What is Insomnia
Insomnia is characterized by an inability to sleep and/or to remain asleep for a reasonable period. Insomniacs typically complain of being unable to close their eyes or "rest their...
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I'm 12 with insomnia
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I'm a 12 year old girl with insomnia, and I've been struggling with it for as long as I can remember. My parents told me that I jumped out of my crib before I could even crawl, and I always got less than the recommended number of hours of sleep for my age group.
In fifth grade, my parents decided it was time to do something about it, as the teachers were complaining about my sluggish behavior and anti-social attitude. The hunt began. Benadryl was too mild, warm milk didn't work, hypnosis only worked for a week, the treadmill was too stimulating... nothing worked! We had to resort to medication. Nothing made even a little sleepy. What is wrong with my immune system?? Am I some sort of freak? The only medication that had an affect on me was Ambien. It made me hallucinate; a train set ran around the perimeter of my room while my stuffed animals talked to me and the room flashed purple. It was terrifying, and I cried myself to sleep. Finally, we tried Trazadone. For the better part of a year, I got a good 6-8 hours a night! The only downside was that I had to take 7 in order to fall asleep, and it was so disgusting that I had to take it in applesauce. Recently, however, I am repulsed by the pills. Even looking at them makes me gag, and when my parents present me with them I hide them in a drawer and claim I took them. Then I lie there all night. On the weekends I fall asleep around 9 AM, and on weekdays around 4 AM. I'm so lonely! I hate lying here all night. Can somebody help? I'm looking for any of these: 1. Ways to not be lonely at night 2. Ways to find my meds less repulsive 3. Other medication I could take Thanks! Posted on 10/04/09, 06:10 am |
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Oof. Your insomnia sounds very difficult. I had the same problem with pills for about 4 years- nothing I took worked. I tried Ativan but I maxed out before I was even slightly drowsy. Fortunately, I found something that works a couple of months ago when I went to a new doctor. The doctor recommended a really low dose of Seroquel. This ran counter to my logic, as I've always needed big doses of things instead of little doses, but she convinced me to try it. And so far, it works. I started at 25 mg but now I'm at 50 mg and I take it on the weekdays... I leave weekends out so hopefully I don't build up a tolerance. 
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One thing I like to do is listen to podcasts or stories on my ipod, or just music. It helps me feel less alone, and sometimes even lulls me to sleep. I have a special playlist of music I find soothing and that also puts me in a good mood. I prefer stuff with lyrics, so I can focus on the words instead of the thoughts running around in y mind.
As for making the meds less repulsive, you could try changing up the method you take it. Instead of taking it with applesauce, maybe yogurt or even whipped cream, though too much sugar always keeps me up, so maybe not that. Best of luck, I hope this helps a bit!!
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Rtannerj-
I will ask my parents about trying Seroquel. I'm pretty much at the end of my patience with Trazadone, and it's time to try something new! Thestonefaeries- That's a good idea. Music does tend to calm me. It's not the applesauce that's repulsive (although I will never look at it the same way again!) But I'll try switching to pudding just in case! Thanks all
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try getting a relaxation tape and play it very softly. and getting a very soft fleece blanket and cuddling up snuggling yourself like a baby in it. i am older but this works for me.
i also get in a really comfortable position and think of the most pleasant dream i can possibly have and start daydreaming about it and soon i am sleeping dreaming that dream.
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Oh sweetheart, God cares so much about your trials. There is some great advice already, ditto on selecting soft music, I to have fallen asleep without any meds during my long playlist. Phil Keaggy is my favorite artist.
Second, I suggest you get a hormone test. You go to a pharmasists and they will help you. A saliva test found my cortizon high and other hormones affecting my sleep. Chat with a freind, relax and read a bood book. Hang in there we are with you. I beleive God loves you so much, I pray for you to experience the peace of God tonight. Gary
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Honey I hate to say it but if the meds work then you need to take them. Hiding them from Mom and Dad isn't going to do any good. They are going to know when you start becoming listlus during the day again. Have you asked your parents to ask your doctor if there is any other form of of it you can take?
I hope that you can find something that will help. I will keep you in my prayers. I wish you much luck to getting a goods night sleep :)
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Music is good, I'll use my Ipod.
See, I would talk to the doctor who gave us the Trazadone prescription, but he moved... so I'm stuck with Trazadone for awhile. Good news, though! I'm seeing a new doctor tomorrow, and can ask him about the advice that you all gave me.
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hmm, everyone reacts so differently to meds. Seroquel was a nightmare for me. Trazadone never worked. Ambien didn't work. I use Ativan now but your so young to be taking benzo's. Sorry, I'm a mother and I wouldn't want my child taking it. Ask your parents to schedule you for a sleep study if you haven't done that already. As for the loneliness,maybe try prayer, music, journel or read a book.
(((hugs)))
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I am sorry you are suffering from this so young. Most girls your age are playing, and hanging out with friends. Not spending endless nights feeling sluggish and edgy. The only way I would suggest to not be so lonely at night, is keep attending support group, and hook up with someone you may trust. Use the chat messenger feature, every time you want to chat with a friend. I am currently taking an over the counter sleep aid called "simply sleep" it's pretty high priced, but worth it
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