Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

please help

day four off of hydrocodone I cant sleep and Im starting to get irritated because of lack of sleep what can I take to get comfortable to sleep?
25 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I woke up with my face buried in a bag of chips I had chips alll over my face and do no remember opening the bag. Funny huh
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Oh geez....I tell you, in my battle against insomnia, I've been offered Ambien by my doc, and a few times, I was very tempted, as I was so frustrated.  It was stories like the ones here that made me think twice.  Now, not everyone has those experiences, but it is common enough that I said...NO WAY!  It's scary as hell to think that people are up doing things with NO recollection.  I saw a program once, and one guy on Ambien actually went out one night and painted a large portion of the outside of his house (ladders and all)....with NO memory of it.  YIKES!

Pie eating os one thing (lol), but getting on ladders, and driving, oh my, that is just SO dangerous.
Helpful - 0
4605616 tn?1362003158
Just what I needed to read! I can't sleep . Thx nursgirl!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Melatonin works great. Don't give up stay strong
Helpful - 0
4522800 tn?1470325834
I had to laugh at that one hope...I can just see someone on the floor scraping up the pie to eat it...Jordan said he ended up in the kitchen too! It couldn't be a habit that we go to the frig or kitchen with out thinking!!!!..You guys made me laugh thinks. Its to quite here on a Sat night.

Good night all sleep tight......................
vickie
Helpful - 0
1508698 tn?1360215710
I used and melatonin & unisom.  Like the above post said be careful with Ambian.  Everyone has different reaction to that medication.  I took it and my husband found me on the floor eating a pie. LOL  You won't get a good nights sleep for the whole night even with ambian, which with ambien it makes you out of it and still not able to sleep which is a miserable feeling.  You will though at least get a couple hours of sleep with some medicine.  The energy will come back though.  I posted on here the other day that my energy level has finally come back.  I am at 4 months and the energy level has got better and better. Good luck to you.
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Melatonin was mentioned by two posters already.  I've personally never tried it, but have heard lots of positive reviews!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I cannot believe no one has suggested Melotonin 5mg get it at GNC put under toung I hope I spelled that right . I have a script for Ambien but I switch between that an Metonin 5mg works great!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I wanted to add what helps me a ton is getting up by the same time every morning. Even if I don't get to sleep until late that night or I'm up a lot at night. I always make sure no matter what I get up at the same time. Another thing is not going to bed over tired and always getting in bed before midnight and i give myself a hour window. So lets say from like 10-11i ho to bed for example. I went from having insomnia several times a week to only a few times a month. When I do have it I just have a hard time falling asleep. Since I started all this I have not had a bad night where I was up most the night like I use to. Also if your going to get a prescription for something to sleep. For sure go nonaddictive like trazodone or something. Be careful with Benadryl it can make the restless legs and arms worse. Good luck
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Thanks!  I've learned a lot of little tricks thru the years fighting my own insomnia.  I don't always take my own advice, but when I really work at it, and follow the guidelines, it helps.

There are SO many laundry products out there with simply delightful aromas.  You really have to try a few different scents out until you find one you really love.  The Downy Unstoppables are nice, they come in great scents that linger for about a week.  I love the "clean" smells like "clean linen" type scents...that freshly washed, hung out on the line in the summer air type of smell?  That's just so soothing.  All the major detergents come in those clean scents now...again, it's just some trial and error until you find your fave.

I have lots of other sleep tips...maybe I'll devise a journal one of these days.  
Helpful - 0
4522800 tn?1470325834
THAT WAS SOME GREAT INFO...I wish it could be posted somewhere for all to see always and forever....Since I posted regarding my sleep issues I have took most of that into consideration, but you gave me some more info too!!!! Is this why they put some of the relaxing smells in the laundry soap..I am going to go and clean my bedding again..Ha! How can I print this out????
God Bless You...you are tooo good!!!!!
vickie
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Great tips Nursegirl...will try the not getting up when I feel the urge thing...that is the hardest.  Sometimes I get so restless that I drive myself crazy...get all twisted and turned around in my pj's and sheets!  But maybe picking up a book instead of getting up would e a better option while straightening the sheets and myself...will give it a try, at least it sounds like a less invasive thing to do!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Have had many nights lie that too.  I have awoken to come down to the kitchen and toast with cheese on it is still in the toaster oven, fridge door is wide open and the burners  on my gas stove top are on and leaking gas, but not burning.  Scary stuff (you can guess that I was quite the overnight guest at my mothers house during he holidays...).    But this was all while taking it while still using...will try a journal like you now that I am sober and not noticing anything in the am's. see what might really be going on ;)
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Insomnia is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of detox/withdrawal, and probably one of the more irritating.  Sleep affects our mood, energy levels, concentration, everything.

