Going on 72 hours no sleep in sight

[marcus254]

I am a veteran 22 years old I was deployed to Iraq for OIF 04-06. When I got back I suffered unbearable insomnia and Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)... sensitive to loud noises, dreams of getting shot, panic attacks, social anxiety, thinking that people were out to get me. I had a battle with all these things for a good four months. A bottle of Jim Beam a night helped... so did the army doctors. then one day it all just seemed to go away I was fine stopped drinking heavily (had a few beers at social events) by all aspects I was fine... from march 06 up until October 20th it was all ok...and then it all came back with a vengeance it started with a panic attack at an amusement park I just recently got  a Rx of effexor... I don't believe in taking antidepressants... so any way to the question I am going on 72 hours of no sleep and I cant get to sleep either I have tried and tried... should I bite the bullet and start taking my Rx or just wait this out and hope it will go away again?

[GrandmaA]

P.S.
Sleepytime tea works great also. Be sure you are getting enough calcium and magnesium for your nerves, etc. I hope you sleep well now. Keep faith in the Lord.

[GrandmaA]

Sorry for all symptoms you are suffering. I come from a  family of insomniacs. Melatonin can help you reset your body clock and the herb valerian root. Try to get herbs in a formula rather than alone. They work better in combination with other herbs - like passion flower, etc. Excercise in the afternoon. Take a warm bath before bed. You can take Rescue Remedy by Bach Flower Remedies for panic attacks. You only need 4 drops in a small glass of water. It really works and has no side effects and is not habit forming. Take good care and God bless you.

[noops01]

Hi,

antidepressents do help so there is no harm in taking them for short period of time..if they can make you feel better. Also take help from family and friends and this phase will pass away soon.

[TJack]

Hi Marcus,   My husband is a vet from Viet Nam era.  So, PTSD hit him a few years ago like a cement truck.  I thought he was or had lost his mind.  I had to get him to the Portland VA, as no docs in our town knew a thing.  He couldn't sleep either.  Thought he would die if he did.  Oh it goes on and on.  The good news is there is help out there.  You need to take the anti depressants and see a shrink at the VA.  They understand.  You need to talk it all out, over and over and she or may also give you something to help you sleep.  It does get better.
My living proof is cooking breakfast right now.  so hang in there. TJ

[Linda566]

Hi Marcus - my heart goes out to you.  Lack of sleep for this long will cause a person to become 'psychotic' - even the healthiest people.  If you go much longer you should call a doctor or go to the hospital because the PTSD may lead to you hurting yourself or someone else because of your weakened state.  My opinion of Rx - they 'help' medium-term.  It sounds like you need immediate sleep, then longer term cognitive therapy.   Talk it out - takes a long time.  It may come down to forgiving yourself for being human.  It seems as though the military does a good job of helping young men to learn to 'compartmentalize' so they can fight - but nothing to help them back to normal when it's over.

[Anant10]

Hi,

I could understand what you must have gone through during your posting in Iraq. Taking antianxiety drugs (alprazolam) or long acting sedatives will help you. Also, learn some medication techniques (Vippassana etc.), which will help calm your nerves.