syndrome mixing it with other SSRI's. I really should stop reading things off the internet, you just don't know what's true and what isn't. I'm mad at myself now for coming off of it, because it did help me sleep. I'm going to see if it's still good or if it expired I'll call the psychiatrist.

Centered3

I'm sorry to hear you've tried all the non-habit forming meds for insomnia. I also am a very light sleeper when I do eventually fall asleep.

I'm glad you found something worked but I'm sorry it makes you feel awful for an hour in the morning. I'm glad you have a doctor who is working with you to find a solution.

So I only take that on weekends. The rest of the time I just deal with it.

I am sorry for your struggles. :-( Congrats on being almost a year sober! I hope your doctor can help you solve your RLS.

LOL that is a good point. I keep reminding myself of that when I have the momentary thought of, "wine used to help me fall asleep...."!!

Centered3

I think it was a bit of both for me as well. Drinking masked the issues that caused the insomnia, and then drinking itself caused insomnia.

I literally have no energy to exercise. I am hoping once I recharge and rebuild my energy reserves I can get back into it. Hmm what is this about hot milk and honey? Does it have to be dairy milk? I did notice one night when I had a bit of cottage cheese before bed, I slept relatively well that night.

Centered3

Really good point to bring up, Mike.

I think perhaps I am not being honest with myself about what baggage I still have that some family living amends from this summer brought up from my subconscious. My decks are clear for the most part with daily stuff, but not with that heavier stuff. Any suggestions?

Centered3

Anyone have good resources for "sleep hygiene" that helped them with insomnia?

Centered3

I used to have a small bowl of cereal if I couldn't sleep. I'll try that again. I'm going to look up which foods are good sources of tryptophan and melotonin, like the milk idea.

Centered3

Curious where you read this?

Yes I completely agree; I think I have adrenal fatigue although western medical doctors don't believe that's a true diagnosis so I don't know because my doctor won't refer me to an endocrinologist to get my hormones tested. I need to find a new doctor. I completely agree that my cortisol levels are screwed up. I can be drop dead tired at 10-10:30 but when 11:00 hits, I get an energy hit and I am wide awake. Also my husband noticed I seem to crash energy wise late afternoon, and that's another cortisol symptom.

I did not know about the cortisol-depression link but that makes a lot of sense. I do feel like my depression is worsening the more the insomnia is continuing. Wow a full 7 days of sleep to reset things?! Yikes.

Yup I read that, too--the blue light from electronics messes us up. My spouse doesn't believe it because he doesn't experience it. I think room temperature has an effect on sleep, too. It's hard for me to relax before bed, too. I think I have too much on my mind.

Gottalife

First step 11 and listen for God's will for you on this. If nothing comes you may be blocked and it might help to go back to your sponsor and review your 8th step list. Look for unmade or overdue amends. Think honestly if anyone needs to be added to that list. Then pray for the willingness to take action.

Your sponsor may be able to help pick out anything else that might be blocking you.

Best wishes

Gottalife

Actually, in early sobriety I found my decks were pretty clear most days, of the daily stuff. It was the heavy stuff from the past that stopped me sleeping, the things I did, the people I was afraid to face. I knew I had no chance if I tried to just bury that stuff. As I recall you have already done a huge amount in this area. Maybe there are just some loose ends?