Sleep pattern stopping me from getting better!

Hello all,
I've recently gone back on my meds and have found a slight improvement, but I'm still a bit low which is to be expected I guess, antidepressants aren't some miracle drug which work overnight and they take a lot of work from me as well.
However, I feel my sleep pattern is really detrimental to me getting better at the moment. I don't get tired at all. I want to get back into a normal routine so I can start to get better but most nights I don't get to sleep until 6 in the morning and then lie on until almost 3 in the afternoon. Half the time I don't see the point in even getting up because there's nothing to get up to except for the same old same old everyday.
My mum has given me Nytol a few times but doesn't want me becoming dependant on them to sleep.

I'm due to see my doctor soon, he said that getting my sleeping pattern back is very important, so should I tell him I'm still not sleeping properly, and will I be given some sort of sleeping aid?
Starting to get a bit hopeless about all this! ANY reply would be a relief, thanks.

[4Maddie44]

Hi, lack of sleep is common in depression, so don't worry too much.  seems you have not got a routine, so that would help.  Go to bed same time every night, and get up same time in the morning.  Don't lie in bed until the afternoon.

Your sleep pattern is all over the place at the moment.  I take herbal tablets if I need them, if I haven't slept well for a few nights.  Lots of us suffer from insomnia.  

Give the meds time, and see how you go.  Don't worry too much about things, calm your mind, try to relax.  Get some fresh air and exercise if you are up to it.  

[mammo]

How long have you been on medication because it doesn't appear to be doing it's job?  It takes around 4 weeks for it to reach a therapeutic level in your system so if it's been this long or longer you need to let your doctor know how you're feeling and he will know what to do.  Don't feel hopeless, it will get better.  The fact that you're not sleeping and have no desire to get out of bed tells me you're still depressed.  Until you see your doctor try and force yourself to get up early and stay up so that you will be tired enough to sleep at night.  Definitely let your doctor know you're not sleeping but also that you don't see any reason to get up in the mornings....a big symptom of depression.  Be honest with your doctor about everything so that he can help you.  Stay strong, there is hope and you will feel better!  Take care!

[swabes]

Thank you for your reply!
I haven't been on them very long, the first week I was on 10mg and this week I've gone up to 20mg. I must be getting impatient, the last time I was on the antidepressant I improved very quickly, must just be taking a little longer this time.
I'll try my best to get to sleep early tonight, hot chocolate, hot water bottle, the works! And force myself up early tomorrow.
I'll  be sure to tell him as best I can, thank you for your help!

[birdie0907]

Chocolate is the worst thing you can take when trying to sleep. The heat will also have no effect. Google sleep problems and you can see what to do. 2 weeks on an SSRI is not long enough.

[RainLover71]

Meds aside--a warm glass of milk & a nice relaxing bath will help you sleep.

[swabes]

Thank you all for your advice.
I went to bed tonight as early as I could force myself to, around 12:30. And here I am now at nearly 5 in the morning wide awake. I say I got 2, maybe 3 hours sleep at the most.
I am aware that the meds need more time, I'm just getting a little impatient I guess, but this lack of sleep can only be worsening things. I might start looking for some natural remedies or something.
Have no idea what to do now, I'm wide awake.
Thanks everyone!

[4Maddie44]

Hi, lack of sleep is common in depression, so don't worry too much.  seems you have not got a routine, so that would help.  Go to bed same time every night, and get up same time in the morning.  Don't lie in bed until the afternoon.

Your sleep pattern is all over the place at the moment.  I take herbal tablets if I need them, if I haven't slept well for a few nights.  Lots of us suffer from insomnia.  

Give the meds time, and see how you go.  Don't worry too much about things, calm your mind, try to relax.  Get some fresh air and exercise if you are up to it.  

[swabes]

Hi, thanks, you're right I don't have any form of a routine and it's proving very hard to get back into one. Tried last night but I've been awake now since quarter to four, so I'm just going to stick it out and hope I'm exhausted enough tonight to sleep soundly through the night.

Thank you, I will try my best, I'm with a little trial and error I'll be back on track! You've all been so helpful!

[birdie0907]

Where  is your proof? I believe those are just old wives tale remedies that have no basis in fact. The milk for sure has no effect whether warm or cold.

[RainLover71]

Have you heard of the amino acid tryptophan?It has a natural sedative effect on the body--it's found in milk.The warm bath raises the core body temprature which aids in sleep aswell--there is my scientific proof--you can look it up if you like.