Can't stay asleep more than 3 hours.

I've had trouble sleeping all my life. One psychiatrist put me on Restoril 60 mg every eve. That's a very hefty dose of benzo, and it was overkill. I cut it to 30 and, then, to 15mg. That worked pretty good.

Then my primary doctor said he would stop giving me hydrocodone, if I stayed on Restoril. So I gave up the sleeping pill (Restoril) because I need the pain med.

My sleeping has gotten worse and worse. Now I only stay asleep for 3 hours. Then I can't really get back into a true sleep. I stay in bed and just have these little naps that last 15 to 40 minutes. I dose, then wake, dose, then wake, etc.

This is ruining my life because I can't plan my day. I plan to go do something in the morning. Then, in the morning, I'm too tired and still trying to get more shut-eye.

This is getting seriously depressing.

I even went to a gym yesterday, figuring that would help. I feel like I need sleep medication. But I don't dare ask. Providers are scared to order controlled substances.

Anyone have a sleep problem like this? Did you find a solution?

Dear Rose76,

What a really heartbreaking situation!

I have struggled with sleep problems all of my adult life. I have never been on the medicine you mentioned, but was once prescribed Ambien. Right now I am on Trazadone and it helps me a lot. I hope you find something that helps you. Not getting enough sleep is brutal especially when it is a chronic situation. Wish I knew what to say that would help.

Sincerely yours, Yao Wen

Thanks Yao Wen. I've heard of Trazadone helping people sleep. I might have more success getting a psychotropic that promotes sleep, rather than hoping for a benzo, which I don't believe anyone will give me. I've never had Ambien. I might ask about that too. I'm grateful for your input. It gave me an idea.

So Sorry you're dealing with this! Please do not give up! i agree with the wise and wonderful Yaowen about being So Sorry for what is happeing then. i think asking for some different meds may be a good idea. What makes you think they won't prescribe you what you're asking for if i may ask? Sorry if that is a stupid question. Unfortunately i don't have much advice to give myself as i am not struggling too much with sleep at the moment i think. i Hope your situation will Improve really soon. Sleep is Really important. Sending many Safe, warm hugs to BOTH you, @Rose76, your Family, your Friends and ALL of your Loved Ones! Keep fighting and keep rocking NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, OK?!

The federal government frowns on doctors ordering both a benzo and an opioid to a patient. At least that's what my doctor said. He told me that, if I was unhappy about having to choose only one, I should write my congressman. A lot of deaths occur from opioid overdose. The risk of that happening goes up, if a person is also taking a benzo (like Restoril.) The respiratory drive can be suppressed.

Thanks MC. Sleep is important. I get enough, but not on a regular basis . . . so I can't plan my mornings.