Quote:
Originally Posted by UpNOut
Just now, at 1 am, my depressed mood suddenly lifted... Until 1:30 am, when I realized that this mood lift just reinforces this DSPS pattern that has been destroying my health for 5 yrs. I would often go 36 hrs w/o sleep, in order to "reset" my internal clock and my mood. I read some research using sleep deprivation for med-resistant depression, and it usually helped me, for a day or so.
Exercise had also helped my MDD, but after foot surgery 6 wks ago, my depression got severe, and my usual bedtime got later, to 4-5 am. I was skipping one night's sleep per week, until my body got so exhausted I could no longer recharge myself.
But 6 days ago, I tried the 36-hr wake time once more, getting to bed @ 11pm. I was so proud yesterday, telling my doc I had made it 4 days on a daytime schedule. But like some of you said, I am just slipping back into my old pattern, w/later bed every nite. I'll be 69 soon - I am too old for this.
Ya'll are right. People accept my other chronic illnesses, mostly. But they don't have a clue about DSPS. It has the power of a physical addiction, and I don't see a way out. Light therapy? 2 hrs later bed each nite, till 10pm? Anybody?
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I think I have DSPD as well. I worked mostly night shifts in my former career. I had the hardest time getting up early in the morning as I stayed up into the early morning. I hate the fact that this disorder is looked at as someone is being lazy. Quite the contrary.
It is a common type of chronic circadian-rhythm disorder. It does not fit into the insomnia subset as most people do get sleep on their own sleep schedule. About 40% of people with this have a family history of this disorder.
As far as light therapy, it is recommended to get bright light therapy in the am and to be outside. Even if it is overcast outside, it is enough light to help. At night, it is best to only be in dim light. Melatonin taken before you need to go to sleep has some merit.
The only way I know this is by chance I am reading a book on sleep disorders written by a sleep disorder specialist ( Carlos H. Schenck, MD. )
Copyright 2007. Our library has older books! Oh, by the way, I have MDD as well.
I hope this helps!
