Insomnia Support Group

Insomnia is a symptom, rather than a disease, and is characterized by inadequate quantity or quality of sleep. People with insomnia complain of difficulty falling or staying asleep, which results in significant impairment of daytime functioning. Insomnia is categorized as transient (shorter than one week), short-term (one to three weeks) or chronic (longer than three...

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dinahmorris 09/01/2017

I have had this for the last 2-3 weeks.

I am not having any problems in my life-but I do have a few things going on-more social life

than usual, maybe.

I thought I was bipolar and was put on prozac, lithium and sodium valprate 8 years ago.

Since then I have stabilized my life and wonder if I was really bipolar

or just going throgh a LOT of stress at the time...marriage breakdown, menopause, divorce

probs with money, unemployment, living with new bf (my first from when I was 16) who had anger issues,

too much weed etc....( also turning 50)

I have reduced the lithium and prozac by apart a third to a half with doctor's support, but not the sodium valproate yet.

not eliminated either of them.

Could this reduction be fuelling my insomnia?

I feel more alert on reduced meds, but not manic.

I hate just lying there at 2 or 3 am and waiting for a slightly more reasonable time to get up. Especially as

I share a very small house with a friend-and he is annoyed at me waking him up-

not to mention his concern that I am behaving oddly, sleepwise.

Help!

sonnycamehome 09/01/2017

Hi Dinah...I'm sorry you are struggling with sleep right now. I've gone through phases where I wake up too early, and it's pretty stressful. Perhaps it has something to do with your new medication doses...you'd have to discuss that with your Dr to find out. Apart from medication, are you getting enough exercise during the day? I find exercising during the day helps me sleep longer at night. It also helps me to have a set sleep/wake schedule, which I know is a little tough for you right now since you're waking up so early. Those are just a couple of thoughts that I had when I read your post. It may be good to check with your Dr and rule out any medical causes. Wishing you the best.

dinahmorris 09/02/2017

Thanks for that SonnyCH. Yes I am going to the doctor asap. I am not enjoying this! I don't mind waking at 6 but 2.30 is scary. I get a reasonable amount of exercise, and havent changed anything else apart from the meds, and that isnt by much, so if it is this, then it is scary to think such a small change might have such a big effect. Hope all is good with you x

Hypnos07 09/02/2017

Hi, your best advice on this might be to not worry about it. Worry about sleep only tends to fuel insomnia. By letting it go, you might find yourself at least resting in a more relaxed state, if not actually sleeping more.

Sleep is actually a moving target that changes throughout life. As you age, particularly as you get into middle age, the amount of total time asleep and REM dream sleep is reduced. This by itself is no defect, it is to be expected. It's normal and happens to us all.

Given your medical/psychiatric history, if this continues to be a problem you should see your doc. It is possible that adjustments in your meds will help.

dinahmorris 09/02/2017

Thank you both for kind and considered replies. Actually had a better night's sleep last night. I remember as a child crying cos I couldnt sleep - maybe I need to just accept it. Will see doc if it continues to worry me though x

KevinL 09/03/2017

Have you tried taking natural supplements/ herbs like - Passiflora, Lemon balm, Humulus lupulus, Dill (Anethum graveolens)? Sometimes you can find discounts here https://www.yourdailysupplements.com I usually use Melatonin and Valerian.

Let me know if you need further advice with the herbs. My wife is a doctor and I could ask her things in particular.

dinahmorris 09/04/2017

Thank you kevin L-a good option ! thanks for helping x

Edgar_2 09/04/2017

Hello,

waking up too early is the worst, I would take difficulties FALLING asleep over difficulties STAYING asleep any day of the week. Of course, not having any difficulties at all would be the preferred option. :)

You said you have some more things going on with your social life than usual. For me my work, although mostly not too stressful, makes a huge (negative) difference. When I was on holiday I slept fine every night, and now that school started (I'm a teacher) - awake at the middle of the night again. I was actually going to make a new post, but saw yours and decided to reply to it instead.

Hypnos is right, the only thing we can do is to try not to worry too much. You said it has only lasted for 2-3 weeks, that's not a lot of time, I think it will pass by itself, no need for doctors.

Good luck!

dinahmorris 09/04/2017

I had a better night's sleep last night-wow, Yay! I should mention that New Zealand is in the middle of a crucial election and btw has anyone noticed what North Korea is up to?? These do not lend themselves to the sleep of a baby!
Edgar-You sound too nice for the cut and thrust world of frontline teaching. Hope things improve for you soon. Best DS wishes!

Edgar_2 09/04/2017

I AM too nice, dammit. :)
And kids are mean these days. :)

Nice to hear you're doing better. Keep it up!

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