Fatal Insomnia?

[nquixote]

Hi! For the past 3 weeks, I have not slept more than 5 hours a night. At first I was falling asleep quickly and waking up early. I would feel alert during the day and not feel the need to take naps.

Then, a week and a half ago, I discovered "Sporadic Fatal Insomnia." I immediately panicked. Since then, my symptoms have worsened and multiplied, including impotence, tachycardia (100-120 bpm) during the day, loss of appetite, and difficulty falling asleep (I get constant hypnic jerks that keep me in a semi-wakened state). I have taken Trazodone (which kept me up all night), and Ativan (which calms me down and helps me fall asleep), but I still have not slept more than 5 hours in a night. My questions are:

1. Could this be the onset of Sporadic Fatal Insomnia? What is the best way to get tested for that?

2. Could panic and anxiety themselves be causing such powerful and varied symptoms?

Thanks!

[nquixote]

Well, my insomnia has persisted for over 3 weeks with no letup...I went to see a sleep neurologist but she said it was just anxiety...still, my heart rate goes above 100 for most of the day every day...

[Curtis1960]

This website blocked the web address I tried to give you.  The asterisks are -

h.e.a.l.t.h.c.e.n.t.r.a.l.  Just remove the periods.

Curt

[Curtis1960]

Hello, Quixote.

I am not a doctor and cannot diagnose your problem.  However, I am familiar with insomnia.  I really think that once you read about fatal insomnia your stress levels went through the roof and is causing your problems.  

I recommend a stress management class or perhaps seeing a therapist will help.  Have you seen your MD about the insomnia?  There is a website that has lots of advice on getting to sleep and staying there.  It is: http://www.*************.com/sleep-disorders/c/login.  

In the meantime, meditation, massage, hot tub, a good book, sex can help you get to sleep.  The biggest thing is to not watch TV right before bedtime because it stimulates the brain.  Perhaps, you can read for 30 minutes prior to bed time and drink a glass of warm milk.  This should help.  I take melatonin to sleep.  My doctor recommended 10mg of the sublingual type.  I can't find 10mg tablets so I take two 5mg tablets under the tongue.  Also, valerian root is supposed to be helpful.

If your insomnia doesn't resolve in a few days, it's time to see your doctor.

Best of luck!

Curt