Does anyone else have problems sleeping like i do because of there depression?I only seem to sleep maybe 4 or 5 hours if im lucky and i wake up at least 4 times during those hours.But for some reason im not getting as tired as i use to and i dont know why.Even if i only sleep 4 hours i cant seem to get tired to fall asleep to fast.I tell my therapist the problem but i dont think she really understands it.I mean when we can't sleep we get even more depressed.And as far as sleeping pills go they dont really wanna give them because there addicting so they will only let you have them for a month ugh.Is anyone else like this at all?

I find i sleep too much i normally go bed at 8pm and wake at 10am, It varies i guess and im guessing its the depression

Sure wish i could get some sleep like that thats 14 hours of sleep.I guess its you don't get much sleep or you get to much?Are you still tired when you wake up?I dont get it i really dont this really stinks but at least you can sleep.

Yeh im still tired when i wake up even tho i have all that sleep : (. My dad suffers aswell an hes like you he cant sleep, But he has some sleeping pills surely you can get some from your doc?

Hi Sleep problems are due to depression/Anxiety. I have averaged 3-6 hrs over the last 10 years so don't worry, you will sleep when you are ready and your body adapts. the worse thing is worrying about it, but it is easier said than done to stop, especially if you have work the next day. Some people sleep all the time, but that is probably due to their medication. Look on the bright side we insomniacs see more of a day than most people and we are not becoming unfit by laying in bed to long. There is always a positive side to everything if we search long enough. Good luck and don't worry.
C

Crusader are you saying you have only slept 3 to 6 hours in 10 years?or are you saying you only sleep 3 to 6 hours a nite?

Here are some things you can try to help you sleep:

Avoid caffeine 6 hours before sleep
go to sleep at the same time every night
Do not do anything else in bed but sleep and (that other thing :eek: )
take care of any worries well before you sleep
try to wake at the same time every morning
look into sunlight in the morning
if you get up at night and can not go back to sleep right away-get up and do something until you are tired again

Hope this helps you a little bit. :wave:

Hi Walkin, No per night, if it was in 10 years I would be in trouble. Hi rainserpent appreciate the advice but some severe insomnia takes more than what you have advised, but for the occasional bout of sleeplesness it would do fine thanks for replying. x

I very rarely sleep when I'm depressed. Like last night I only slept for 3 hours. I am on Seroquel though for sleep and even though it takes awhile to kick in I do get to sleep but almost always wake up exhausted. Not sure if I have a sleeping disorder or not. Surely your pdoc can give you meds to sleep. They're not all addictive. :nono:

i have sleep problems to cause of my depression.i stoped drinking anything with caffeine and i still cant sleep right i im lucky if i get 5 hours sleep a night and i wake up at least 4 times its awful.people dont understand how bad it is to be so tired and you just cant sleep or sleep right.i wonder why derpression does this to us anyway?can anyone tell me a sleeping pill that i can get from my doc that will work thats not addictive.

My problem is that I sleep too much.

When my depression is at its worst, all I want to do is go to bed, pull up the covers and sleep my problems away. :yawn:

Why do some people sleep a lot w/ depression, and some don't sleep much at all??

Is it a personality type thing? Or do the people who don't sleep much have more anxiety going on than depression?

Just curious.

good question luv2read im not sure but i do have alot of anxiety also so that may be why im not sure?but i also have derpression.sure wish i could sleep like you can your lucky you can sleep you really are.sleeping only a few hours a nite and waking up all night really stinks.

I very rarely sleep when I'm depressed. Like last night I only slept for 3 hours. I am on Seroquel though for sleep and even though it takes awhile to kick in I do get to sleep but almost always wake up exhausted. Not sure if I have a sleeping disorder or not. Surely your pdoc can give you meds to sleep. They're not all addictive. :nono:



can you tell me what ones are not addictive?thanks

when i get down and depressed, i cant have a good nights sleep.
ill stay awake untill i get really sleepy. when i do fall asleep, ill keep on waking up.
however, i have no problem sleeping during late morning and during the day.
strange...

