When does sleep happen????

[GeorgiaJLY]

I am struggling with a lack of sleep.  I think if I had some my mind and body would begin it's healing.  I'm taking the vitamins, drinking lots of water and eating when my body can manage.  I've done some of the recommended things on here without any luck so far.  I still feel like crap.  I have somewhere to be today and I'm already think of the excuses of why I can't be there.  Typical for me... a no show... I've used so many reasons it's pathetic.  My body is so shaky and weak my mind so full of hazy.  It seems like I can't get the body to do as the mind tells it too.  My fault for doing this to myself....I know.  I find myself asking those 5 W questions.  (who, what, when, where, why).   So, how am I supposed to be around all these people today and act accordingly?  I have no energy and I look like racoon's eyes.  I don't think there is enough make out there to disguise this.  

[Rich99]

It takes time for the brain to re-take control of the sleep/wake cycle after having drugs disrupt it.    Benzos and other narcotics that depress the central nervous system are on over-drive as well during withdrawals.    That also disrupts the cycle.     Yes you'll get there as they're telling you but it does take time.

[kk1303]

I'm on Day 19 and I  got my first 2 real nights of sleep these past 2 days. I cheated tho, I took an over the counter sleeping pil. Before these past 2 nights, I was only sleeping 2-5 hours a night and that didn't even start happening till after day 7. The no sleep *****..its the worst part, in my opinion.

[bmdad]

Sleep is normally one of the last things to return but it will slowly come back. What day are you on? If I remember right it's day6? Here in a few days it will start coming back. By day 10 I was probably getting about 5 or 6 hours a night. That seems to be about the norm. It can sometimes take up to 30 days for it to completely come back.

The vitamins and supplements will not completely take the withdrawals away. They will still be there but they won't be quite as bad. They are also used to speed up the process. If you take them the withdrawals will not last quite as long.

You have to do your best to eat. Try eating smaller portions more often. Also be sure you're pushing the fluids. I feel the most important thing one can do is exercise. I know it's hard to muster up the energy to do so but force yourself even if it's just a short walk around the block.

Do all you can to keep your mind occupied. Doing so will keep you from thinking about the pills and dwelling on how bad you feel.

You just have to give it time. They symptoms will subside and you will start feeling better. You know you can't stay on the pills forever so don't let these past few days go to waste. Keep pushing forward and keep your eye on the prize. You will get there!

Best of luck and if you need anything, just ask!




Brian

[MikeInFrance]

Hey Georgia...,   Sleep has beene biggest issue since I went Cold Turkey 3 weeks ago.... Honestly, the first 10 days were horrible! Then it began to increase very very slowly and now I am getting 2-3 hours in a night. It's really hard to function with no sleep and it is the mind and body trying to communicate bur not fully understanding each other. Give it time and it will come. U definately need to move around andalw yourself as tired as possible during the day. If you don't then it will definately take longer to get back to a somewhat normal sleep schedule.

[Texas50881234]

Lack of sleep is one of the biggest issues of detox. I may have one fairr night then 5 bad nights. One of the things I learned was to tell myself that it's ok if I'm not asleep and quit struggling with it.

Make ur environment as welcoming for sleep as possible. Try to lay there and relax for about an hor if that doesn't help don't fight it - get up do something quietly (read, meditate, journal etc) then try again in an hour. Ur body will slowly reset just don't expect too much too soon.

As far as not wanting to get out and go anywhere I really identify. Some of that will change as ur mind begins to heal. A part of that could be depression, part could be left over habit from "just wanting to be alone with our drug".  Some could be depression.

What I have learned is it's ok to have quiet time at home as ur body resets. Rest and relaxation is vital in the healing process. Just don't get into the rut of not getting out at all. Just as rest is vital so is exercise and getting movement back into your body. The more I made myself do those things the better I felt.

I know this all seems overwhelming but hang in there. Sorry this is so long but I wanted to share some of my experiences with u  i wish I found this site or had someone share when I was starting my journey. You will find a wealth of info on here so spend some time reading other people's experiences. You will learn alot of good tips not to mention the support!

Good luck on this journey.