While it is frustrating, some of the best advice I've seen is to try to allow the sleep to come back as naturally as possible, which is best for the long run.  If you're going to try anything, I agree that a more natural supplement would be the best choice.  I would personally not advise taking a prescribed insomnia med, for a few reasons...one, because obviously there are some risks involved.  These are some very potent medications, and everyone reacts differently to them.  The biggest reason is because, depending on how long you would take one of these meds, you will have to deal with rebound insomnia when you stop taking them.  The rebound insomnia is often bad enough that it makes the initial insomnia look like a walk in the park.  Insomnia meds should be limited to the shortest course possible, to avoid dependency, and the rebound insomnia issues.

That being said, I am a professional insomniac.  ;-)  I have struggled with my sleep for YEARS, not due to addiction, but due to many other factors (anxiety, depression, shift work).  While I don't always get the best night sleep...I've learned some tricks of the trade that sincerely do help.  Before turning to potent meds, I would advise you to exhaust all other methods, including the more natural or OTC remedies (which, you should also limit as much as possible, because rebound insomnia will occur with those too, after enough regular use).

Here are some tips to help with your sleep:

1.  Avoid any and all stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, energy drinks, etc) as much as possible, especially within 4+ hours of bedtime.

2.  Exercise is a great way to induce sleep, as it releases natural endorphins.  Even a brisk evening walk will help.  Your exercise should be an hour or more before your bedtime..you don't want to exercise right before bed.

3.  Try to avoid eating a heavy meal close to bedtime.  If you're hungry, stick to a light snack an hour or more before bed.  Avoid ALL fluids 3 (or more if you can) hours before bed.  Nothing worse than finally getting to bed and have mother nature wake you up!

4.  Stick to a consistent bedtime and a consistent bedtime routine.  Even on days when you don't FEEL tired at your bedtime, try to stick to your routine...that conditions your body and brain.  Pick a reasonable time.  If you work 3-11:30 and get home at 12, a reasonable time isn't 12:30, as you would need time to unwind after getting home.

5.  Create an environment conducive to sleep and relaxation.  Your bedroom and bed should be an inviting place that you look forward to retiring to.  Keep the room clean and clutter free, keep dust levels down.  Keep your bedding washed with clean or fresh smelling scents.  Choose comfy, non-binding clean smelling PJs.  ALL of our 5 senses affect our mood, and also our sleep.  If you have a quiet room, but your sheets smell like feet (lol), that won't be very relaxing.  Keep the room DARK.  Keep weather in mind.  In the summer, you would only need a light sheet or blanket, in the winter, heavier blankets are necessary to keep you comfy.  Again, back to the senses...if you create a bed that keeps you too hot or too cold, that will interfere with your sleep.  Keep a glass or bottle of water at your bedside, in case you awaken with that dry mouth and need for a drink.  This way you don't have to get out of bed to get something to drink.  Light soothing music or white noise machines for LOW (not blaring) background noise can be helpful.  Try to avoid using TV as a background noise, as our brains are still working while asleep, and the things you hear from the TV could affect your anxiety levels and even dreams.  Basically, sleeping with sounds of "The Chainsaw Massacre" in the background won't lead to happy thoughts.  ;0)  A warm bath or shower is great before bed...dry your hair.  Never go to bed with wet hair.  NOT comfy!

6.  Ignore the urge to get out of bed.  Even when you're feeling frustrated, try to remain in bed, reposition yourself, adjust your sheets, read a book if you are not falling asleep, but the more up and down you do, the harder it is to get and stay asleep it is.  The same goes for nighttime awakening.  If you DO fall asleep and wake up in the middle of the night, ignore the urge to get out of bed...again, reposition yourself, adjust the sheets, and try to go back to sleep.  When you get up out of bed, you're waking yourself more.  If you stay lying in bed, you are not as awake.  If nature calls...go to the BR, and get right back to bed..no snacking, no smoke breaks (I'm bad at this...lol).  Those things are murder for sleep.  Get up...go potty, right back to bed.