Yep, I sleep less too but its getting better. :yawn: My antidepressant meds could be part of it. Depression could be part of it still. I dont take benzodiazapines (ativan,xanax, valium, because it is worse on a persons body than anything :eek: and terribly addicting. All benzo's are addicting.)What I noticed to help me get some sleep is no outside distractions, no light,dark as possible :cool: in the bedroom, no tv in the room, no music when I lay down to go to sleep. It seems like making it a ritual to make it cozy, and relaxing really helps a lot. :D A nice relaxing bath beforehand is nice too, relaxing music. Or reading literature that is relaxing...something positive before you sleep. What I would like to do is get a tape for self relaxation-or nature sounds, I have heard that is really soothing and helps the mind relax too. Having depression/anxiety from my experience has been something that I have had to work at. Some days or nights are easier than other. At the same time, a good nights rest is healthy. Let me know how things go for you. :wave:

hey

I went about a year with a couple of hours a night,if at all, I was an absolute wreck, things are still a bit tough for me but i am taking mirtazipin and sleep like a baby.

when i was first given it i was very skeptical that it would help, as i thought i would never sleep again.

maybe give it a try ?

I've been on trazadone for sleep before and it was the best I was on so far. I didn't find it addictive or anything. I'm not on it now because when I changed therapist and pdocs they switched my meds. I'm now on Seroquel which is an antipsychotic. I take it for sleep and for paranoia. I know a lot of people that are on Seroquel and none of them (and neither do I) find it addictive. You might want to ask about those. I know a couple of people that were on Ambien but I've never been on it. Not sure if that's addictive or not. :nono:

I have to take Ambien. I only take every 3rd night though. It can become very addicting. But at least every 3rd night I get a good night of rest.

its to bad they cant come out with a non addictive sleeping pill that really works.they really dont wanna put you on any cause there addictive they say.then we get even more depressed casue we cant sleep right.

If your doctor won't give "sleeping pills," try a psychopharmacologist, that is a doctor whose specialty is giving medication for mental health problems. Such a doctor has access to and familiarity other better (non-addictive) meds for sleep than the standard therapist or primary care doctor.

If your doctor won't give "sleeping pills," try a psychopharmacologist, that is a doctor whose specialty is giving medication for mental health problems. Such a doctor has access to and familiarity other better (non-addictive) meds for sleep than the standard therapist or primary care doctor.


i never knew that thanks.have you ever seen a psychopharmacologist?

Aromatherapy is supposed to help too. ....I'm not sure what all the essential oils are for sleep but a few of them are lavender, neroli, eucylyptus.

Really you are talking about light to moderate sleep problems when you mention aromertherapy. For severe insomnia it is a different journey. Forget the fact some people might have a couple of nights bad sleep, this is every night none stop, and beleive me the whiff of lavender never did anything for me, nor did hypnotherapy/acupuncture/herbal sleep tablets/relaxing CD's etc etc. this is a different ball game that only true insomniacs can relate too. But I appreciate your feed back and would not wish the condition on anyone (apart from my worst enemies!!).
Widen your horizons.
Best Wishes
C

I've been there also myself and during my insomnia days I have trouble falling asleep then when I do fall asleep I wake up at like 4 am have to go to the bathroom then try to fall back asleep but can't. Sometimes I wake intermittently with night sweats, paranoid thoughts, and sleep paralysis symptoms. Finally I do eventually fall back asleep but it's like 20 mins before my alarm goes off. Arghhh luckily the sleep problems tapered off as the depression and anxiety tapered off. During that time nothing herbal really helped except maybe melatonin. Tried Kava, valerian, gaba, 5htp etc.. all useless for me. Only thing that works better than others is to make sure you don't sleep or nap during the day and just make sure that if you do it's for less than 15 mins. If you find yourself accidently napping more than that I'd suggest taking a good dose of melatonin before bed to reset your sleep clock. Now that the depression and axiety have tapered off I think my sleep is 80% of normal with some good days and some bad which is fine by me!

