chipAZ
05-08-2006, 04:04 PM
After having surgery a year ago I had problems getting to sleep after I discontinued the narcotics. My Dr. prescribed Lanesta and this worked for months. Then I had to start taking more to get the same effect so the Dr. switched me to Ambein where the same thing was happening. Now I try not taking Ambein every night, but the nights I don't I don't sleep well (Thank God for TIVO). I would really like a good night sleep every night but I don't want to become a sleeping pill junkie. Is there anything else I can try?
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Jennita
05-09-2006, 04:30 AM
This is a common problem. Narcotics can start it off but do not have a long post-withdrawal syndrome and high tolerance issues like sleep medications do. It's a domino effect and usually sleep meds always worsen existing insomnia no matter what the original cause. Ambien, Lunesta, etc. are benzo-like medications although not technically classed as such but carry the same problems as benzos.
So be patient, natural sleep will return but sometimes it does take awhile...weeks, sometimes months!
Helpful stuff is enough exercise, and chammomile tea or homeopathic formulas(like Hyland's Calms)are very good. A tylenol pm or benedryl sometimes helps too. But these things will not substitute for sleeping drugs at first, (since prescription sleeping pills are quite strong and cause dependancy) so they may or may not work well at the beginning but as the body becomes less dependant on strong drugs the weaker stuff will work better.
So be patient, natural sleep will return but sometimes it does take awhile...weeks, sometimes months!
Helpful stuff is enough exercise, and chammomile tea or homeopathic formulas(like Hyland's Calms)are very good. A tylenol pm or benedryl sometimes helps too. But these things will not substitute for sleeping drugs at first, (since prescription sleeping pills are quite strong and cause dependancy) so they may or may not work well at the beginning but as the body becomes less dependant on strong drugs the weaker stuff will work better.
chipAZ
05-09-2006, 02:17 PM
I am trying to wean myself from Ambian. Last night was accomplished by eating bread (high carps), getting up watching TV and being generally miserable. I slept till 10am. It's hard with a bottle of pills sitting there and you know that will solve the problem.
I'd like to get myself to use Ambian on an occasional basis when I have to get up early and need a good nights sleep, when traveling. Bendryl and the like has never worked for me. Exercise is still limited post op. But after reading all the posts on this board I know I am not alone.
I'd like to get myself to use Ambian on an occasional basis when I have to get up early and need a good nights sleep, when traveling. Bendryl and the like has never worked for me. Exercise is still limited post op. But after reading all the posts on this board I know I am not alone.
Jennita
05-09-2006, 09:22 PM
Yes, weaning off is a good idea, then the few times you might take it in the future it will work better as tolerance decreases. Good luck, I know it's hard but these drugs really do a number on the GABA receptor system and it is very hard to recover from.
maya_1299
05-31-2006, 01:57 PM
Hello,
I've used ativan, lunesta over a period of 2.5 months for sleep..It has been 2 months since stopped using the meds for sleep..But my sleep is non-restorative. I wake up very easily and and dream a lot. I feel like i'm not getting inot deep sleep..(porbably protracted benzo withdrawl syndorme?) I'm not sure how long this is going to last, and my natural sleep to return...And what kind of things would help promote deep sleep? I just feel hopeless and depressed, am 27 y/o.
Used to be able to sleep anytime, had no problems before. Any input? And how long does it take for the GABA receptors to become normal again?
I've used ativan, lunesta over a period of 2.5 months for sleep..It has been 2 months since stopped using the meds for sleep..But my sleep is non-restorative. I wake up very easily and and dream a lot. I feel like i'm not getting inot deep sleep..(porbably protracted benzo withdrawl syndorme?) I'm not sure how long this is going to last, and my natural sleep to return...And what kind of things would help promote deep sleep? I just feel hopeless and depressed, am 27 y/o.
Used to be able to sleep anytime, had no problems before. Any input? And how long does it take for the GABA receptors to become normal again?
Jennita
05-31-2006, 03:00 PM
Although there is no way to predict when sleep will return to normal in most cases, only 2 months use is probably not going to cause protracted withdrawal. I would say it's possible that it might take a few months more maybe to have your sleep straighten out completely but benzo withdrawal is very unpredictable and you could be fine next week!
Dreaming alot is very common in benzo withdrawal because benzos tend to supress REM sleep, so there is a rebound of it when discontinuing. REM is very necessary for mental functions, so even if it's a big pain right now to dream alot, it's really your brain recovering what it was lacking before and that's a good thing!