7.  When you DO manage to finally start on a consistent routine, you'll find things that help and hurt your sleep.  Take note of them and adjust your regimen as needed.  Sleep patterns will change, and life happens, so sometimes, adjustments need to be made. Consistency is TRULY the key..I cannot stress that enough.

8.  Listen to your body.  For a while, while your sleep is lousy, you will feel tired at odd times of the day.  Your body is telling you it needs rest, so heed the wanring...take a nap.  Lie down on the sofa, and catch a 1 hour (or less) nap.  Don't nap for hours at a time, that will interfere with your nighttime sleep.  An hour is the perfect amount of time for a refresher.  Also, don't nap in bed.  Once you're conditioned, your bed should be for nighttime sleeping only.  

Hope these tips help some...I know these are the things I do that help me get some decent sleep.  It's not always foolproof, but it works pretty well.  Please be patient for a while too...your body is getting back to normal, and that takes some time.  If you are going days without any sleep, definitely see your doctor.  Sleep depivation is a whole other ballgame, it can be dangerous.

Best to you...sweet dreams!
Helpful - 0
4853587 tn?1360079966
My post was already too long, so I did not go into my personal experiences from taking Ambien. But those negative events were so scary I developed the solution that I do not take an Ambien until I am in bed, doors are locked, dogs accounted for (aka they are hogging my bed), lights are off...

Note: A few weeks back I came up with an interesting procedure. If I get up in the middle of the night for any reason I write that down on a notepad sitting on a kitchen counter.

I would get up in the morning and see evidence in the kitchen that I was "sleep-eating." Of course, because I had taken an Ambien I did not recall eating something at 2:00 or 3:00 am.  It was quite revealing to read my notes in the morning (where I had the time and what I ate). And when I tried to remember eating, I could not.

Ambien is indeed scary stuff. I guess the doctors say I am not addicted to it because the body does not scream "I need an Ambien." They say I have a dependence for it.

What ya gonna do, multi-front war was many a general's mistake. I can only fight one war at a time.
Helpful - 0
4853587 tn?1360079966
Well I guess its irrelevant to discuss the history of NyQuil and ZzzQuil. (E.g. NyQuil contained pseudoephedrine.

As some of you may recall, the 2006 Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act required that ALL over-the-counter meds containing pseudoephedrine
must be kept behind a pharmacy counter and ALL purchases must be logged. So Breaking Bad killed the NyQuil original formulation star.

Those requirements killed sales of then-formulated NyQuil, especially to those who were using it as a sleep aid. (Who is going to buy NyQuil if it is being dispensed by the pharmacist and you have to show ID.) In response, Vicks chose to reformulate NyQuil pseudoephedrine with phenylephrine.
Helpful - 0
4853587 tn?1360079966
You are right about Ambien being Scheduled. In my haste I misspoke.

What I meant to say is that it is NOT a Scheduled III or II drug (and therefore easy to get prescribed if the doctor agrees to prescribe it.) I was in a hurry and did not proof my writing.

I also did not write clearly. I said "If your doctor WON'T prescribe Ambien..." I meant to write "Your doctor will most likely prescribe Ambien..." I meant to say that in conjunction with "it is non-threatening enough you should be able to order it by calling your doctor and him or her calling it into the pharmacy."

Such is the hazard of moving around parts of my comments.

