searching4zen

I'm just coming back to AA and NA after a relapse, really trying to get into recovery this time instead of trying to tough it out. it was good at first, but since i've been back (28 days) i've probably gotten a total of 5 nights where i've slept more than 3 hours. i keep feeling worse and worse the longer i go without sleep. any suggestions?

keithj

Well, one suggestion only. What step are you on? As long as I stay in fit spiritual condition, I sleep like a baby. Let a little fear and anxiety creep in, and my sleep suffers. Where are you at with getting into recovery?

JFRUIT

welcome back

searching4zen

i'm working on step one in the NA workbook, i know i'm powerless but am working on making my surrender complete, i pray (believe in a higher power) but i am definetly not on step three in any way (don't know if i should start trying to apply it before formally working the first two.)

i go to at least one meeting a day, call my sponsor every day, and call people.
i definetly have reservations and heavy resentments i need to work on.

JoshNU

Start on psalms and read aloud don't stop till you're exhasted. Even if u don't feel the connection the word of God is a powerful thing.

smacked

Sometimes we think that our drinking or drugging causes all the problems we have. Sometimes it's something else entirely.. have you seen a doctor?

MycoolFitz

Check with your family doctor or therapist, sleep deprivation can be a serious condition itself. There are prescribed non-narcotic sleep aids available. I'm on Seraquel, myself, there are others. It may be as you retain sobriety and regain sleep your brain functioning will begin to right itself. My best to you regarding sobriety and sleep. PS, I used to sleep about 3 hours anight for every 7-8 hours in bed. I did this for many, many years,

Wolfchild

Welcome to the SR community.
i hope that you will find the solutions
to the problems you are having and that
you'll continue to stay clean no matter what.

searching4zen

to the poster up 2 -- i've been on seroquel as well as risperdal shots for years (i'm diagnosed with schizophrenia), about 3 days ago i got my seroquel doubled and i still can't sleep. i'm sure my brain will adjust to no alcohol/ other gaba effecting drugs eventually, i'm going nuts in the meantime though.

MycoolFitz

Do you suffer from dry mouth? Don't worry about sobriety driving you crazy, we're allready crazy. Its great, we've got nothing to lose. Re: your GABA, have you tried Campral? It appears to help me with cravings or at least fools me well enough.

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one. ~Albert Einstein

Namaste

searching4zen

you're totally right, i am already nuts, at least i'm not doing the dumb crap i was when i was drinking and drugging. insomnia still sucks though.

coffeenut

Sounds like you need to talk to your doc again....not sleeping will drive you nuts!

Welcome to SR. Please keep reading and posting.