You might promote more deep stages of sleep with regular exercise. Some chammomile tea near bedtime also is helpful. I also read somewhere that green tea helps create GABA; I'm not sure entirely if it's accurate but it couldn't hurt to drink some green tea during the day, preferably decaf, at least for the antioxidants anyway!
Dreaming alot is very common in benzo withdrawal because benzos tend to supress REM sleep, so there is a rebound of it when discontinuing. REM is very necessary for mental functions, so even if it's a big pain right now to dream alot, it's really your brain recovering what it was lacking before and that's a good thing!
You might promote more deep stages of sleep with regular exercise. Some chammomile tea near bedtime also is helpful. I also read somewhere that green tea helps create GABA; I'm not sure entirely if it's accurate but it couldn't hurt to drink some green tea during the day, preferably decaf, at least for the antioxidants anyway!
maya_1299
05-31-2006, 04:22 PM
Thanks Jennita,
It's been two months now that I haven't used any sedative hypnotics or benzos for sleep..I am not sure how many more months i have to suffer? I am dreaming a lot but i don't believe i am reaching REM sleep..Because I am in a trance like state where i awaken ver easily, i wake up to every noise usually about 3-4 times a night, and am missing deep stages 3 & 4 of sleep..My sleep is very unrefreshing, usually have a headache almost everyday. I don't know how much longer it's going to take?
It's been two months now that I haven't used any sedative hypnotics or benzos for sleep..I am not sure how many more months i have to suffer? I am dreaming a lot but i don't believe i am reaching REM sleep..Because I am in a trance like state where i awaken ver easily, i wake up to every noise usually about 3-4 times a night, and am missing deep stages 3 & 4 of sleep..My sleep is very unrefreshing, usually have a headache almost everyday. I don't know how much longer it's going to take?
maya_1299
06-01-2006, 12:48 PM
Thanks Jennita,
It's been two months now that I haven't used any sedative hypnotics or benzos for sleep..I am not sure how many more months i have to suffer? I am dreaming a lot but i don't believe i am reaching REM sleep..Because I am in a trance like state where i awaken ver easily, i wake up to every noise usually about 3-4 times a night, and am missing deep stages 3 & 4 of sleep..My sleep is very unrefreshing, usually have a headache almost everyday. I don't know how much longer it's going to take?
It's been two months now that I haven't used any sedative hypnotics or benzos for sleep..I am not sure how many more months i have to suffer? I am dreaming a lot but i don't believe i am reaching REM sleep..Because I am in a trance like state where i awaken ver easily, i wake up to every noise usually about 3-4 times a night, and am missing deep stages 3 & 4 of sleep..My sleep is very unrefreshing, usually have a headache almost everyday. I don't know how much longer it's going to take?
Jennita
06-01-2006, 07:03 PM
Actually you are reaching REM...most of the vividly recalled dreams occur during REM sleep.
True, you might not be getting enough stages 3 and 4 (non-REM) yet but that will improve...exercise could help that. I do remember alot of light stages 1 and 2 during my initial recovery from benzos...those are frustrating stages of sleep because you do feel like you are not asleep at all, in fact I was told I was in stage 2 during an EEG and thought I wasn't asleep at all!
But that sleep is beneficial and will later lead you into to the deeper stages as time goes on, it did for me.
True, you might not be getting enough stages 3 and 4 (non-REM) yet but that will improve...exercise could help that. I do remember alot of light stages 1 and 2 during my initial recovery from benzos...those are frustrating stages of sleep because you do feel like you are not asleep at all, in fact I was told I was in stage 2 during an EEG and thought I wasn't asleep at all!
But that sleep is beneficial and will later lead you into to the deeper stages as time goes on, it did for me.
maya_1299
06-02-2006, 11:38 AM
Thanks Jennita,
How long did u use benzos? How long did it take for your deep stages of sleep to come back?
How long did u use benzos? How long did it take for your deep stages of sleep to come back?
Jennita
06-02-2006, 03:36 PM
I only used for 8 months but it was an unusual 8 months, such as switching back and forth on benzos, a short stint with an AD and also the benzo doses started out very high I'm told and took them every single day.
Tolerance developed very severely and quickly (as in went for several days without a wink of sleep, not even a short nap, while still ON benzos!) so I tapered off too fast as well (didn't know better at the time), leaving me in protracted withdrawal for years although very improved I still have some issues with sleep which I'm sure will eventually smooth out as I notice tiny improvements as time goes on even still this far out. I do get alot of deep sleep and REM I notice even on the shorter nights too.
