Changing sleeping pattern

[jsan]

In early April I couldn't sleep due to noise.  I purchased ear plugs and began taking benadryl.  I was on benadryl for two weeks, two pills were not enough after two weeks so I stopped taking it.  Then I remembered I had valium because it was prescribed prior to having an MRI done (I'm claustrophobic).  For three nighs I took 2mg of valium, on the first night I slept for 7 straight hours and on the other two nights I slept 4 hours and then woke up with symptoms of anxiety and a severe headache.  For the last two weeks I've been sleeping as follows:  One night I sleep 4 hours, the following I sleep almost none, the following I sleep 6-7 hours, then again 4 hours and back to barely any.  A friend reccommended melatonin supplements which don't help.  I've tried "sleep" by nature made.  Nothing seems to help.  When I'm falling asleep, I suddenly wake up.  I used to get palpitations but not anymore.  Now I feel as if something is rushing in my body and I get frequent urination, like every hour, and sometimes 2-3 bowel movements.  I'm not diabetic, my thyroid is fine, my heart is also fine.  What can I do?  Should I ask my doctor for ambience?

[Gregg D Jacobs, Ph.D.]

Insomnia initially can begin due to stress about a life event but then becomes "learned" due to sleep habits and anxiety about not sleeping as described in my prior blogs on CBT.

Dr. Jacobs

[jsan]

Thanks for the reply.  So can this be due to anxiety?

[Gregg D Jacobs, Ph.D.]

If your doctor says you don't have any health problems, then you should begin cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), not more sleeping pills since they are not a long-term solution. See my blogs for CBT tips and techniques or my website.

Dr. Jacobs
www.cbtforinsomnia.com