No rest for the weary.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Just as an FYI, Zzzzquil was launched as a means to increase in-store distribution of a Vicks product in the sleep aides aisle and comply with FDA requirements, as opposed to the cough/cold aisle (as so many consumers were already using NyQuil as a sleep aid).  However, the formulation of Zzzquil was changed to include a single firm of diphenhydramine (which is what is in Benadryl), and does not include alcohol, decongestants or expectorants as many forms of NyQuil do.  Before taking anything as a sleep aid, read the label and make sure you're taking only what you think will help with sleep.  For many, diphenhydramine works great and is what is in most OTC sleep aids, and doesn't cause drying of the mucous membranes nor the drowsy affects if alcohol (which is also not part of the gelcap formulation in NyQuil).
For me, nothing beside Ambien works, but I have a very healthy respect for the danger of this drug, as I have awoken many mornings in bed with serious injuries after haven taken Ambien after a glass of wine or taking Tramadol (fractured nose, broken ribs, bruised kidneys) while having absolutely no recollection of ever hurting myself during the night.  Now that I am clean from everything else, I am not having anymore night time accidents, but I'm keenly aware of what this does to your brain function and am trying hard to wean down from it and into melatonin (honestly, with limited success so far...I think it will take time to get to normal sleep patterns).  I am a real believer that anything that interferes with normal brain function should be avoided if possible, and natural solutions are best in the long run!  Have just bought one of those sleep sound machines and am hoping to at least hear some calming wave sounds tonight!
Helpful - 0
2107676 tn?1388973859
You have been given good info.  I would try and stay away from the Ambien or anything addictive but that's just my opinion.
I also agree with Barb.  What works one night may not the next so it is good to alternate.
You just have to relax and if you can't sleep, get up.  Don't toss and turn because it will drive you crazy.
It takes awhile but sleep will come back eventually,
Helpful - 0
4626633 tn?1382597122
One thing I noticed for myself ( even though slept like a baby first month, month 2 insomnia started)
Is that what worked one night may not the next. I have heard others say that as well.
The Valerian Root, Melatonin and L Trytophan Teresa mentioned worked well for me if I alternated them on different nights.
Clonidine, if you can get it, works well on sleep and other issues of wd.
I have quit taking anything though, as it's been a month of insomnia, and I don't want my body to get used to sleep aids.
But I would sure try one at the stage your in. During those acute WDs, it's easy to get frustrated. Lunesta is another prescription sleep aid, but supposedly your body doesn't get used to it like other sleep meds. I don't believe that, but you could look into it as well.

Good luck!
Helpful - 0
4149717 tn?1389503561
Hi there I just wanted to give some advice of thinsg to help you sleep. First off the Ambien is a great drug and as JordanNYC stated, it is available by prescription only. HOWEVER, He was incorrect in that Ambien isnt a scheduled drug. It is infact as Class IV scheduled drug as regulated by the FDA. That shoulnt matter as far as you getting an RX for Ambien is you so choose, I just wanted to make sure you had all the correct info :) As a side note, I take Ambien and it works great. Just know that in time you can get dependent on it so just keep that in mind.

Other things you can try is OTC Alteril which has Valerian root, L Tryprophan and Melatonin in it. I have used this as well and it also helped! I also recomends lots of hat baths before bed to help your body relax.

Good luck and I hope this info helps!!
Helpful - 0
4610518 tn?1361075748
I used Nyquil, Benadryl and sleep aid, not all at once either. I mostly used Nyquil, the warm feeling I got from it helped cause I was soooo cold during detox :( hang in there!!! This forum has lots of great ideas on how to deal wuth each  withdrawal symptom.
Helpful - 0
4522800 tn?1470325834
Hi go into my post that says "People with months please help" By vvic You will not believe the HOT INFO I got from alot of people here..Check it out then you can make up your own mind of what to use.
Do'nt give into the beast of addiction it does get better one min at a time...
vickie
Helpful - 0
4853587 tn?1360079966
In regards to Ambien, keep in mind it is somewhat controversial, despite that it is prescribed to millions.

The reason it is so popular is that it gets people to sleep. But there are many who take it once and never take it again because the "experience" freaked them out.

Then there's all the news stories about people "sleep driving," sleep walking, and sleep eating.

So before considering Ambien read up on it, for example here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambien

And also discuss it with your doctor. (Who almost all will tell you Ambien is a SHORT TERM SOLUTION to sleeping problems.)

Like I said in my previous post, I'm just telling you what works for me. I am lucky, Ambien still puts me out within 20 minutes of taking it. Usually like most drugs one can build up a tolerance to it, and the pill stops working.

My doctor said that I had better start getting some good sleep habits because once the Ambien stops working for me he will NOT prescribe something else to get me to sleep :(
Helpful - 0
2
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Addiction: Substance Abuse Community

Top Addiction Answerers
495284 tn?1333894042
City of Dominatrix, MN
Avatar universal
phoenix, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.