-Frank

Really you are talking about light to moderate sleep problems when you mention aromertherapy. For severe insomnia it is a different journey. Forget the fact some people might have a couple of nights bad sleep, this is every night none stop, and beleive me the whiff of lavender never did anything for me, nor did hypnotherapy/acupuncture/herbal sleep tablets/relaxing CD's etc etc. this is a different ball game that only true insomniacs can relate too. But I appreciate your feed back and would not wish the condition on anyone (apart from my worst enemies!!).
Widen your horizons.
Best Wishes
C

Aw man! I DO know what you are talking about, as I have experienced those insomnia nights in intervals, too. And you are so right when you say you would not wish it on anyone (apart from the worst enemies....especially those who are rude to you because you are tired all the time from lack of sleep!)

I totally shut down when even as little as 4 hours of sleep is lost. I cannot think, I'm in a complete zone and it aint' pretty! :yawn: I don't even try to drive a car! The last time I had this bout, I lost 2 nights of sleep in a row and lost over a day and a half of work. Then I got on Trazodone. So far, so good. I combine that with the lavender, etc. just for good measure.

Good luck to you!

Frank I would be very interested to know how you combatted the anxiety? Because I get depression I also get anxiety as I can't do what I want to efficently so I am disapearing up my own......
If I could cure the anxiety and sleep deprivation I can fight the depression. By the way I am in the UK so our meds may be different.
Anyone even more stressed now it is Christmas??? All that smiling and laughing while inside I am screaming?
C

Frank I would be very interested to know how you combatted the anxiety? Because I get depression I also get anxiety as I can't do what I want to efficently so I am disapearing up my own......
If I could cure the anxiety and sleep deprivation I can fight the depression. By the way I am in the UK so our meds may be different.
Anyone even more stressed now it is Christmas??? All that smiling and laughing while inside I am screaming?
C


i just cant wait untill christmas is over.It will be no fun for me and im tired of hearing about it when all i want to do is be able to sleep ugh.if anyone ever found anthing to help them sleep let me know.

I've used 4 different non-addicting meds for sleep at various times in my life. Two are antidepressants - Remeron and Trazadone. Two are anti-psychotics (which I'm NOT, thank God) - Zypreza and Seroquel. All make me feel hung-over the next day, but that tends to lessen as time goes on.

Good luck!

Frank I would be very interested to know how you combatted the anxiety? Because I get depression I also get anxiety as I can't do what I want to efficently so I am disapearing up my own......
If I could cure the anxiety and sleep deprivation I can fight the depression. By the way I am in the UK so our meds may be different.
Anyone even more stressed now it is Christmas??? All that smiling and laughing while inside I am screaming?
C

Crusader,

Well there's no simple one thing that I did to "cure" my anxiety. Everything took a long time and basically a re-learning of the way I see the world, changing my responses to situations, and identifying and changing some of my beliefs and assumptions. And everyone is different with different issues. The most important thing for me that helped with anxiety is the acceptance of change in my life. That there were things that were going on in my life that was not good for me and there were also ways I thought about my life that was keeping me from changing in a more positive way to the things that were happening to my life. I don't want to repeat what I wrote to some other guy so here is a link to what I basically feel about anxiety and how to start breaking free from it.

http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=234292&page=2

If you want more solid info as to what kind of things as in supplements or drugs that helped me on the way towards my recovery here's a list.

Vitamin C (ester c) 1000mg to help adapt to stress
Vitamin B complex also to help adapt to stress
Blueberry puree juice blends - get mine from the local wholesale supermarket (rich in antioxidants)
Magnesium supplement also to help adapt to stress
Zinc supplements
Omega 3 pharmacutical grade fish oil 2 grams a day - good for your replenishing brain fat, and mood.
Flax oil - one gram same as above but provides ALA (the most potent antioxidant)
Evening Primrose oil- provides GLA for anti inflamation and hormonal balance
Eatting of more rich green vegetables like broccolli and spinich
Cut out beef in my diet
Cut out saturated fats in my diet
Lower the amt of carbohydrates in my diet
Cut out soda in my diet
DRINK A LOT OF WATER now
Oatmeal for breakfast instead of stuff like desert buns
Green tea- rich in antioxidants and L-thynine
Excercise 20 mins after work every day.
Reduced the 'soft addictions' (tv, internet, video games, porn and the activity that comes along with that if you know what I mean, and took up more constructive activities instead)

