DID and Insomnia

I've been in tx for DID for about 8 months officially. Unofficially my T was easing me into it, a year and an half ago. I have had insomnia problems since childhood, and it has been very severe in the last 10-15 years. My first big hope after getting my dx was that this was what was going to cure my insomnia.

NO luck so far. And, yes, there were issues in my abuse that would cause sleep problems today. So far, covering those things in therapy hasn't helped.

I've researched like crazy on supplements that help you sleep - I have to take 40 pills and capsules per night to get slight effectivness. I won't go into drugs here because I don't know if it's allowed on this site, but if it is I wouldn't mind hearing what worked for ya'll, for sure.

I tried a night time ritual with my alters that helped a bit, but still required sleep aids.

Do any of you other DIDers have severe long term ongoing insomnia, and if so, what has helped you? I am seeing a doctor on Thursday, and I am dreading trying to find another drug to help. I would rather be drug free. Crystal Lady

I just want to be able to sleep at night and not be sluggish all day long.

please be careful with the pills...one thing I have learned about sleeping pills is that too many and they do have the opposite affect for some people, that is if they dont die from the over dose first.. they can also lose their effectiveness due to growing tolerance/dependably just like any other drug or medication.

I have insomnia but its not related to my dissociative issues, its part of my depression, bipolar disorder and work related stress and anxiety. at times it can also be attributed to my diet, and activities, as well as my having periodic sleep deprivation..

with my DID and dissociative issues sleep wasnt a problem, If I couldnt sleep another alter would just take over, I would end up getting the rest I needed because I wasnt the one in control of my body, on the go and doing things. my first few yrs in college I lived not on sleeping but on getting rest breaks because the alters would take over, when I came back Id feel like I over slept...light headed, foggy but not the least bit tired.

Im glad you are seeing your doctor about it, medications are never fun but maybe your doctor has something new, or a new idea that will help you.

Thanks Amandalouise, I never let the sleeping pills get out of hand. In fact I withdrew from them last summer - slowly and carefully, because they are dangerous to come off of too. That's one reason why I'm a bit reluctant to be going back to medication. But I will never take sleeping pills again. My Doctor knows that much. Crystal

PS Love your quote!

Hi Crystal
I went through a period of insomina because I couldn't stop thinking (pre dx of DID) and found that 30mins of exercise after dinner and a hot shower and I was able to sleep soundly. It worked for me when I was doing that.
Maybe it might work for you?