altered schedule

[awake]

I am a 25 year old male, professional student, semi-active (physically), non-drug/non-alcohol user, on no medications.

The last time I was able to have a semi-normal sleep/wake pattern (wake before 8 AM sleep by midnight) was high school.  As you may imagine, this is enormously frustrating for me.  Not only do I lack a normal sleep pattern.. I do not have a sleep pattern!  Some days I fall asleep at 4 AM and wake at 2 PM, some days I fall asleep at 3 PM and wake at 10 PM...

Luckily, as a student, I can work around this by studying whenever I am up.  Nonethtless, I yearn for some type of regular schedule.  Also, I am concerned that this problem may be causing problems with my psyche.  I am not currently depressed, but have been before (for which I was treated with cognitive therapy and prozac).

My life is very uneventful.. just studying.

I do drink coffee every day... usually when I study I go to a coffee shop and drink 1-2 cups.  I suppose you will ask me to stop this; however, it is indeed aggrevating because it seems like the entire world drinks coffee, tea, or soda's and yet has no problem.

I have asked a family physician as well as a psychiatrist about these problems before.  I kind of got the feeling like they didn't know much about sleeping problems.  They both told me to go to bed at a certain time every day.  Easier said than done.  I have literally lied in a dark room for hours, and finally.. out of extreme frustration, ended up more awake than ever!

I do not have insurance that would finance me going to a sleep clinic (furthermore, I do not think I have time for that!!).

Despite studying often, I feel as if I am overall unproductive.  I also get the feeling like my sleeping problem has caused somewhat of an attention problem... but that is just a hunch.

Any thoughts?

[CCF Neuro[P]-M.D.-RPS]

Dear Awake:

I am sorry that your having sleep problems.  I am afraid that I will not be able to help much.  Sleep problems can be due to many things.  You need to see a sleep specialist and have a good examination.  One needs a schedule and stick to it.  But until you decide to do it, it will never happen.  Start with a sleep diary, record when you go to sleep, when you wake up, and the quality of your sleep.  Do not take daytime naps, watch the things you eat and drink, note your medications.  But no advice can help unless your willing to put in the effort for change and finding the underlying cause of your problem.  

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Jan Bailey]

I used to have difficulty falling asleep when I worked as a nurse on night shift, or even the 3-11's.  I took melatonin and that really helped bring on the sleep, but I didn't stay asleep.  I don't know what the neurologists think about melatonin...is it safe?