Bipolar Insomina

I am new to this insomnia stuff. Is is common to go a week sleeping only an hr or so at a time? Otherwise, I feel fine and really don't want to increase my meds. I have tried at LEAST 10 sleep meds and none really work for me. They put me to sleep, but never KEEP me asleep. Anyone have any suggestions? I used to take daily 3-mile walks, but am suffering seizures at least 3 times daily (another story), so most exercise is out. Any ideas would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks your friend, Sally

Hey, so sorry to hear, I can relate. I actually take 3 sleep aids that put me to sleep and keep me asleep since I battle with insomnia also. Trazodone 400mg, Sonota 20mg and Neurontin 600mg...those work rather well together with few side effects. When I only sleep for an hour or two I go hypomanic...best of luck!!

I take lunesta, saphris, klonopin and my lamictal at night. Without the lunesta, I cannot sleep. On this combination, I usually am able to get a good 7 hours of sleep per night (usually uninterrupted). Good luck with finding something that helps you!

No it's never normal to sleep like that. Have you changed anything recently? Even something as simple as switching the times you take a medication can alter your sleeping habits. Throwing more medications at the problem isn't a good long term solution.

What do you take now, when do you take it, and how long have you taken it? What sleeping habits do you maintain? i.e. do you use your bed for things other then sleep and sex? Do you get out of bed whenever you can't sleep?

am a 67 yr. old female and have only hypomania and no depression. the last year has been terrible as far as the insomnia and racing thoughts. pharmacist told me ambient puts you to sleep but doesn't keep you asleep and over the counter sleep aids did nothing for me. the best sleep aid for me is 1/2 seroquel every nite; sleep is deep, no racing thoughts but i do wake up feeling drugged for about 30 min. i exercise daily which includes 30 min. cardio and wt. lifting, done in the a.m. so i'm not revved up at nite from working out.