Posted by Boba Fat on June 10, 2003, at 3:48:48
In reply to Re: update (insomnia) » Ron Hill, posted by Larry Hoover on June 9, 2003, at 18:25:58
I've followed this thread with interest. My problem with sleep was that it used to take me hours to get off. No matter how tired I was I would be tossing and turning. I was also a waker, I would wake 7 or 8 times, sometimes bolt upright - wide awake over a 5-6 hour 'sleep'. My other problem was occasional sleep paralysis and regular nightmares. Over the years my doctors have been reluctant to prescribe sleep aids and I have had to rely on Valerian, chamomile tea and warm milk - not the greatest sleep aids for someone with serious sleep problems. Recently since giving up most alcohol and stimulants I have had tons of energy which has manifested my problems into true insomnia. I concur that lack of sleep worsens anxiety and mood so I sought a solution. My doctor would only prescribe dothiepin but this only helped marginally. After only a few weeks stopped working at all. I had to stop taking it anyway because of the e-numbers, lactose and wheat starch it contained (because of my pesky diet) but it was neither helping my depression or sleep anyway. Now I rely on self medicated Klonopin, Diphenhydramine, codeine and the old Valerian and chamomile, often combining all five. This isn't a permanant solution though as I don't want to become tolerant or dependant to klonopin as I would rather save it for social anxiety and panic attacks (it is also expensive). There is a risk of tolerance with Diphenhydramine with long term use and the problems with possible codeine addiction are scary. The valerian and chamomile on their own just don't cut it though. I am interested in melatonin but it is not available here in England so I would have to mail order it (don't worry Bob, I won't ask where I can get it though! ;) ). Anyway that is my story. Sorry about the length but I just thought I would add my 2 cents to this interesting and relevant thread.
poster:Boba Fat
thread:231352
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030609/msgs/232825.html