insomnia due to opiate withdrawals

[beautifulmadness]

I have been on percs and Norco for about a year and a half. I was taking about 8 to 12 tens a day but I decided to stop for good. I'm 5 days in and I've gotten about 6 hours of sleep in the last 3 days. My mind is fine, my body has stopped aching for the most part and I went to the dr on my second day to get something for the anxiety attacks. He gave me vistaril. I took one that day and it knocked me out. But since then I'm having no luck falling or staying asleep. I'm taking 2 to 3 otc sleeping pills a night plus a vistaril to no avail. My body feels like it is fixing to shut down. I don't understand how I'm still awake. Can anyone tell me how long this will last or maybe some advice on falling asleep?

[Tom86]

Totally normal! The lack of sleep drove me crazy. It was the last thing to return to normal. I would personally stay away from the otc sleep aids. They seemed to make my rls 1000 times worse. Hot baths is a great start. You have to tell yourself that this is expected.  Try to get up extra early. Stay busy. No napping during the day. Expect a little more sleep each night. It took me almost 3 months to return to normal sleep. It was so severe for me i blame insomnia for several relapses i had. Frustrating i know but hang in there.  Hey you could always hit a late meeting and hang out with fellow insomniacs.  Good luck

[dominosarah]

Glad to hear the sleep is coming back!!!

[Heather8448]

Great news! I remember missing sleep so bad during detox...i was moving out of my house it hit me and I napped on my sofa in the front yard in the sun for 2 hours I needed it

[beautifulmadness]

Thanks guys! I took two melatonin last night. I don't know if it was them or the fact that I just hadn't slept in a few days, but I went right to sleep at around 10 as soon as i laid down and slept til 4am!! Making progress!  Thanks for the support and suggestions! They mean more than yall know!

[Heather8448]

CONGRATS for being clean 5/6 days! I was on methadone for 9 years...Sleep was hard for me, I started walking in the morning and keeping active during the day, sometimes a walk at night...I journaled and took hot baths I also took melatonin when needed. it took me a year of 3-5 hours a night (mostly 3) before sleep would return. be patient take suggestions and see what works for you, it will come back

[gnarly_1]

Hi  well sleep can be tuff  I did find away that helps  run a hot bath...as hot as you can stand it  jump in and soak  even if it is only 5 or 10 min  jump out and jump on top of the blankets in bed  dry off there and then let the air dry you  slip under the covers once cool and drift off   this really helped me....I am also bipolar so sleep can be a problem  I found some really good tea  it is Harney and sons organic nighty night  seap 2 bags for 20min  sip it down and in a 1/2 hour your good to go for a good nights sleep  this is the best sleep aid I have ever found  only wish I new about it when I detoxed  try the local health food store  if you cant find it go on line for it keep pushing forward with time it does get better  keep posting for support.............Gnarly

[Ready2befree]

Same here.   Sleep took 3 weeks to a month.  Stick with it and try not to take anything.

[Cricketk92]

Hi and Welcome!!!  Congrats on 5 Days!!!!  Sadly sleep and energy are the last things to return for most of us.  Vistaril doesnt always cause drowsiness... so I'm not sure that will help you much but it should help with any anxiety!  Have you tried melatonin?  It works well for some people! It might be worth a try!  How about a warm bath right before bed....or some chamomile  or sleepy time tea???  Im sure others will have more suggestions!  I didnt have a whole lot of trouble with sleep so Im not a good source on how long it will last but stick around....there are lots of great people on here who will help!!!  Keep on posting and let us know how you are getting on!

[Skidmore]

good luck this to shall pass.