How To Stay Asleep?

[Trinomial]

As far as I know the only atypical antipsychotic that has not been linked to pancreatic issues such as diabetes is geodone.

 

[Trinomial]

Of course, geodone is not a sedative-type antipsychotic and has been linked to heart issues. lol. It's a mixed bag, no matter what drug you take.

 

[rjtransient]

Handy hint: If a medical professional ever mentions the word "insomnia", there's a 95% chance your doctor is confused and scared and is about to throw pills at you.

If it's a long-term problem, be prepared to be your own advocate and read until your eyeballs sting.

 

[Trinomial]

I've been reading up on acupuncture (for my pain) and have found a lot of sources claim it can help with mood and insomnia. If you go that route, just make sure they have experience with people who have PTSD. I thought I'd share, since I have insomnia too. I'm about ready to give it a try. Also, self-massage is soothing and releases feel good endorphins that can help.

 

[Anna]

Just before bed I have a nightcap. Normally maybe a shot or two of Vodka. Sometimes Absinthe :P I find if I have this just before bed it makes me sleep real deep. If however I am anxious or hypervigilant it doesn't work, then I try valerian root tablets as well. That sometimes helps.

 

[SillyMe]

I like ya'll have problems with sleep. I shared on another board that I have just gone through sleep study to find out what is the deal, while I have sleep apnea, even with CPAP I wake up several times a night. The really vivid dreams are as snugglepuss said REM related (I get them when I don't use the CPAP and have forever). I find that klonapin at night just a small dose really helps a lot with the sleeping. I am getting more sleep now than I have in many many years with the CPAP and klonapin together.

The only thing is klonapin is a drug you can get physically dependant on, I was and the withdrawal really sucked big time. However, my neurologist decided that it would be better to be physically dependant on it and get sleep than to be off (I had been off for about ten months) and never sleep.

Good luck, I hope you are able to get some sleep soon. I think the acupuncture thing might be good but definitely go to someone who has PTSD experience, I tried it and didn't do that and it brought up sooooo many bad things for me, it was a really bad experience.

 

[DecadeKTouch]

I drink red wine before sleeping, it's quite effective to be honest. I don't feel drunk at all drinking it, it only makes me drowsy which is helpful for me to have a sound sleep.

 

[Eleanor]

A note of caution about sleeping and drinking (or drinking to sleep). My H just had a major episode where, according to the doc, he lost 1/3 of his blood volume from intestinal bleeding caused by drinking (brandy 3 shots) right before bed. He stopped drinking at night - and ... problem is quickly resolving. Haven't done the tests yet, but we are hoping no permanent damage has been done...

 

[nimkekaa]

I have for as long as I can remember had problems falling asleep and staying asleep. I am usually up at least 3 times a night and sometimes it takes awhile to fall back to sleep. I have used melatonin (get at pharmacy in the vitamin section) It can be very helpful to get to sleep as it is what your body produces naturally to get to sleep. It was recommended by my pediatrition for my son and can be taken every night if needed so it's pretty safe. I do find that it works best if you take it just before going to bed and then do some reading or something calming. I have also taken zoplicone (hope that is spelled write) and find that it works good and keeping me asleep for a few hours and I don't feel drowsy in the morning. It can't be taken every day though.

 

[fairywings]

I fall asleep ok but I am up at 3 00 am. until around 5 00 am.