I'm far better off than I ever was on those retarded pills. The reason I was even put on them in the first place was to deal with a withdrawal to codiene for an illness which I was told didn't exist by doctors, but something must have been wrong with me?
Back then I'd never heard of narcotic withdrawal from prescribed doses nor even knew that narcotic withdrawal usually only lasts a few weeks or I would have waited it out.
I assumed the doctor was right and something was wrong with me (what I don't know since I was perfect before the codiene).
Anyway, after a horrid journey of pills and doctors I finally researched on the internet and discovered just how bad benzos can be. Wish I'd known not to take them in the first place. They definately made my situation worse than it was originally.
You just have to wait it out. I know that's hard because life don't usually wait for us, we have things to do. But it's still better than going back on pills which eventually fail and then cause bigger problems down the line.
To answer your question: even though sleep was short and not many hours around then, I'd say I started having some deeper sleep around the 3rd or 4th month. Sometimes it was really deep too, like I wouldn't wake up even though there was some noises that even woke up my husband.
Funny thing about benzo withdrawal too is that it's like a rollercoaster, good one day, bad another. It just takes awhile to even out the track I guess.
Tolerance developed very severely and quickly (as in went for several days without a wink of sleep, not even a short nap, while still ON benzos!) so I tapered off too fast as well (didn't know better at the time), leaving me in protracted withdrawal for years although very improved I still have some issues with sleep which I'm sure will eventually smooth out as I notice tiny improvements as time goes on even still this far out. I do get alot of deep sleep and REM I notice even on the shorter nights too.
I'm far better off than I ever was on those retarded pills. The reason I was even put on them in the first place was to deal with a withdrawal to codiene for an illness which I was told didn't exist by doctors, but something must have been wrong with me?
Back then I'd never heard of narcotic withdrawal from prescribed doses nor even knew that narcotic withdrawal usually only lasts a few weeks or I would have waited it out.
I assumed the doctor was right and something was wrong with me (what I don't know since I was perfect before the codiene).
Anyway, after a horrid journey of pills and doctors I finally researched on the internet and discovered just how bad benzos can be. Wish I'd known not to take them in the first place. They definately made my situation worse than it was originally.
You just have to wait it out. I know that's hard because life don't usually wait for us, we have things to do. But it's still better than going back on pills which eventually fail and then cause bigger problems down the line.
To answer your question: even though sleep was short and not many hours around then, I'd say I started having some deeper sleep around the 3rd or 4th month. Sometimes it was really deep too, like I wouldn't wake up even though there was some noises that even woke up my husband.
Funny thing about benzo withdrawal too is that it's like a rollercoaster, good one day, bad another. It just takes awhile to even out the track I guess.
maya_1299
06-07-2006, 12:51 PM
Thanks Jennita,
I am able to get at least some light sleep. But I wake up every night at 5am.
I am worried about my immune system since i am not able to get that deep sleep. This is my 3rd month off benzos and sleep meds...I will have to watch how my sleep pattern will change..I still have hope.
I am able to get at least some light sleep. But I wake up every night at 5am.
I am worried about my immune system since i am not able to get that deep sleep. This is my 3rd month off benzos and sleep meds...I will have to watch how my sleep pattern will change..I still have hope.
Jennita
06-07-2006, 02:34 PM
The pattern will be up and down for awhile. I also worried about my immune system but found that drinking green tea every other day(decaf) really seemed to make a difference, even during my worst withdrawal, before it I was getting sick alot. Now I haven't needed to go to a doctor for a cold in many years! What makes this even more amazing is that I have had chronic bronchitis my whole life and now it seems to have evaporated. Only changes I've made is the green tea, oh, and I include flax and cod oil in my diet but those are more for heart/circulation/brain than antioxidant.
Even black tea has benefits too, but always decaf when in withdrawals!
Even black tea has benefits too, but always decaf when in withdrawals!
maya_1299
06-07-2006, 03:34 PM
Thanks Jennita,
I've been researching on internet, and found an article that said symptoms of sleep disorders (stage 4) and chronic fatigue syndrome are closely related.. I hope i don't develop chronic fatigue syndrome.. I don't have any symptoms of CFS other than lack of deep sleep. My whole problem with sleep started when I broke up with my boyfriend and started using sleep medcines, and benzos. I am not sure if the stress caused me not to achieve deep sleep or the sleep meds? Anyways, i am still hoping one day i'll be able to sleep like before the sleep meds usage.
