Sleeplessness

[2009toads]

Hi, this is my first time on Medhelp.  I have struggled with Manic Depression for 7+ years now, doing OK but you know our ups and downs.  What do you think is the best thing for insomnia?  I have switch to Lithium a month ago (from Valproic Acid) and still am cycling but not as bad.

Look forward to discussion within this group.

T

[2009toads]

I am wondering if you were able to make it to the sleep clinic?  If so, was it helpful?  I am still stuggling with insomnia, a typical night is to hit the hay after the kids are asleep.....sometimes as early as 8:00 pm (exhausted)....sleep hard for 2-3 hours, and I am the most awake at 1:00 am, this is the time I am writing this post.  I am managing at work, but I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer!

I appreciate you moderating this forum, this is the firs time I have joined a group online, and it great....don't feel so alone.

[tres1965]

This IS a long read, but infomative!
I have a few things to comment on. 1st, Zyprexa in any dose was HORRID to me. I had every side effect possible. Lunesta drugged me TOO much, Ambien makes me confused & sleep too much, but get no rest. Lamictal is a GodSend with me. As is Abilify. I take both & that is slowly working.
I get queasy from the night meds, but if taken in steps they aresn't too bad.
I had a Sleep Study 7 years ago & they put me on this breathing machine to weaar at night, but NO WAY. I looked like a jet pilot *L*, my Daughter couldn't stop laughing for me to get to sleep *L*
Xanax works, but is addictive Trazadone Krocks me out & the headache is not worth it.
Not sure I helped, but thst's my 2 cents! Tres

[therese83]

I have (had) psychotic depression not bipolar.

When I was really bad (awake most of 24 hours for one month) a low dose of Zyprexa was fantastic for sleep.  2.5 - 5 mg.  A lot of people take too much.

I know it is another debate whether or not to take an antipsychotic unless you really had to, well being awake for one month and having tried everything else, I guess I really had to.

Another 'alternative' is to wiggle your toes over and over, maybe it is just taking your mind off I dont know but if the problem is 'lighter' it can help.

[bernie40]

Thanks for the comments regarding zopiclone.  I've had a bit of a read and have found info that suggests that as quickly as 6 weeks of use can result in a tolerance and a need to up the dose.  I don't know if the addictiveness (sp) is more psychological than chemical though as I did manage to come off it for 2 weeks without a problem.  I do remember feeling much better in the mornings than I had for a long time.  Then my sleep went all out of kilter again following another med change, so I started back on the lower dose.

My GP refuses to give me any type of benzo to aid my sleep.  Even with the zopiclone I wake 4 hours after dropping off and its incredibly rare for me to sleep through to the next morning.  Before taking zopiclone I would wake every 2 hours throughout the night.

When my sleep is particularly bad then I can take an extra dose as long as I don't mind the "hangover" the next day.

I can't take antihistamines because they give me restless legs :-s

The sleep clinic is tomorrow, right now I don't feel I have the inclination or the energy to attend, I shall have to see what tomorrow morning brings.

[2009toads]

Wow.  Thanks for all the suggestions!  Like alot of you said I have no problem falling asleep, it is waking up (usually around 1:00 am) brain spinning and usually some tune in my head (ELO's Hold on Tight to your dreams).  I am so glad I have found this disussion group.

I see my GP next week, I will talk to him some more, in the meantime I think I will try the Tylenol PM.

Thankful

[monkeyc]

Its endorphin release I am told.