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Old Apr 01, 2009, 03:51 PM
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artichack artichack is offline
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Member Since: Mar 2009
Location: fairbanks,alaska
Posts: 171
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaelia View Post
Is anyone else experiencing insomnia with their depression? I'm so used to depression leading to "too much" sleep. But I haven't slept on my own in several months. I have been on Zolpidem (i.e. Ambien), and only recently realized that my body just can't sleep at all anymore unless I take it. I thought addiction to sleeping pills would be more jarring, but this was so subtle. I feel so blah during the days, so I sort of don't understand why I don't just fall asleep the minute I lay down. But I have my nightly cry (it's like clockwork) and then my mind just stays awake, repeating the same stupid, hypothetical lectures to myself.

I've tried reading, drinking warm milk, "sleepytime" teas, hot baths, meditative techniques. The only thing that works is the Zolpidem, and I really don't like being dependent on them just for sleep. Any other suggestions?
Depression and insomnia do go hand in hand. I've had to use ambien for some time now...my body at night is so tired, but my mind seems to be wide awake....and I'm unable to relax. I've tried relaxation tapes, music, hot baths, but none seem to help. I do know if you want to try to taper off of the med, not all at once....but gradually...that might help you to sleep and not reley on ambien so much. Good luck
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