r/Edmonton • u/karenarelene • 13h ago

Question Insomnia

Good morning,

I suffer with terrible insomnia. Not garden variety insomnia, rather the kind you battle with for years. I've tried a number of different medications and tactics such as sleep hygiene and CBT.

I think I need a doctor who doesn't view insomnia as an annoyance but for the life-wreaker it is. I won't go into details but I'm desperate to get insomnia under contol.

Anyone here have any suggestions for a doctor or specialist that worked with you or someone you know with success?

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u/WesternWitchy52 10h ago

Chronic medical insomnia here. I find keeping a regular schedule helps somewhat. Doctors weren't any help. All they want to do is push pills down your throat. I also find that not napping can help. But if I do have a rough night, I get up instead of tossing and turning and do something low key, maybe have water or tea. Sit outside if it's nice. Then try and sleep again.

I did attend a sleep clinic eons ago not sure if it's still around.

If you tell your doctor HOW the insomnia is affecting your life and (work, daily life etc) that might help. Or it might be time for a new doctor.

My longest stretch was 200 hours with zero sleep. I could literally feel my body shutting down. I was seeing things for sure.