sleep deprivation - how long can you live w/o sleep or very little sleep

I am on day 5 now (should've been day 9) and continue to be extremely exhausted and yet unable to sleep.  I am doing the thomas recipe and taking valerian root as well.  I cannot nap during the day and only sleep maybe a total of 3 hours (always interrupted). Consequently this is making me very irritable to EVERYONE.  It is driving me up the wall!  How long can a person survive on little to no sleep? Any answers would be helpful.

[Vicotram]

Hi Meg,

I wish I could be of more help day 14 here did not sleep for the first 6 days and the doc gave me ambian now I sleep 2-3 hours per night. It's actually starting to feel normal to sleep just a few hours. I hope the best for you and wish you luck on getting some rest.

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

I had good luck with benadryl (up to 100mg) for sleep problems. Also had a cup or two of celestial seasonings sleepytime tea - - lately i have been taking melatonin, but I am way passed the w/d sleep problems.

[meg52080]

how long has it been for you?

[meg52080]

going to try and nap now - the baby is down for his nap.  we'll see - i have yet to be able to nap, so if nothing else it will be a rest. :O

[virgo1969]

Are you consuming any caffiene? If so, stop. Melatonin worked pretty good for me. Just be sure to take it when you are ready to go to bed. I've also been taking L-theanine to take the edge off. Try a warm bath before bed and some tea. Hang in there, it'll pass. Worse comes to worse, have you tried Tylenol PM or anything like that?

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

I didnt answer immediately 'cause I thought maybe you could get a nap. I started quiting about this time last year...several false starts - probably got to zero pills about early Thanksgiving in November.....don't keep close track - i am more interested in results....and everyone is different with this stuff, so not everyone feels the same way at the same day - I had strong sleep problems for about 6 weeks post use....but after 2 weeks I started getting 3-4 hours and then it improved gradually. I still have sleep problems, but I have other physical issues that influence things.

[Jacqui805]

I did not sleep at all for the first 9-11 days...after that, I started getting 20 min at a time for a total of about 1.5 hours a night.   I tried Melatonin, Valerian Root, otc sleep aids, and Benadryl...everything either made it worse or did not help at all.  I'm just starting to catch a little more sleep now, it's gradually increasing...I was getting about 3-4 hours for the longest time, now it's about 3-6.

[worried878]

I dont think not getting enough sleep will kill you short term but it sure isnt any fun...i work and there was no way i could go without sleep as i feel totally ill without it...i will even get physically sick if i dont get my sleep...actually i was very sleepy during detox and slept alot but i took ambien in small doses as needed....i have taken it for over ten years for sleep at like 2-3 mg as i chop up a 10 mg pill and have never developed a tolerence to it...ambien does not help if i am stressing tho...melatonin makes me drag in the am but many like it...valerian root works for me as does GABA...i save my 5htp for night and calcium/magnesium as well...u may want to talk to ur doctor as sleep is important to stay strong and avoid relapse....amitryptiline is a non-addicting AD that induces sleep and i was on that for 2 years after my divorce due to sleep problems..phenergan is another one that causes sleepiness as a side effect...most doctors will just call that in if u say ur tummy is upset...hope u get it worked out

[rlsallday]

im on day 6 with very little sleep...hang in there, take a hot (not to hot) bath before bed. there's a book clled "how to quit drugs for good".  i find reading helps...good luck....i am in the same boat.

[meg52080]

No, I don't take in any caffeine - I have a heart condition that has pretty much banned any caffeinated products for about the last 5 years or so.  I'll just hang in there and ride it out!

[malenurse57]

Prayers are still with You.
Good luck and God bless

[Penelope14]

I went thru 3 weeks of no sleep during my detox off methadone, so I know how ya feel. I tried almost everything, to no avail, so my doctor put me on trazodone, that did the job. I was also worried if maybe I could die or passout somewhere, so I questioned my doctor about it & she reasured me that this wouldnt happen, but it can bring forth some unpleasant physical effects, such as anxiety & stress, etc. I know it doesnt seem like it now, but you,ll start sleeping, give it some time. Take Care Penelope

[jeska]

on day 3 and miserable.