I remember I tried the take a Unisom pill but that didn't seem to work out - my anxiety took over. Anyway, I actually went to my regular doctors office and she just said "you don't have it." She actually told me she never heard of SFI. And she told me that if this continues, then she will prescribe me some sleeping pills. I guess I'm scared because I've never had insomnia this bad. Like I've never had vivid dreams, or woken up so frequently in the middle of the night. Unfortunately I'm one of those people that has to be tested or screened or whatever to put my mind at ease. Although I do really appreciate the feedback.
I am still concerned. Last night I tried falling asleep around 10:00 p.m. but couldn't fall asleep until 11:30. When I did finally fall asleep I kept getting up until I got up for the day at 5:00 a.m. I got up almost every hour on the hour. The only difference with this time was that I didn't have any vivid dreams every time I fell back asleep. I did dream but I forgot the dreams a few seconds after I woke up. Does this mean that my sleep is getting better or worse?
I will try to help you. You are only 19 years old. When I was 19 years old I was able to sleep 8-9 hours(most nights 9 hours). Then I got a whiplash(make sure it won't happen to you)and cannot sleep since then without sleeping pills at all and that is cause of pain.
It is not normal what is happening to you. I you don't suffer from pain that there should not be a reason to not be able to sleep at night.
So you are doing ok, at least you don't suffer from pain. Not being able to sleep is a turture but imagine pain all the time.........
I suggest you go to the sleep clinic and they can check you there.
Best of luck
I just don't understand that my symptoms are still here, eventhough I'm not thinking about it at all. Like my sweating, muscle twitching, insomnia, rapid heart rate, etc. are still present but I am not even thinking about this disease.
You obviously do not have Fatal Insomnia. I used to think the same myself. One day I was sleeping just fine, and then I went to bed the night before work, and my mind raced and I simply looked at the clock every hour. I counted down til it was time for me to get out of bed, and ultimately, I did not sleep a wink that day. I know exactly how you feel my friend. That got my ball running, I had problems for a very long time. I would sleep solidly just to have a couple days where I get 0 to 4 hours a day for two or three days, but I learned it was my anxiety and worry about getting enough sleep that was keeping me up. I remember about a month into my sleeping problem, a friend of mine told me about that illness, and I reacted JUST like how you did. I read about it obsessively, watched the stuff National Geographic had about it. That even threw me into a deeper state of panic. That was over a year and half ago. Im still alive, and even though I still go through rough days where I do not sleep good. I know it's just my stress and anxiety. usually after a few days I'll go back to sleeping like normal.
Btw, if you are a light sleeper, like myself, then its always been normal for me to wake up a few times during sleep. I still feel fine and refreshed so I never worried too much about it. Also, FFI and SFI does other damage to your brain, I think you would know if you have it. It is related to the Mad Cow Disease. Your also more likely to win the lottery 5 times before you would spontaneously develop SFI. Also, you are NOT in the age range to come in contact with it. Fatal Insomnia typically affects people between 30 and 65. Also understand, only about 100 people have been affected by this illness.
If i was you, I would rule out Fatal Insomnia, I know once you start getting worried about something, it won't stop. Its like a song you just cannot get out of your head. I've been through your problems before my friend. And even though I will still deal with it from time to time. I've learned that isn't what Im going through. I'm sorry you gotta go through with this, I hope I've been helpful.
Edit: I am terribly sorry for the double post. It seems my computer had issues posting this. To the mods, if you are reading this, please remove this post.
Last edited by Darkmatter777; 10-03-2012 at 07:55 AM.
I hate to hear about someone so young being consumed with this anxiety and worry.
There are some wonderful sites with boundless information on getting a good nights sleep. One thing that might help is exercise. Regular exercise helps reduce stress and a short run or walk in the late afternoon or evening will help get rid of some energy. Yoga also helps some people.
Good luck with this. I really hope you can get through this so you can rest well and get on with your life!
