Do I have a true sleep disorder???

[Nattefrost]

Ive been posting on the substance abuse forum for close to 2 months now. But I came to this forum for a question. I was addicted to pain pills for over a year and a half, started on suboxone which helps you get off the pain meds and now have been clean for close to 2  months.(off everything) But BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER my addiction, and Im talking about going back 20 years, my "good nights sleep" consisted of constant dreams. Really strange dreams, sometimes, too. And I remember most of them as clear as day as soon as I get up. Now I know after quitting the meds sleep disorder is normal as sometimes it is almost impossible to sleep, but when I do, nothing but dreams. So my question is when I dream am I actually getting good sleep? Theres not a night that goes by where theres a dream I can not remember.

[Curtis1960]

Vivid dreams really aren't a sign of a sleep disorder unless you start dreaming right after falling asleep.  Dreaming soon after falling asleep is a sign of narcolespy.  Are you tired during the day?  Do you fall asleep at odd times and places? If you can answer these questions in the affirmative, then you might have a sleep disorder.  

Dreaming is a sign that you are going through the sleep phases; which is a good sign.  The pain meds can cause strange dreams.  And, pain meds can remain in your body for months after you stop taking them.  This may be a cause.

Difficulty falling asleep is a sign of insomnia.  Insomnia haas so many causes. This is something you can talk to your doctor about.  Stress is a major cause of insomnia and coming off pain meds is very stressful.  You might even be having some cravings for the drugs which will increase stress.  Your doctor can help you with medications for sleep.

My doctor recommended 10mg sublingual melatonin for sleep.  She said the sublingual pills get into your system faster for falling asleep sooner.  I couldn't find 10mg pills so I bought the 5mg and take two.  This has really helped me.  There are a number of posts in this forum on how to prepare yourself for sleep.  Not watching TV or playing on the computer for a full hour before bedtime are two suggestions I found here.  Take a look and see what you find.

Best of luck!

Curt

[Nattefrost]

And does anyone have any tips on how to get a good nights sleep without the use of any kind of pills or anything? Ive been drinking chamomile tea and I cant tell if it helps or not.