Kris47

Not at all.

Thanks to everyone who replied to this post.

Feeling so up about my sobriety and so down cuz of my sleep, though.

I'll figure something out.

Thanks again.

DesertArizona

What's the problem specificially? Can't turn your brain off?

DesertArizona

Is the issue that you can't turn your brain off? Like can't stop thinking? Try to concentrate on nothing and you'll doze off. That's how I do it. Whenever you start to think about something, stop yourself.

Ncognito13

I began to sleep great after a few rough days in the beginning. Maybe try white noise (I use an app on my tablet)? Melatonin?

DesertArizona

I forget if we're supposed to recommend melatonin here, but that stuff is a godsend to me. Its not some weak hippie-cr*p like people think it is, that stuff makes me feel really drowsy and get a full nights sleep, feeling refreshed and not groggy in the morning. I take 3mg at a time when I need to.

Kris47

Been there done all that. I really don't know what else I can do. Thanks though guys. I really appreciate all the good thoughts and recommendations.

I think my nervous system is over excited. I am now just about brain dead. Don't think much about anything. I just know my eyes are WIDE OPEN. @@


I guess I just need to wait it out. Pray to God. Pray to God. Pray to God.

I called in for an appt with the doc. Waiting for a call back.

DesertArizona

IME doctors will usually try to prescribe a Z-drug or a benzo. But its worth a try, tell them you want something non-narcotic.

Are you sure your brain is turned off when you try to sleep? It took me years to realize that's why I was having insomnia. I learned how to like, concentrate on the feeling of the blanket or something non-stimulating, totally clear my mind like a Jedi.

I feel for you Kris, insomnia can really ruin your life...

I'm suprised melatonin didn't work for you. Everyone I show that stuff to loves it. Apparently it retarts your circadium rhythm.

newbie24

I feel your pain. My body just can't stop. I drank chamomile and took melatonin but I sit there with open eyes.

Kris47

Evidently my brain is still working. Uh.

Newbie, how long have you been not sleeping?

DesertArizona

It sounds to me like your brain isn't tired. Have you tried to lift weights, workout, or go on a jog? Have you ever tried tiring yourself out?

DesertArizona

Obviously I meant it still working, I mean is it still THINKING. Forget. You don't want my help anyway.

Kris47

I appreciate your and everyones help.

I'm not taking this lightly at all.

It's just that I have tried just about everything shy of sleeping pills again. They only work short term anyway.

I was interested if any one else has this to the degree I do.

As far as working out, I am getting less exercise than what I had been acustomed to but can't help it. I need back and knee surgery and it was the reason I quit drinking. A blessing in disguise. God works in mysterious ways. I do try to cycle at least 30 minutes a day.

Also, I am doing sleep restriction as well.

83mama0f2

I had horrible insomnia and was alternating Benadryl and unisom for the first 6 weeks of sobriety, then I started having panick attacks. My brain chemistry and hormones were so messed up from years of alcohol abuse that I needed some help. I saw a naturopath because I really didn't want to get prescribed anti anxiety meds or sleeping pills. Been dough biofeedback for 4 months now and using homeopathics, and my sleep is finally normal. I am off caffeine, alcohol and pretty much all OTC meds. I don't even take valerian or melatonin anymore since I sleep better with nothing now. Just wanted to share my story and show you that there is hope, and you don't necessarily need meds! Pm me for more info.

Kris47

Thanks for hope. lol.

I too, don't want to rely on anything that could get me back into trouble. I am really so wonked out now. I did sleep 1/2 hour two nights ago and maybe, just maybe, I'll start sleeping some. Last time I quit I have virtually no sleep for 3 1/2 months. Maybe this time with everything else, it will be different. I pray to God. Biofeedback is something I've never tried. Anyway, at least I have you good folks to spend my days and nights with.

Dee74

Even if you don't want meds, seeing a Dr could help - they may be able to refer you to a specialist or a sleep clinic?

D

Kris47

Thanks, Dee.

I saw my doctor today.

He prescribed something for me.

I have seen a neurologist. I have a cyst on my pineal gland that keeps melatonin from being secreted normally.

Sobriety right now isn't helping my sleep, but it sure is helping ME.

Dee74

I hope it helps Kris

D

lisatrying

Hi Kris,

That is very lucky that you found a root cause for the problem, a cyst on that gland makes a lot sense as to why you can't sleep.

I don't think I have a cyst but I do know how awful it is to get no sleep at all for an extended period. You are doing really really well to stay strong and not drink, because our defences are so much lower when we are tired. So make sure you keep congratulating yourself on how brave you are to get through this.

Exercise is great advice, but when you are so tired you can barely walk its not much of an option, that's what I found anyway. Good luck

Kris47

Heh Lisa,

It looks like I have chronic insomnia but also insomnia due to quitting drinking. My body will just need some extra TLC.

When we are tired it does let our defenses down and I am trying to stay on top of my conviction. I pray a lot, too. I am learning that I need too and it really helps. We need conviction in our belief in God, too.

Congrats to you for making each day count! And thank you for your help.