Question: when you were getting only light sleep, did you function okay in the day time? I seem to function ok in the day time, but when i don't get that light sleep, i feel very tired.
I've been researching on internet, and found an article that said symptoms of sleep disorders (stage 4) and chronic fatigue syndrome are closely related.. I hope i don't develop chronic fatigue syndrome.. I don't have any symptoms of CFS other than lack of deep sleep. My whole problem with sleep started when I broke up with my boyfriend and started using sleep medcines, and benzos. I am not sure if the stress caused me not to achieve deep sleep or the sleep meds? Anyways, i am still hoping one day i'll be able to sleep like before the sleep meds usage.
Question: when you were getting only light sleep, did you function okay in the day time? I seem to function ok in the day time, but when i don't get that light sleep, i feel very tired.
Jennita
06-08-2006, 04:01 PM
Well, emotional stress like a breakup would cause your sleep to get out of whack but eventually the body would have demanded sleep and the brain would respond.
But sleeping pills sort of break that connection by taking over and the brain usually becomes lazy about producing it's own sleep chemicals, while at the same time it tries to defend itself by producing some extra excitatory receptors in response to chemical intrusions. This is what starts the phenomenon of drug tolerance. That's why they are only good for short term use, like a week; even then they are not a good idea. Natural sleep has yet to be duplicated by a pill.
Yes, I was able to function most days, maybe not full energy but I could function. As I started to get some sleep, ironically, I was more fatigued as time went on....which is normal because the body is reacting to not getting enough sleep, thus eventually causing even more normal sleep to come about.
Don't worry about chronic fatigue syndrome yet as it's pretty common with benzo use and withdrawal. It will get much better, like the sleep will. If you can, try to exercise vigorously at least 4 times a week; exercise does not necessarily cause sleep but it will deepen sleep when it occurs.
But sleeping pills sort of break that connection by taking over and the brain usually becomes lazy about producing it's own sleep chemicals, while at the same time it tries to defend itself by producing some extra excitatory receptors in response to chemical intrusions. This is what starts the phenomenon of drug tolerance. That's why they are only good for short term use, like a week; even then they are not a good idea. Natural sleep has yet to be duplicated by a pill.
Yes, I was able to function most days, maybe not full energy but I could function. As I started to get some sleep, ironically, I was more fatigued as time went on....which is normal because the body is reacting to not getting enough sleep, thus eventually causing even more normal sleep to come about.
Don't worry about chronic fatigue syndrome yet as it's pretty common with benzo use and withdrawal. It will get much better, like the sleep will. If you can, try to exercise vigorously at least 4 times a week; exercise does not necessarily cause sleep but it will deepen sleep when it occurs.
maya_1299
06-09-2006, 04:25 PM
Thanks again,
I am planning on a pregnancy. Since I don't achieve deep sleep, would it be a problem for me or the baby during pregnancy? Have you read anything regarding this matter?
I am planning on a pregnancy. Since I don't achieve deep sleep, would it be a problem for me or the baby during pregnancy? Have you read anything regarding this matter?
Jennita
06-09-2006, 05:31 PM
No, I haven't read anything about deep sleep and pregnancy....but I would think logically it would be a good idea to wait a bit more intil your deeper sleep returns to normal before getting pregnant, just for the sake of having enough energy at least to feel decent while pregnant!
Remember, exercise is very important for deep sleep stages too so continue to do what you can, even when you are pregnant, as doctor recommends.
Also, natural sleep is the absolute best, no matter. Even lighter sleep stages have alot of benefit. Actually, I think I read somewhere that even with normal sleep, one spends alot more time in stage 2 than we think.
But we do need a specific amount in deeper stages and REM, which alot of psych meds tend to disrupt that's just another reason why medications' anesthetic type sleep isn't the best way.
If I were you, I'd give myself more time to become a deeper sleeper and out of withdrawal before getting pregnant just to be safe.
Remember, exercise is very important for deep sleep stages too so continue to do what you can, even when you are pregnant, as doctor recommends.
Also, natural sleep is the absolute best, no matter. Even lighter sleep stages have alot of benefit. Actually, I think I read somewhere that even with normal sleep, one spends alot more time in stage 2 than we think.
But we do need a specific amount in deeper stages and REM, which alot of psych meds tend to disrupt that's just another reason why medications' anesthetic type sleep isn't the best way.
