I really need some help.

[ptsdsux]

Hi all. I am struggling a lot right now with some delayed PTSD symptoms from a sexual assault experience that I had 3+ years ago. I have always struggled with falling and staying asleep (even before this experience), but have had a severe escalation of these symptom in the last week or so, accompanied with awful flashbacks and heightened responses to triggers. I have been on Zoloft (again, before my sexual assault situation -- for anxiety), and it had a temporarily positive effect on my sleep, though ultimately it caused me to feel very groggy and unclear about where the line was between my dreams and reality. I am now a college senior, stressed with things including my classes, dating, leadership positions and the full-time job search. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated, including medication and (preferably) alternative practices for improved sleep quality--I genuinely feel that my capacity to be a productive individual is being impeded by my inability to sleep well right now. Thank you!

 

[Mushy]

I have used Melatonin in the past with decent results. You can pick it up in the vitamin aisle. Very sorry to hear everything you have been through. I hope this helps :)

 

[barefoot]

I find doing diaphragmatic breathing exercises for about 10 mins or so straight before going to bed really helps me to get to sleep and have more restful sleep.

Also worth checking your general sleep hygiene and routines if you haven't already - things like room temperature (cooler rather than hotter is better generally), how dark the room is (I would recommend black out blinds/curtains if you don't already have them), how quiet the room is (use ear plugs if you want to create a silent bubble - or you may fall asleep better with some background music/talk radio), doing a digital detox in the evening, finding something relaxing to do to wind down before bed (reading, having a bath, listening to music, colouring in, watching a favourite, easy tv programme...)

I have also used a few sleep meditation apps, which have been quite successful. Pzizz was my favourite though I didn't like it so much when they updated it. It may have changed again since then though.

 

[Deleted member 541]

I have had insomnia for 40+ yrs. Have tried everything on the market, prescription and OTC. The only thing that has ever worked for me is Trazadone. It’s an antidepressant when it’s given out at 300+ mgs, but they also use it for sleep. I now take 50mgs and if there isn’t smoke detectors going off or the people upstairs don’t cook or clean all night.... I sleep really well....

 

[shatter eyes]

Helpful 4 me.

Liquid melatonin
Bird songs mp3
Bluelight filters on phone

 

[Friday]

The hands down single best thing for me is exercise. Both physical & mental. Physical helps blow off the daily stress AND burn off the fight/flight chemicals in my blood. Mental means I'm not lying in bed thinking-thinking-thinking.

Failing either/both the occasional chemical Smackdown to reset normal. <<< I can't do this consistently. I'm inherantly lazy. I looooooove blissed out sleep. Left to my own devices I'd take chems every day. But as all the ones that WORK (for me) are addictive as hell? 1. they'd stop working as I got addicted to them :wtf: 2. Kicking sucks :wtf: :banghead: 3. The rebound = worse than the original :wtf: :banghead: :eek: ... To if I need something daily? I suck it up. Push through until I CAN use physical/mental exercise again. Because there is very little point in starting off worse off than I was to begin with. So I use the chemical Smackdown sparingly. Stop a bad cycle before it kicks off, or throw the breaks on one that already has.

This is just what I do. Different people need different things.

 

[Deleted member 8714]

I've found that Magnesium Oil works best for me. I spray about three to four times on my inner forearms and rub them together and allow to air dry. During the day I make certain I've got enough magnesium taken orally. And close to bedtime I take 200mg of magnesium usually with a glass of milk.

 

[EveHarrington]

Ditto on the exercise.

Ditto on the liquid melatonin. (Better than pills as it gets into your system faster AND dosing adjustments are easier.)

 

[katz]

I have always avoided any meds for sleep. However, as the years have gone on, I have found a rather odd way to fall asleep. It may only work for me - but it is simple.
I either watch part of a fun movie (for me, it's usually a cartoon! LOL) I have even sung along with a favorite toon. (in my head of course) I have a few that have worked for me for quite a few years.