Day 11

[Ses11869]

Didn't sleep again last night, it's really starting to wear on me mentally and physically, don't know how much longer I can do this I feel like I'm never going to sleep again

[Pat1956100]

Let us know how it works.  I think we have all tried every sleep aid out there.  I am willing to try anything new that is non addictive.  

[toothfairie]

hoping that helps you with sleep!  the no sleep thing was one of the worst things during WDs for me!  keep posting and let us know how you are doing!  

[Ses11869]

Ok got some zzzquil, hopefully it will help

[nbhope]

I really feel for you insomnia suffers, if this last much longer I would call your doctor. I think the zzzquil would be worth a try :)

[Sonrissa]

I feel for you, I really do! The sleep thing nearly drove me crazy! Relax, relax, relax! The more stressed you get, the worse it will be! The minute I stopped obsessing about sleep, I got it! I know that is way easier said than done! Sleep is comming Ses, it really is!

NyQuil has a new OTC sleep aid called Zzzzquil. It's liquid. I tried it and it did help because I absorb it better than pills. It's just a thought. Hang in there.

[Ses11869]

Yes I've been suffering from insomnia for about 10 years now, have been on ambien forever, I would usually get 5 or 6 hours with the ambien, but since I stopped the painkillers I've been getting 1-3 hrs a night, I have ambien and lunesta in the house and neither are helping right now. I understand its part of the healing process but boy I feel like crap

[nbhope]

Hang in there, I too would be going crazy if I wasnt getting some sleep. are you a suffer of insomnia?

[weaver71]

Sleep was what made me want to cave, but I didn't. I didn't sleep more than an hr for over 2 weeks and then I used lunesta, and it would work for one night, maybe 4 or 5 hrs. It wouldn't work for a couple days after that. I used it once every 3 days for a couple of weeks and then went clean. I really relate to the insanity of sleep loss, so I really looked forward to the lunesta nights. None of the natural stuff worked for me, and I don't use sleep aids usually. I used to wake up like a zombie fixated on pills, now I can lay in bed and think about my day and recovery before I have to get up. The little things, like sleep or a sober conversation with my family, are a big deal to me now. Just a little longer and you'll be free. I have a saying I made up as a teen, "Since I can't make life easy, I must focus on making it worth it." Anyone with some time will say, "It's worth it." Try to think of all the good things that will come from this experience and don't put too much attention on how you feel. Easier said than done, but doable. That's what kept me going. I also kept reminding myself, "No matter how big a problem, drugs can make it worse." There's no better time to beat this thing than right now. You are getting closer by the minute.

[PorVida]

Well hang in there.  The worst is behind us every hour and day we go. Eventually sleep will come and it will be sweet!!!

[Ses11869]

I've been going for walks every night after dinner, I have some sleepy time tea in the house, I'll try a cup tonight and then take my lunesta maybe it will help, I've tried valerian and melatonin in the past and they don't work for me, I've been on ambien or lunesta so long nothing else really helps me

[PorVida]

I'm on day 5 and I feel you about the lack of sleep.
R u getting any exercise?
I find if I try to get relaxed in bed with some valerian root and 5htp I get a little sleep.  
Crazy thing is as tired as I am I feel better than when I was using

[luvabugga]

You've come so far.  You don't want to give up now.  That's EXACTLY how I was yesterday.  I was so hyped up at how great I felt the days before and then it all set me back.  I toyed with every scenario in my head and it made me crazy and hated myself.  Finally I just got up, cranked the music(and I mean major crankage).  Did the dreaded task of taking down all my Christmas decorations.  I even forced myself out to run some errands.  Every song I heard reminded me of a memory.  I laughed, cried, threw things(and I now have a pile of broken Christmas decorations).  Called myself bad names...and also a few other people while I was driving!  But I released all that negative energy and it really helped. I even made dinner for my family...which I hadn't done in a week.  I was so exhausted by the end of the day, I just crashed.  Please don't go backwards.  It's just not worth it.

[Ses11869]

Thanks, the insomnia is by far the worst wd symptom I'm going through, other than that I'm doing ok

[toothfairie]

just wanted to lend my support....the sleep thing will get better....it almost got the best of me....but i turned a corner and it got so much better...the melatonin works for me now....i think the first week nothing really helped me.....just hang in there!  i promise it gets better!   i would jump from bed to couch and bed again just to try and sleep ANYWHERE....when i went back to work tho...i was so exhausted it helped me sleep better....we are here for you so don't give up!  

[Ses11869]

I tried to nap yesterday, didn't happen, will try again today, I haven't been craving any pills but I'm almost at the point where I'm willing to give up the 11 clean days for a good nights sleep

[luvabugga]

Hang in there!  10 days for me today and I finally slept a little.  Not the whole night, but the time I did it was a nice deep sleep....not the crazy dream state.  I think I was just so exhausted I caved in and just went with it.  Maybe try to get a little nap in today too.

[jenjen1966]

Congratulations on day 11! Sleeping was an issue for me. Both before and after. I was taking lunesta. I stopped tho because it didn't help. Now I take a hot bath, drink my sleepy time tea, melatonin and valerian root. I don't take the valerian every night because I heard it can have wd symptoms too. I only slept 6 hours last night, but the night before I got 9 wonderful hours. Best sleep I've had in a while! It helps me to stay in a bedtime routine. Something my Dr told me to do years ago. Seems to help a ton.

[Ses11869]

Yes, I've been on ambien for years but it hasn't helped me in any way since I stopped taking the opiates,

[Bubulous]

Congrats on day 11.  Are you taking any sleep meds right now?