If I were you, I'd give myself more time to become a deeper sleeper and out of withdrawal before getting pregnant just to be safe.
uhoh101
06-10-2006, 03:39 PM
You should try Melatonin tablets .. you can get them from the drug store or any herbal supply store .. a psychologist recommended them to me, and at first I didn't think they would be even worth a try, but after the continued xanax use which got old, i gave it a shot .. to my amazement it worked.
I'm no DR. or anything but I've done alot of reading about it since I was informed, and melatonin is a neurohoromone released by the pineal gland in the brain, it only gets released in total darkness and if you have the slightest bit of light touching any part of your body it won't release or releases very little .. which is not uncommon for people who work odd shifts, etc. I've also read articles saying that the gland itself releases very little in the older age groups, or in the stressed out people.
May be worth a try. 180 tablets cost me like $2 ..
Melatonin tablets are all natural and should be safe during pregnancy, just ask your DR. before you take anything if you do become pregnant.
I'm no DR. or anything but I've done alot of reading about it since I was informed, and melatonin is a neurohoromone released by the pineal gland in the brain, it only gets released in total darkness and if you have the slightest bit of light touching any part of your body it won't release or releases very little .. which is not uncommon for people who work odd shifts, etc. I've also read articles saying that the gland itself releases very little in the older age groups, or in the stressed out people.
May be worth a try. 180 tablets cost me like $2 ..
Melatonin tablets are all natural and should be safe during pregnancy, just ask your DR. before you take anything if you do become pregnant.
maya_1299
06-12-2006, 12:09 PM
I've tried melatonin tablets in the beginning when I started having sleep problems, it just made me wired. My problem is I am getting deep sleep, I'm not sure if melatonin would be helpful.. How long did you use xanax for, and are you able to get deep sleep now with the use of melatonin?
Jennita
06-13-2006, 06:02 PM
I imagine being a nurse is very demanding and stressful. The hours must be bad too (night shifts?) Is it possible to only work part-time? I think work would be very hard under withdrawal circumstances but perhaps part time would be easier and later on when your sleep is better you could always go more hours.
That pain in your hip could either be from too much weight or improper form. Form is SO important; I remember just turning my neck to talk to someone during sitting cable rows once really did a number on my neck/upper back, such a pain the next day I could hardly move!!
I know better but sometimes if you've been doing it awhile you get careless, but that taught me a lesson. What exercises were you doing the other day? Think it was too much weight or bad form possibly?
If you eat enough protein the muscles should recover ok as long as you don't overtrain despite the sleep. Pretty soon your brain will realize the need for deeper sleep and that it's not getting anymore drugs to accomplish sleep so it will adjust, don't worry!
That pain in your hip could either be from too much weight or improper form. Form is SO important; I remember just turning my neck to talk to someone during sitting cable rows once really did a number on my neck/upper back, such a pain the next day I could hardly move!!
I know better but sometimes if you've been doing it awhile you get careless, but that taught me a lesson. What exercises were you doing the other day? Think it was too much weight or bad form possibly?
If you eat enough protein the muscles should recover ok as long as you don't overtrain despite the sleep. Pretty soon your brain will realize the need for deeper sleep and that it's not getting anymore drugs to accomplish sleep so it will adjust, don't worry!
maya_1299
06-13-2006, 06:28 PM
Hi Jennita,
Acutally, if I accept the job it will be day shift..But it is 12 hour days..Maybe part-time would be a better option.
As far as my pain, i have it in my lower back and have tingling in my foot too,
maybe an impinched nerve..I'm not sure.
I'll still have hope that my sleep will get better. Now is month three off sleep meds..
Acutally, if I accept the job it will be day shift..But it is 12 hour days..Maybe part-time would be a better option.
As far as my pain, i have it in my lower back and have tingling in my foot too,
maybe an impinched nerve..I'm not sure.
I'll still have hope that my sleep will get better. Now is month three off sleep meds..
Jennita
06-14-2006, 02:49 PM
Day shift, well that's good but 12 hours on bad sleep, yikes! Hopefully you can do part time. I bet it won't take too long before your sleep does get better and then you'll have more options. Do some gentle lower back stretches for that injury but if it goes too long maybe you should get it checked. Three months off sleep meds is good, you'll be seeing some improvements soon! :bouncing:
maya_1299
06-15-2006, 01:28 PM
I'm looking forward to my sleep getting better. Tingling sensation in my foot and leg is gone, just have some discomfort now. Yeah, i've been doing some gentle stretches. I'm also planning on doing some aeorbic excercise, hopefully help with my deep sleep.
maya_1299
06-21-2006, 12:03 PM
HI Jennita,
Given that I only took benzos for 2.5 months, now I am feeling discouraged that I am not sleeping well. I still have some hope, and I want to be able to sleep like befor prior to benzo use. I am not sure how long this is going to take?