You'll notice I don't have stuff like Valerian, Kava, Gaba, 5 htp, Sam-e etc...
The reason is much of this stuff isn't all that effective anyway and may have downsides that we dont know about yet. The stuff I take and is to ensure that my body gets all the raw material it needs to naturally heal it'self in the best way possible. The mind and body naturally tends towards balance, and when it goes out of balance as in illness physical or mental it needs all the best stuff to help it recover. I'd say it took me about a year to incorporate all those changes to my diet and lifestyle. Those changes helped me on the physical level to balance my whole organism so that I'm overall much healthier. That combined with the 'inner work' I had to do and behavioral modifications lead to my anxiety becoming less and less over time. Hope you've found this helpful. Good luck

Regards,

Frank

I have always slept 'alot', but also have always had terrible trouble FALLING asleep. I have no trouble staying asleep. I think the anxiety and mild ocd makes a person worry when they finally lay down and ponder the day, the next day, etc. There are 2 different types of sleeping pills, those to help you fall asleep and those to help you stay asleep. I tried ambien and trazedone, but found them unhelpful. Ativan works great, but a person's body requires more and more of it, and it is also addictive. When I started hearing voices, I was put on Seroquel, and I LOVE it! I take a smaller dose when the voices aren't present, but after 2 years, it still works. I've NEVER been able to 'hit the pillow and fall asleep', this medication really knocks out my cyclic worry thoughts at bedtime.
~pink

To all who have replied thank you so much. Have the best xmas that you are capable of but most of all don't feel guilty if you don't, it's just another day.
Best Wishes
C

Special message to Frank. Thanks mate I followed your link and you have inspired me to keep pressing forward. Thank you so much ,you put a little more petrol in my tank for a few more miles at least.
C

u know what i have the same problem but in a different way i cant sleep at nite, i go to bed at like 3 4 in the morning then i want to sleep all day . i used to sleep like some people that have made reply sleeping to much 12 to 14 hrs i did that cuz it was away for me to ignore my derpression. but i was always like that. my mother said i was the most hardiest kid to wake up in the morning , i always been a late sleeper no matter what time i go to bed , but i have learned on thing though some people dont function on only 8 hrs some people need less some people need 10 over that is not healthy that what my doc said.

i can give some advice and it may sound weird my just try some over the counter med like tyn. pm dont take it all the time cuz even that is not healthy and can be addictive. i think u need to see another doc, i never met one that was not understanding and would help someone. but yes u are right any sleeping med a doc does pres. it seem addictive. try to relax more, do things that will make u tired, i know easier said than done cuz i cant sleep sometimes either lol but try some herbal products to but ask ur doc what she suggest , drinking warm milk has helped me even as corny as it sounds............hope u get some sleep and me too lol :D

I have always slept 'alot', but also have always had terrible trouble FALLING asleep. I have no trouble staying asleep. I think the anxiety and mild ocd makes a person worry when they finally lay down and ponder the day, the next day, etc. There are 2 different types of sleeping pills, those to help you fall asleep and those to help you stay asleep. I tried ambien and trazedone, but found them unhelpful. Ativan works great, but a person's body requires more and more of it, and it is also addictive. When I started hearing voices, I was put on Seroquel, and I LOVE it! I take a smaller dose when the voices aren't present, but after 2 years, it still works. I've NEVER been able to 'hit the pillow and fall asleep', this medication really knocks out my cyclic worry thoughts at bedtime.
~pink


I too have more difficulty with the falling asleep part. And likewise once i'm asleep i prity much stay that way )have a hard time getting out of be regardless how much sleep i got) I've made note of what works for you. thanks for sharing.
Krissy