cant sleep

[renemar]

well i cant sleep in 3days straight even if i try to close my eyes.
i am only 22, working at night 6PM-3AM, so my sleep time will be around 8 in the morning.

[jennatweedybird]

Just a thought for you to consider. I used to work night shift and my sleeping habits are all messed up now. From your post it sounds like your going to bed at around 8-9am, this is when the sun has come up and your body may be responding to that trigger. Sunlight naturally wakes people up and makes it difficult to fall asleep anytime soon. Maybe you can try light blocking shades in your bedroom, white noise such as a fan to block out all the sounds of the "day people" and very dark sunglasses to wear on your way home. Just don't wait untill you are in the sun to put them on!!!! I take Ambien CR and it works, just be careful of side effects like sleepeating and one that I have taking more Meds while asleep. I have to make it difficult to get to the meds like putting them in another room and locking the door  ect. Once you figure out how it effects you you can take measures to combat side effects. Good luck and may you sleep soon and sleep well!!! Jen

[RGR390]

Hi Suril, Is Ambien addictive?  and how long is safe to use before it can become a problem?  Elavil/Endep are better in what way?  What about Lunesta?
Thanks

[Suri123]

Hi Renemar, Relax! It seems you are under stress due to improper sleep and the sufferings so. Ambien is good choice for treatment of insomnia, but it is intended for short-term use. Elavil/Endep can be tried if you are not comfortable with Ambien and it is a non-addictive drug. Avoid coffee/tea, smoking, alcohol and a bulky spicy meal. Do regular walk, regular stretches, have nutritious diet with lot of water or other liquids. Hot shower, gentle body massage and listening to soft music before going to bed can be soothing to mind and body, so it may be of some help. It is a better to consult a neurologist and a sleep specialist for evaluation. Get a sleep study done. Keep updating of any visit. Take care.

[KatEyes]

Extended periods of sleep irregularities should have medical evaluation. It is not unusual for those with actual sleep disorders to appear to have anxiety issues. Yes, it's hard to know which was causal, but having trouble sleeping over an extended period of time merits being checked out.

[RGR390]

I to have developed recent insomnia.  I have gone several days with little or no sleep.  I can't seem to wind down to sleep and when I do, if I awake I can't get back to sleep.  It is very frustrating and leads to anxiety (or is it the anxiety preventing sleep?).  

[KatEyes]

Some pertinent info is left unsaid in your post. Is this work schedule new for you? Are your sleep hours totally against your body's natural sleep cycle? If this all new and you don't adjust soon, you may need to consider finding a job more in line with your body clock. You won't be able to continue the job anyhow if you crash and burn, so don't wait for that.

If this is a longstanding schedule that has worked for you but this insomnia is new, I'd see a doctor. Sometimes medical causes (including hyperthyroid) can cause inability to wind down enough to sleep. Till resolved, please don't put yourself or others in danger as your alertness and thought processes will be compromised by lack of sleep. And, when you crash it could be sudden and hard.