Can't sleep

The triggers are never so bad as at night, especially on a night like tonight. I've run out of sleep meds. So my sleep is going back to the unrestfull, fitful waking up from nightmares and terror and paranoia.

I was asleep and woke up terrified. Now I can't get back to sleep.

My stupid T tried to talk to me about strategies for falling asleep, not drinking too much caffeine, etc...like I've never heard those suggestions before or tried them before. It was really frustrating. He's really pushing EMDR on me and spent our whole session today talking about EMDR rather than me talking about me. I was like, I paid $60 for this?

Anyways, I can't sleep. It sucks. I'm terrified to go to sleep.

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When I've go through periods of sleeplessness, I get out of bed and do something. I've learned to do this over many decades. I've cleaned the bathroom and done loads of washing, etc. Sometimes I have just binge watched movies or tv shows. It helps to take my mind off the thoughts and worries that keep running through my head and keeping me awake.

Thanks, Sula...the problem is I need to sleep badly for work otherwise I'm literally falling asleep at my desk. I did finish watching a romantic movie that I had started a few nights ago...I also have an 8 hour drive following my work today so I need rest for that. It seems like I can never get rest when I truly need it. I think the T appointment today really screwed me up too, hence the intense ptsd related feelings tonight.

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I know where you're coming from. I cannot tell you the number of times I have somehow managed to get through a full work day on no sleep and there have been times where its been days in a row. Sometimes I think it is just sheer willpower.

All the best for tomorrow. Driving on no sleep can be bad news - make a point of taking breaks - there's not much difference between 8 hours and 9 so better to have some kin of rest from the road. Take it easy mate - I will be thinking about you.

Hi Seesaw,

I am sorry you have not been sleeping.
I have been experiencing something similar. It gets old, fast!

I have never used actual sleeping meds (hypnotics) to try to sleep (yet).
I have a life-long sleeping issue due to trauma. I had grown up sleeping with one eye open, so to speak. Always on alert. I still do this.

I have heard/read very disconcerting reports about using sleeping meds (the actual hypnotics) on a regular and long-term basis.
You have quite a list of "meds tried and not found helpful."

I have been trying lots of approaches, including CBT-i, which is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia. There is a lot of info about this in the net, by the way. This helps with a foundation for good sleep, yet is not quite enough to help me to sleep.

I have heard of people having excellent luck with essential oil diffusers placed in their bedrooms, especially when they use the essential oil "Lavendar."
I have heard people have some good luck with some other essential oils as well. Very relaxing.

It's also critically important that everyone have adequate intake of dietary magnesium, etc. Our bodies need this to calm down. Some people use topical magnesium lotion or oil on the back of their neck, on their wrists and/or on the soles of their feet at night. While some find this helps with restlessness, including restless legs syndrome, others relax enough to doze off to sleep.

For a very long time, I had exceptionally good luck with an herbalist. She made up a customized extract (which I would add a few drops to a small amount of water and drink it). She also made me some loose leaf relaxing tea. It was very potent and worked well. She has since moved and has stopped practicing -- and I am still looking for a good herbalist! (I have severe issues with sleep, so I know her extracts and tea were ultra potent.)

Most likely, a multi-pronged approach to addressing sleep issues is most effective. It's sometimes tough to get a whole complex routine going and keep it going. In time it may become habit.

My trauma history makes it difficult for me to give in to sleep. When my PTSD is triggered, nothing works for sleep. When PTSD is active for me, I, too am terrified to sleep. I understand that feeling/mindset.

When we have that kind of trauma, some of the suggestions around sleeping seem silly, I know. However, I have found many good reminders to having an environment more conducive to feeling relaxed and to feeling safer than not. These are elements of basic foundations for relaxation/sleep.

Many doctors won't prescribe sleeping agents (as in true hypnotic meds) for lengthy indefinite periods of time. I have seen a couple of friends use hypnotic meds for lengthy periods of time (4-6 months) and their personalities had changed during that time. In addition, they had severe problems trying to adjust to having no further access to the meds. It took them a year or so to adjust. Yikes. I had watched them go through this and it caused me to do more research and to do my best to stay away from the hypnotic meds.

If you live in a medical cannibas state, some people are having good luck with cannabinoid extracts for relaxation/sleep, etc. These extracts have no or low THC and max CBD.

I am sure you have heard of melatonin. There are many other "natural approaches" to getting some rest/sleep.

Have you ever tried hypnosis or self-hypnosis?
I am going to try this soon.

I slept best when I had my German Shepherds. They would naturally sleep at the doorway of my bedroom and keep watch. They would alert me of any sign of trouble. Lol. There was never any trouble, just some noises here and there. I also felt safe that my GSDs were there to respond if there was any reason for responding.

I am sorry you are falling asleep at work. It probably feels safer to sleep there? Please be ultra careful during your 8 hour drive.

I hope you can get some shut-eye soon.
I also hope you have a fun weekend!

WC

Yhanks, WC...it's somehow just helpful to hear from others who understand why I can't sleep. I did mamage to fall back asleep eventually, and I'm up now and should make it to work on time...the drive is going to be rough later today but I'll take a nap of I have to or I'll get a hotel room and make it a 2 day drive.

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I have talked to a couple of vets that use medical marijuana to help them sleep, they swear by how well it works for them.

I have also talked to individuals that sleep with the TV on, usually something that doesn't require watching. I find it works for me and I look for something to listen to and think about as I am drifting off to sleep. Also, if I wake up, the TV is on and that helps me know where I am rather than waking up feeling lost and confused.

I'm like Open Eyes, I keep the TV, or at least music going, to keep my mind occupied on something other than crap in my head. I also smoke weed when that isn't enough. It really helps with the flashback issue for me, along with the despair it brings. I can still have anxiety but I wash that down with half to a full beer. Never more alcohol than that 'cause that's just asking for things to get worse.

Try the EMDR! Jokingly speaking : you could have some of my sleep medication. I didn't take mine last night because I don't know what's causing my lightheadedness so now I'm up at 3:27am.
I'm sorry you have to pay so much for therapy.
May I ask how long you have had PTSD?

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Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic that is used for sleep .

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I'm so sorry to hear that you have not be able to sleep. I too had a problem with this for such a long time!

As stated earlier melatonin is a great option!
I often will do reading or meditating when I am having sleepless nights in hopes to quite my spirit and aid towards resting! Don't give up!