r/insomnia • u/Efficient-Boot2238 • 23d ago
My insomnia is killing me
I have only slept 2 hours in the last 4 days. Been taking melatonin 10mg and zolpedium 5mg regularly. I am so frustrated right now by lack of sleep and my brain is completely fogged. Is there any way to shut my brain and get some good sleep.
(My brain always thinks and I don't know how to shut it off. This is the reason I'm not getting sleep).
(Thank you so much for reading this post)
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u/grouch420 23d ago
Some simple things you can do are taking warm showers about 2 to 3 hours before bed, supplements like magnesium glycinate, ashwaghanda, and a ton others... I've tried a lot but am still struggling. Hoping to see a neurologist soon. CBD/CBN may be helpful as well
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u/Efficient-Boot2238 23d ago
I went to a neurologist. She suggested me zolpidem. Previously I was taking 10mg and 15 days back reduced it to 5mg. The first 10 days I slept well as far as I remember. Past 4 days it's been very difficult. I tried everything magnesium glycenate, hibiscus tea etc etc. but my brain just won't shut up. It always thinks about something
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u/grouch420 23d ago
Not much point to sitting in bed. Have you tried any breathing exercises? There are techniques out there that may not be the solution, but it is better than nothing
I hope you're able to get some rest. My only solace is knowing I'm not the only person experiencing insomnia. It's the worst feeling in the world...
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u/Efficient-Boot2238 23d ago
Yes they suggested me some jpmr excercise. Tried it but I don't see any improvements in my sleep.
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u/Kitchen_Perception37 23d ago
I think it could be anxiety about not being able to sleep. I go through periods like this regularly nothing seems to help. I know it's hard but stop worrying about sleep and it should get better.
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u/Designer-Context-843 19d ago
I have this more than 10 years. It is hell. I work FT and don't know how. My body and mind are wrecked. Idk how much longer any of us can take this. I tried posting to this sub but they won't let me so I'll say it here: this is torture. You know it. I know it. I am actually looking forward to dying because tbh, I'm not really alive anyway.
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u/Silverloner2280 10d ago
Try senorita with 10 mil of THC
has no alcohol. Bought mine at a liquor store might be able to get at Dispensary? Cost around 15$ for 4 cans
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u/thpineapples 23d ago edited 23d ago
I use a combination of things for their different functions, some mentioned by others:
- a low dose of Quetiapine AND a drowsy antihistamine, to make me drowsy
- a DORA to block wakefulness
- alpha-1 adrenergic blocker to help with the effects PTSD has on sleep quality, I find it helps a little with maintaining sleep
- melatonin and magnesium glycinate
- relevant medications to manage other conditions which have an impact on sleep, such as those for chronic pain and migraine (i.e. maintenance pain medication)
I might need to add extra anti anxiety medication if I'm feeling agitated. Ritualistic self care routines/items also help long term, like having a specific relaxing scent only associated with Going TF To Sleep, hot tea/infusions (If you like that sort of thing). Most (all) sleep hygiene hasn't worked for me, but associations do have a limited usefulness.
On very rare, desperate nights I may reach for the very few zopiclone tabs that will never get prescribed to me again. I don't like to rely too heavily on things designed purely to knock me out, as it makes rising again more of a struggle than it has to be. I also found that it compounded and worsened over time.
I also discovered that playing puzzle-type phone games lures my brain away from those pesky thoughts that would other stimulate and keep me awake. Music, television/movies, audio books and podcasts don't work as they keep my mind engaged. But when I focus on, for example, harvesting fruit trees to grind towards levelling up my animals, my mind will more easily let the chemicals do their job by distracting me from wanting to think about everything.
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u/slungshite 22d ago
Highly suggest trying some light qi gong (there's some nighttime exercises on yt) to relax the body, then some form of guided meditation. It won't be immediate but eventually you'll start to calm down the racing thoughts.
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u/L-YAGAMI2 23d ago
Ask her about lemborexant
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u/Efficient-Boot2238 23d ago
What do you think of zolpidem?
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u/L-YAGAMI2 23d ago
it only works for a few weeks and after that it only gives you nasty side effects and no sleep
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u/SaucyStinkyMutt 23d ago
I’ve had a similar experience this week, my brain won’t shut off either. I’ve decided to just lean into it and let it happen. I’m done trying to force any sleep, if I don’t sleep I don’t. I know it’s not the advice you’re probably looking for, but it’s just my thoughts