Aa
How to manage the complete loss of the ability to sleep naturally?
Hi, my natural sleep cycle has pretty much flatlined. I feel there is a little bit left, because if I try to medicate too early, it takes a frightenly large dose of medication. I believe the disease is degenerative and is worsening rapidly (I have Aluminum poisoning and no money to remove it). As my dosages continue to increase, I am considering rationing sleep, perhaps sleeping once every 3 days. I live in Canada, and Immovane and medical Cannabis are the only effective legal choices, however I'd rather have a root cause than a chemical fix. Most (not all) of my doctors tell me that it is impossible to die from insomnia, but I think they are full of ^&^$$$. My insomnia induced medical problems are worsening. My dosages are escalating to the point where I will only have a few months left before I have to begin rationing sleep.
Are there any doctors out there who have seen this before?
Are there any doctors out there who have seen this before?
Did I get a new sleep study? No, only covered once every 2 years, but I don't have a problem with sleep maintenance any more.
Both type 2 hypothyroidism and weight loss do wonders for sleep apnea. I can feel it. But it's the sleep initiation that will get me.
Thanks for your help KatEyes. Going in for an MRI in a few months...should be interesting.
Both type 2 hypothyroidism and weight loss do wonders for sleep apnea. I can feel it. But it's the sleep initiation that will get me.
Thanks for your help KatEyes. Going in for an MRI in a few months...should be interesting.
In response to a couple points...
"Sleep Study? Yes, but the sleep apnea was solved by another doctor to treat another ailment (inflammation)."
Did this doctor send you for a followup sleep study that determined your sleep apnea to be resolved?
"They sell CPAP machines when sleep apnea can be corrected by natural means"
I don't doubt that there is a segment of people with OSA whose sleep apnea can be treated by natural means. For instance, there seems to be some correlation between hypothyroid and an enlarged tongue, Since the tongue is often the culprit in sleep apnea, I can see that treating the thyroid could possibly resolve the sleep apnea if it was not present before becoming hypothyroid. Even then, there is a process to reach that goal. However, there are vast numbers who simply cannot and will never be able to resolve their apnea without intervention of some sort. For those of us, and for those who don't want to wait for relief, CPAP machines are capable of giving relief without delay.
I do hope you are soon able to resolve your sleep issues.
"Sleep Study? Yes, but the sleep apnea was solved by another doctor to treat another ailment (inflammation)."
Did this doctor send you for a followup sleep study that determined your sleep apnea to be resolved?
"They sell CPAP machines when sleep apnea can be corrected by natural means"
I don't doubt that there is a segment of people with OSA whose sleep apnea can be treated by natural means. For instance, there seems to be some correlation between hypothyroid and an enlarged tongue, Since the tongue is often the culprit in sleep apnea, I can see that treating the thyroid could possibly resolve the sleep apnea if it was not present before becoming hypothyroid. Even then, there is a process to reach that goal. However, there are vast numbers who simply cannot and will never be able to resolve their apnea without intervention of some sort. For those of us, and for those who don't want to wait for relief, CPAP machines are capable of giving relief without delay.
I do hope you are soon able to resolve your sleep issues.
Hi KatEyes,
Thanks for your interest. I need as much help as I can get.
Meds?
No - Just meds to suppress insomnia
Moods?
No, I've lost all my emotions
Sleep Hygiene
Yes
Sleep Study?
Yes, but the sleep apnea was solved by another doctor to treat another ailment (inflammation).
I agree with you that sleep rationing is not the medical answer. But it is the answer. Time for me is running out, and sleep rationing will give me more time.
As for increasing dosages and/or rotation medications, that has been the only protocol that works for me. Anything less results in zero sleep and the steady march towards coma or death. Again, not a protocol that my doctor would like, but one that keeps me alive. And staying alive is more important to pandering to society's paranoia regarding drugs.
I don't actually suffer from sleep deprivation as a primary medical ailment. My natural sleep function has flatlined completely. So absence rather than deprivation may be the appropriate word. I have no mood disorders, as my emotions have pretty much evaporated together with my sense of hunger and thirst. I was losing my balance yesterday do to unintentional dehydration.
Sleep meds as a last resort? I agree with you there to a great extent. Unfortunately for me that doesn't apply as my condition has just progressed to far. A mallot won't do the job - I'm using sledgehammers.
Yes, I think you're completely on the ball with keeping track of the circadian rhythm. From experience I now that deviating from the rhythm (inducing sleep when you don't need it) may mean that the effective dose may have to be increased to double or triple.
Right now I'm just trying to figure out what has gone wrong, and what my fate will be - doesn't look good - I lost my sense of balance yesterday, since recovered.
As for the doctors, I've had so many of them and although they seem to believe me, they don't know what they are doing. They sell CPAP machines when sleep apnea can be corrected by natural means. They pump you full of dangerous off label psychiatric drugs that don't put you to sleep. With the complexities and extremes inherent with my condition, I find the doctors scared, confused, and by no means equipped to deal with this.
