Bad "cycle" - Sleep Disorders Message Board

star4822 · 04-23-2007, 05:33 PM

I've always had difficulties sleeping, but they've been pretty bad these past 2weeks. It takes me a long time to fall asleep, because I have anxiety problems, PLUS my parents watch TV really loud at night, and of course my bedroom is right above the TV room.

I ask my dad every single night to turn down the TV, so I can't hear it, but he has hearing problems and needs to have it loud to be able to hear it. He shouldn't be watching TV at 10:30 pm at night, but he does. I can't change anything about that. Ear plugs do not help at all, so please don't suggest those.

So it takes me a long time to fall asleep. Then I have a decent sleep, up until when my parents wake up(6:30 am). My parents bathroom is right beside my bedroom, so their noise wakes me up. As soon as I get waken up, I stress myself out and think "Oh great, I'm up this early, I'm never going to get back to sleep". It's more of a "mind over matter" thing, where I "pysche" myself out into convincing myself I won't sleep. And it works.

I don't know how to change it, but I'm on my last nerve. This lack of sleep is making me so exhausted, I can't concentrate and my moods have been very low. I snap at everybody and I know I've hurt people's feelings these past few weeks, because of my bad mood. It's hard to control, when I'm this tired and not thinking clearly though.

I'd go to a doctor, but their solution to everything is sleeping pills. That's NOT what I want. I have an addictive personality and once I get on sleeping pills, I'll convince myself that I NEED them to sleep, and won't be able to stop taking them. A doctor isn't going to help me..so basically, I guess this thread was pointless, but I just needed to get that off my chest. Anyone who can relate, I'd love to hear your stories. It helps to know I'm not the only one, tossing and turning and stressing at night.

mkgbrook · 04-24-2007, 08:21 AM

Have you went to a sleep specialist? They do not always prescribe sleeping pills. Normally they try to chase down the problem and solve it. If you have insomnia.. it is normally the side effect of a medicine interation or a more serious sleep disorder.

Sleep deprivation causes increased angst (anxiety), depression, chronic respiratory ills, and much more. Do you snore, wake up more than once a night? Can you ride in quiet car for longer than an hour and not fall asleep? What is your weight? Do you grind your teeth? Do you have acid reflux? There are many thing that you need to check on , because they all can cause sleep apnea.

Do not trust any other MD that a sleep specialist to help you manage your sleep. Also print out my Tips on sleep hygiene post.. talk with your parents show them the post and see if they can work with you on the TV noise at night and noise in the morning. Next make your dad go to an audiologist and get his hearing tested and fixed. Otherwise his bad hearing is going to make all those exposed around him, hearing go bad quicker. My opinion that.. my husband does the same thing and it will wake me and my 4 yr old up constantly.

Respectfully,
MG

star4822 · 04-24-2007, 05:34 PM

Thanks for the reply.

I live in a very small town, and the closest sleep specialist is about a 17 hour commute away. Not possible(at least now). My parents tell me this 'phase' will pass; I just need to give it time. I'm sick of giving it time! I just want to sleep.

To answer your questions:
No, I do not snore.

Yes, I can ride in a quiet car and not fall asleep.(I never fall asleep unintentionally)

I'm 90 pounds(my whole family is very lightweight)

No, I'm pretty sure I don't grind my teeth. Not positive though.

No, I don't have acid reflux.

Yes, I wake up a few times a night, but just to go pee(small bladder)

I've read your sleep hygiene post. It was very well written, but unfortunately does not apply to me. Thanks for that suggestion.

My dad thinks my problem is just a problem I've "created" for myself, and would not consider getting his hearing checked. He will not see a doctor unless he has to, and does not see this as a reason to.

So I'm stuck on my own. I guess I'll just have to get used to being exhausted.

FromSqueaky · 04-24-2007, 08:19 PM

Sorry for you lost nights of sleep. I use to work the grave yard shift so when it was time for me to go home and sleep the rest of the world was waking up making al whole lot of noise. The worst was the bass coming from car radios. I could feel it making my body throb with each beat. I was young I loved loud dance music and I drove around with my radio loud too but after a few years of not sleeping from the radio bass I realized that I must have made someone feel that way too at one time.

There are different types of ear plugs. Some block out up to a noise of level 14. The highest level I have found is level 33. They can be found at Walgreens in a pack of I think 14 for $5. They are reusable. I don't know if it was me finally getting a good nights sleep that I didn't hear the house alarm go off or if it was from the ear plugs. Yesterday I didn't hear the neighbors house alarm go off and from what my bf said it was on for a long time and my window is next to her house.

It's been 10 years now and sadly I have not gone a night with out them. I tried to sleep with out ear plugs but I hear every single little noise. I have to have complete quite and I still take Sleepinal to get to sleep. Can not have one speck of light and my door has to be shut. Sometimes I sleep with a towel over my eyes. Don't know why but it gives me a sense of calmness.

star4822 · 04-25-2007, 09:32 PM

Thanks for the suggestion on the ear plugs! I've just been using cheap foam ones that my dad has from work. I didn't realize you could get really good ones that block out noise like that.

We don't have a Walgreens' where I live, but I'll definitely look around and see if they have better ear plugs for me. They sound like they'd be great! I'm the same way as you. Any little noise will keep me up. I need it dead silent in order for me to fall asleep..unfortunately my family doesn't care about that, and I have to wait 2 hours until they go to bed.