Tired and can't sleep
 

Hi,
I've been sobre since tuesday 28th feb. That's five days sobre after about a month long binge drink. I feel better, I can eat now, except for my sleeping which is still very bad.

I'm not asking for medical advice; but is it unusual to have sleep problems still after nearly a week? I thought I'd be ok by now.

I have spoken to my doctor about my binge drinking problems but I didn't specifically ask her about sleep.

Welcome Laz...I'd ask her about sleep...It took me awhile to get anywhere close to normal sleep...

Yes, it's quite common. I had sleep problems for many weeks after getting sober. I think it varies by person though, I've heard others say that their sleep patterns improved sooner. I am a bit of a night owl as it is though, so I really have to force myself to go to bed earlier than I'd like to each night.

Hang in there, I'm sure it will get much better soon.

It might have had something to do with that I never really slept...I passed out...

When I drank heavily I had that same feeling of being switched off at night and being switched back on in the morning - usually too early.

And I'm also a bit of a night owl so even when I'm not drinking I tend to stay up late.

I am on day four and last night was the worst I didnt fall asleep untill 6:45 I had restless legs . I am awake now ..woke up at 10'00. Hope to have a better night tonight. I was reading last night or this morning that magnesium helps.

I still have trouble sleeping after over 6 months sober. I can sleep, but at the wrong time of the day (ie. I feel knackered at 5-6pm, but will only nap for a couple of hours) But even if I don't nap, at 10-11pm when Im supposed to sleep... Im wide awake! The more I try to sleep, the more frustrated I get with myself and that makes me more awake! Im going to get some relaxation CDs and audio books soon to see if that helps!

When I was a drunk I always passed out & then woke up a couple hours later with a pounding heart & major confusion. I usually only slept 3-4 hours a night then.

It took some time but over the past year my sleep has gotten much better & most of it is due to being sober a lengthy time. I also made myself a before bed routine that helps. Always take a bath or shower before bed, make sure I'm not hungry, & I got a little noise machine ( I play the ocean sound). Always make sure my bed is made & change bedding regularily. Those are just a few things that help me to sleep better.

Have you found exercise to help?

I was thinking going for a jog in the evening before bed might help. I'm not really a runner actually so maybe a walk would be a better idea. As it is I stay up late watching films and TV which I don't think is going to help to relax.

I think I want to avoid medication anyway because I have an addictive nature and very little willpower when it comes to that.

Something I have used for several years, on nights I wasn't drinking is Melatonin. It does not have a sedative effect and doesn't leave you feeling groggy the next morning. It is something your brain produces naturally when you sleep.

Exercise is a good idea. I walk at least 4 miles a day with my doggies & I think that helps with the sleep too. I agree with you about sleep medication, but to each their own regarding prescriptions!