No sleep, but always sleepy

[sonikaur]

For the past 3 months I have been through hell with sleeping. I was doing great the past two weeks, but recently after having my period this month I cannot get to sleep at night. I have avoided taking ambien for one whole month because it doesnt work. I am only 21 yrs old and weigh around 105 pounds. The past couple days i have been soo frustrated and angry because I'm not sleeping so last night i took ambien 5mg. It put me in this really relaxed state and i felt great and i was thinking really happy thoughts, but i still didnt sleep. I feel sooo sleepy and tired today. Does anyone have any suggestions for incurable insomnia which is taking over my life. And why is ambien not working wonders for me...I want to have a full nights rest and wake up refreshed pleasee. Ambien is supposed to put you to sleep.  Is there any other meds out there which may be better for me.

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, your symptoms are suggestive of insomnia. It is important to categorize the type of insomnia, which can be done after noting detailed history.  Insomnia usually constitutes impaired daytime function due to difficulty initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, chronically nonrestorative sleep, or poor quality sleep.

In your case there is presence of difficulty in maintaining sleep (3-4 wakefulness), impaired day time function (sleepy whole day) etc. Insomnia is also commonly associated with fatigue or malaise, poor attention or concentration, Social or vocational dysfunction, Mood disturbance and reduced motivation or energy.
Your condition also needs to be differentiated from Sleep deprivation wherein it is milder form.

The initial steps you need to take is sleep hygiene education, stimulus control, relaxation, sleep restriction, cognitive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, phototherapy, and chronotherapy. These therapies can be prescribed by clinicians at any level but it can be better implemented by sleep specialist.

Medical therapy involves use of benzodiazepines, Melatonin agonist or Diphenhydramine against prescription if ambien is not working for you.

I suggest you to consult physician/sleep specialist for further management. Take care and regards.

[MercedesAnn]

Since birth as well, your quote of hours slept per night is right about how much I get, if any, per night...
Example: I'm currently on my third consecutive day awake right now..
Also, like you, I've tried every pill and practice they've thrown at me to no avail.
Suggestions?

[nananeedsthis]

It is most likely that you have gotten yourself out of your natural "sleep cycle", and not a true incurable insomniac. You said this has been happening for the last 3 months, then I suggest you take a look at the things in your life that may be influencing your sleep. Such as stress, environmental surroundings, even your eating or drinking habits. Try getting into a bedtime routine...take a warm bath, drink warm milk, do something relaxing...nothing stimulating and stay off the computer...it is too compulsive and requires too much mind work. If you let your doctor know that the Ambien is not working, there are other medications to try, such as Lunesta, and more. A true insomniac is incurable...I only sleep, at best 2-3 hours per day, and always broken. I have had every test done and taken every medication available, with no results...but I have been this way since birth. I am a true insomniac. Good luck to you, and talk to your doctor about this, he is your best resource.