drastic change in sleeping habits - Sleep Disorders Message Board

djbrad07 · 01-12-2008, 02:53 PM

this might be more appropriate for the stress forum--im really not sure--but i recently have had some relationship problems (old girlfriend with new boyfriend), and ever since cannot sleep. at the beginning i would wake up constantly upset, but now i'm not even upset anymore, i just can't sleep. i'm worried my sleep circuit board was rewired by this whole thing, because i wake up just as often, but i'm not upset anymore. i'm tired all the time and i can feel myself getting out of shape, but i'm not sure what to do. i exercise and even that doesn't knock me out. my entire life i have slept solidly from when my head hit the pillow until the alarm clock, but now i'm up 3-5 times a night and have a lot of difficulty falling back asleep. any suggestions on how i restore my sleeping program to default?

bethsheba · 01-13-2008, 08:43 AM

First of all, this is the correct forum, although another forum (mental health) may be appropriate also.

Your sleep is definitely not normal...if you've had "normal" sleep prior to this time, I would not suspect a sleep disorder based on what you've said about your emotional situation. A disruption in relationships can cause depression, whether mild or more serious. Depression is one of the conditions that cause sleep disturbances. And to complicate things even more, sleep disorders can cause depression.

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, was treated sucessfully with a cpap, and haven't had any significant bouts of depression or nocturnal wakenings (except a nasty period when taking rx medication for blood pressure) since....however, I am not a doctor...so I would recommend that you see one. Having been sleep deprived most of my life, I can assure you that on going fatigue can lead to inactivity, poor eating habits, weight gain, depression and other conditions that can be avoided given restorative sleep.

Take care, and do let us know how you're doing as someone else may benefit from your experiences.

Bethsheba

mkgbrook · 01-14-2008, 07:26 AM

Welcome. As Bethsheba states.. good advice always from her by the way... back on point this is the right place for ideas on sleep health.

One can have latent/mild sleep apnea that can be triggered at anytime. The waking up more than one time a night is a sign of sleep apnea.. as can be snoring.. neck size.. depression.. chronic fatigue.. etc. The best way to rule out a sleep disorder is by seeing a sleep specialist and having a sleep study.

However in your case, it is a sudden onset thing and not something that you remember since you were a conscious being so..

Look to the sleep hygiene post. Follow those guidelines.. add Melatonin and drink chamomile tea before bed. Do not do OTC sleep meds. Please avoid them.

Also do get your thyroid checked out and start talking about your stress causes. If you can not bring yourself to vent orally.. write it down. Get a journal and write down everything that irritates you, makes you sad, makes you happy.. etc This really helped me with mood swings and mild depression.. mine turned out to be side effects of a failing thyroid and severe sleep apnea. It can and will get better. I hope that we can serve as a n outlet for you.

Good luck and keep us posted.
MG