Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Hope 4 those who can't sleep

Its day 22 for me & I just want to let anyone who is going thru detox or anyone else who's been thru the worst but still can't sleep...there IS hope! These past 2 nights I've slept more than 8 hours each night withOUT taking a sleeping pill or any kind of sleep aid! I don't know if its the same for u, but not sleeping has been the WORST part of detox for me. When we don't sleep, it just makes life that much more difficult...we get stressed easily, we don't have  energy, it makes us emotional, etc. I went my first 7 days on, i believe, only about 4 hours sleep TOTAL. I thought I was going to lose my mind! I took everything from valerian root, to melatonin, to benadryl, to OTC sleep aids, to sleepy time tea...NOTHING would make me sleep. The 2nd week I began sleeping a couple hours each night...anywhere from 2-5 hours. And this past week (week 3) I have been able to sleep 6-8 hours with the help of an OTC sleeping pill. I finally started getting energy back week 3 bc I finally got sleep. And these past 2 nights I tried to fall asleep without a sleeping pill, and I DID! I thought I would never get to sleep again...but it happened! I just want all of u to just try to hang in there because sleep WILL come. I know it seems like it never will & I'm sure a lot of u feel like you're gonna lose your mind but just remind yourself that you're not alone & everyone goes thru this. You're NOT going crazy & u WILL sleep...stay strong!
8 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
15028153 tn?1438068278
Im not sure if you'll even receive this message because iti been such a long time but i just wanted to let you know that this comment of yours saved my life... With this being my second try at getting clean from pills i was feeling pretty hopeless because my first go around the lack of sleep was absolutely my reason for my relapse.. A week after that relapse i wanted so badly to overcome this addiction so i started this withdrawals c/t again.. The no sleep thoughts were taking over once more and while laying in bed one night 2 weeks ago i came across your post... At that point i decided that since i already knew what was ahead for me promised myself that i would not let the lack of sleep completely drive me crazy and THANK GOD IM AT WEEK 3 NOW.. I dont wanna babble on but it was your advice that helped me to make it to week three and although i dont even know you!! I will forever love you for that... Thank you so much for this comment
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks so much for posting this, I needed it today!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
"""I took everything from valerian root, to melatonin, to benadryl, to OTC sleep aids, to sleepy time tea...NOTHING would make me sleep""""    When I went through this period,  that's what happened.   None of these otc's and other remedies really put a big dent into that lag period when your brain is not yet producing enough of its own natural chemicals to control the sleep/wake cycle.   It takes time for it to kick in after being disrupted and overridden by these drugs.    Glad you also made it through this period.    
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just remember being in my first week and many people telling me that it can take a month for normal sleep to come & it seemed like an eternity away! It did take me 20 days or so but it happened nonetheless. Just hang in there y'all...get thru those first 2 weeks and it will start to happen. I stressed SO much about not sleeping. Try NOT to stress...it only makes things worse. You can't make yourself sleep so just try to come to terms with the fact you won't be getting much sleep at first. Once u accept that, the stress will go away and the lack of sleep will be easier to deal with. Its a small price to pay for a life of sobriety! It will be so worth it! Hang in there...I'm rooting for everyone!
Helpful - 0
2004743 tn?1339349335
U got that wright the not sleeping ***** hard to deal with the 20 hour days so thanks I starting to think never get a good night sleep
Helpful - 0
1235186 tn?1656987798
what awesome news. i read your other thread  yesterday . yes you were depend on them  and yes your body was addicted, but you arent an addict.
keep the faith. i am so glad you are healing. it will take some time for the over the counter meds to work for pain. did you get that heating pad yet??
you are doing great. keep on looking up.
hugs and hope
debbie
Helpful - 0
1970885 tn?1435860428
kk:
I'm so happy to hear that the sleeping piece of your recovery has finally fallen in to place. You are on you're way. Congratulations, and a great post by the way...It will help new people realize that they will sleep again!
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
We learn the meaning of patience during this time!
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Addiction: Substance Abuse Community

Top Addiction Answerers
495284 tn?1333894042
City of Dominatrix, MN
Avatar universal
phoenix, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.