8th day off opiates, still no sleep

MrClean · 07-31-2006, 08:50 AM

How long can the body go without sleep anyways? I'd figure (hope) that it would just end up spontaniously passing out, but I can't sleep not even a half hour. It's really driving me crazy

ozzybug · 07-31-2006, 09:15 AM

Hey Mr.Clean-
Wow- 8 nights is a long time to go without sleep. I'd think (and hope) that your body would get tired enough to overlook the jittery legs and just give up and allow you to sleep at nights from exhaustion alone.

I know this is not helping to keep you strong, but you seem to be maintaining, so big kuddos for that. Have you tried taking Melatonin to help with sleep? It's all natural and available at most health food stores or vitamin stores.

It's helped me in the past, but I've also heard/seen others who didn't get any benefit from it. If you've not tried it, then it might be worth a try.

Good luck, and try to hold out. Hopefully sleep is just around the corner!

Lezlee

MrClean · 07-31-2006, 09:25 AM

ya I took melatonin last night and tonight, and it just seems to bring on the restless legs worste. I didn't even have them until I tried to go to sleep. I slept the first couple nights some, but not since. I dont want to take xanex or anything I just want my body to heal but damn this sucks. thanks for your reply

cincin5000 · 07-31-2006, 10:10 AM

I wasn't sure if it you really wanted this question answered on a scientific level, but here's a paragraph about sleep deprivation.

Although many believe it to be true, and while animal studies suggest it is possible, it has never been proven that total sleep deprivation will eventually lead to death. There are no documented cases of a healthy human dying from total sleep deprivation. In carefully monitored experiments, several normal research subjects stayed awake for 10 days. While they all experienced cognitive deficits in memory, concentration, etc, none of them experienced serious medical, neurological, physiological or psychiatric problems.

I know this may sound corny, but have you tried self relaxation/meditation techniques? I don't know how the restless legs feel, but have you tried tiger balm on your legs(it is kinda like ben gay, but much better)? I wasn't sure if that would help, but hey, I'm trying. Sleepy time tea? I hope you get some sleep soon and 8 days off of opiates is something to be proud of.

ozzybug · 07-31-2006, 11:42 AM

MRClean-
I admire your strength in not wanting to take meds. I think you really are sticking to your guns in healing your body and ridding it of all substances.

I've been told many times that nothing truly worth having comes free, so maybe this is an example of that. You want so badly to be clean and are paying the price for it. I'm sure once this is all over, you will reap the rewards.

Be strong, and be patient.

Lezlee