Posted by Alara on November 22, 2002, at 19:12:20
In reply to Re: Depression symptoms without the depression? , posted by polarbear206 on November 22, 2002, at 16:47:49
Minx, I totally relate. Strangely, antidepressants (first Prothiaden and later Effexor) only seemed to make my hypersomnia worse. I have been off ADs since August and have been taking St Johns Wort and Vitamin B complex for the last 6.5 weeks. Well, you'd never believe this but since I started on this regime, I have naturally cut my sleep requirements down from 16 hours a day to 10 hours a day! For the first time in years, I am getting out of bed NATURALLY at 8am instead of being stuck in a groggy sleep until the early afternoon...I am also about to get a full-time job and feel confident about my ability to function like a normal person for the first time in years!
Minx, I too had the problem of waking up gradually as the day progressed, being fully awake at the time that I was supposed to go to sleep. I used to medicate that with caffeine (in the morning) and alcohol (to wind down at night). I am finding that I am developing a more typical `human' body clock on the SJW.I am still highly strung by nature and have difficulties winding down after a stressful day. To counter this problem, I first take a shower and have herbal tea. (Lemon and ginger is excellent.) I also make an effort to think my way through any problems using cognitive-behavioural techniques. (It's amazing how calming this can be!) If I am still winding up and am doubtful about my ability to fall asleep at a normal time, I take a Xanax. (I can always be sure that the Xanax will work when I need it most because I avoid building up a tolerance by only using it when I really need it.)
Why does St Johns work for me? That's an interesting question. It's possible that it is good for atypical depression because it acts like a MAO inhibitor.
Hope this helps. :-)
Alara
poster:Alara
thread:128582
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021122/msgs/128825.html