Thanks for your interest. I need as much help as I can get.
Meds?
No - Just meds to suppress insomnia
Moods?
No, I've lost all my emotions
Sleep Hygiene
Yes
Sleep Study?
Yes, but the sleep apnea was solved by another doctor to treat another ailment (inflammation).
I agree with you that sleep rationing is not the medical answer. But it is the answer. Time for me is running out, and sleep rationing will give me more time.
As for increasing dosages and/or rotation medications, that has been the only protocol that works for me. Anything less results in zero sleep and the steady march towards coma or death. Again, not a protocol that my doctor would like, but one that keeps me alive. And staying alive is more important to pandering to society's paranoia regarding drugs.
I don't actually suffer from sleep deprivation as a primary medical ailment. My natural sleep function has flatlined completely. So absence rather than deprivation may be the appropriate word. I have no mood disorders, as my emotions have pretty much evaporated together with my sense of hunger and thirst. I was losing my balance yesterday do to unintentional dehydration.
Sleep meds as a last resort? I agree with you there to a great extent. Unfortunately for me that doesn't apply as my condition has just progressed to far. A mallot won't do the job - I'm using sledgehammers.
Yes, I think you're completely on the ball with keeping track of the circadian rhythm. From experience I now that deviating from the rhythm (inducing sleep when you don't need it) may mean that the effective dose may have to be increased to double or triple.
Right now I'm just trying to figure out what has gone wrong, and what my fate will be - doesn't look good - I lost my sense of balance yesterday, since recovered.
As for the doctors, I've had so many of them and although they seem to believe me, they don't know what they are doing. They sell CPAP machines when sleep apnea can be corrected by natural means. They pump you full of dangerous off label psychiatric drugs that don't put you to sleep. With the complexities and extremes inherent with my condition, I find the doctors scared, confused, and by no means equipped to deal with this.
Sleep deprivation leaves us to make decisions without full capacity. Please get help working through this and work closely with your doctor. This is not a time for self treatment. Here are some things to think about and discuss with your doctor...
Have you been formally tested for and diagnosed with aluminum toxicity? If so, how might this relate to your insomnia?
Are you on any meds that can cause insomnia?
Do you have any of the mood disorders that can cause insomnia?
Are you diligent to practice good sleep hygiene, as in doing those things conducive to sleep and avoiding possible detriments? (Google sleep hygiene)
Have you had a sleep study to rule out sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or Periodic Limb Movement Disorder? I thought I had insomnia but it turned out (I believe) that I was subconsciously avoiding sleep because it was not only miserable but even dangerous. Once the sleep disorders were treated, I began working on relearning how to sleep, which involved implementing above mentioned sleep hygiene principles.
I am of the personal conviction that sleep meds are best reserved for after all possible causes have been assessed for and treated. Increasing sleep meds can be a bad idea with some sleep disorders. Rationing sleep is NOT your answer. The only time sleep rationing should even be up for discussion is when someone sleeps more than they should for a healthy lifestyle.
While circadian rhythms generally make sleep most efficient when during recommended hours, if allowed to go to sleep naturally in the wee morning hours, would you sleep well for 6-8 hours, or would your sleep still be bad and non-restorative?
You need help from a sleep doctor or one in tune with sleep issues. Best wishes in resolving your insomnia in the healthiest way possible. That is a worthwhile target.
Have you been formally tested for and diagnosed with aluminum toxicity? If so, how might this relate to your insomnia?
Are you on any meds that can cause insomnia?
Do you have any of the mood disorders that can cause insomnia?
Are you diligent to practice good sleep hygiene, as in doing those things conducive to sleep and avoiding possible detriments? (Google sleep hygiene)
Have you had a sleep study to rule out sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or Periodic Limb Movement Disorder? I thought I had insomnia but it turned out (I believe) that I was subconsciously avoiding sleep because it was not only miserable but even dangerous. Once the sleep disorders were treated, I began working on relearning how to sleep, which involved implementing above mentioned sleep hygiene principles.
I am of the personal conviction that sleep meds are best reserved for after all possible causes have been assessed for and treated. Increasing sleep meds can be a bad idea with some sleep disorders. Rationing sleep is NOT your answer. The only time sleep rationing should even be up for discussion is when someone sleeps more than they should for a healthy lifestyle.
While circadian rhythms generally make sleep most efficient when during recommended hours, if allowed to go to sleep naturally in the wee morning hours, would you sleep well for 6-8 hours, or would your sleep still be bad and non-restorative?
You need help from a sleep doctor or one in tune with sleep issues. Best wishes in resolving your insomnia in the healthiest way possible. That is a worthwhile target.
you cant ration sleep. you will continue to deteriorate. get the help you need! you are too young. I am geting help and sleping much bette now, and i am 20 years older than you. life is worth living
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Sleep Disorders Community
Healing home remedies for common ailments
Dr. Steven Park reveals 5 reasons why breathing through your nose could change your life
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?
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.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