Given that I only took benzos for 2.5 months, now I am feeling discouraged that I am not sleeping well. I still have some hope, and I want to be able to sleep like befor prior to benzo use. I am not sure how long this is going to take?
Jennita
06-21-2006, 02:21 PM
yes, its amazing sometimes how just a couple months of sleep meds can really screw up natural sleep. I think you will be ok in a few months but it's very unpredictable. For example, I joined a benzo support group a long time ago and was very impressed about one man's story regarding short term use of a weaker benzo.
He was a bodybuilder and hurt his back. So they gave him Valium, the weakest of the benzos, not for sleep but for back spasms since benzos also have muscle relaxant effects. He only took them for a couple months intil back was better.
When he quit, he went through approx. 10 months of insomnia (which he had none previously), anxiety (again, nada before), fatigue, muscle and nerve problems, etc. etc. In other words all his symptoms were non-existant before starting benzos and they lasted fairly long considering the short time he was on the weakest benzo of the drug class.
So as you can see, the claim that some docs say of no withdrawal symptoms past 2 wks or it must be original condition is just completely wrong. Withdrawal syndrome, protracted and acute, is very real and very unpredictable in every case. You'd think the bodybuilder would have recovered quite quickly or had no withdrawal symptoms, considering his healthy state and lack of any problems other than a back injury!
So the answer of "how long" is not easy to answer! Who knows, these are crazy meds (or maybe the docs are crazy to even prescribe them).
Be patient; you are lucky that you got off them before any real harm could be done; you might have to wait a few more months but it will be worth waiting for. Meanwhile, if you want to try some very natural things like chammomile tea, calcium-magnesium supplements near bedtime etc. those may help while the brain heals.
He was a bodybuilder and hurt his back. So they gave him Valium, the weakest of the benzos, not for sleep but for back spasms since benzos also have muscle relaxant effects. He only took them for a couple months intil back was better.
When he quit, he went through approx. 10 months of insomnia (which he had none previously), anxiety (again, nada before), fatigue, muscle and nerve problems, etc. etc. In other words all his symptoms were non-existant before starting benzos and they lasted fairly long considering the short time he was on the weakest benzo of the drug class.
So as you can see, the claim that some docs say of no withdrawal symptoms past 2 wks or it must be original condition is just completely wrong. Withdrawal syndrome, protracted and acute, is very real and very unpredictable in every case. You'd think the bodybuilder would have recovered quite quickly or had no withdrawal symptoms, considering his healthy state and lack of any problems other than a back injury!
So the answer of "how long" is not easy to answer! Who knows, these are crazy meds (or maybe the docs are crazy to even prescribe them).
Be patient; you are lucky that you got off them before any real harm could be done; you might have to wait a few more months but it will be worth waiting for. Meanwhile, if you want to try some very natural things like chammomile tea, calcium-magnesium supplements near bedtime etc. those may help while the brain heals.
maya_1299
06-21-2006, 03:16 PM
Hi Jennita,
Some think that my sleep problems are related to stress not benzo usage since it was very short time.
I get a lot of REM sleep with constant dreaming without deep sleep. I am not sure so much REM, light sleep is common after benzo usage. I am just worried that I might have messed up my sleep center with either stress or benzo usage.
Thanks for your support.
Daphyni.
Some think that my sleep problems are related to stress not benzo usage since it was very short time.
I get a lot of REM sleep with constant dreaming without deep sleep. I am not sure so much REM, light sleep is common after benzo usage. I am just worried that I might have messed up my sleep center with either stress or benzo usage.
Thanks for your support.
Daphyni.
moderator2
06-21-2006, 11:04 PM
Please read and follow the posting rules.
Jennita
06-22-2006, 02:55 PM
Well, frankly it could be both. They found benzos should not be used more than 2 weeks at a time because after that they already effect the brain enough to cause dependancy and sleep problems.
Stress definately has played a part in your sleep problems but benzos usually take original insomnia/sleep problems and just make them worse. I think as time goes on, your brain will re-adjust and your stress will get better too if you take care of yourself. A broken heart can mend as well so good luck there!:wave:
Stress definately has played a part in your sleep problems but benzos usually take original insomnia/sleep problems and just make them worse. I think as time goes on, your brain will re-adjust and your stress will get better too if you take care of yourself. A broken heart can mend as well so good luck there!:wave: