Are you opposed to heavy duty pharmaceuticals?

My insomnia started 3 months ago. It started out waking up several times a night. I finally went to my doctor. She put me on anti anxiety medication, Trazadone. It helped with anxiety, but I began stressin over my insomnia, so I started having totally sleepless nights, so doc increased my dosage. First night slept 12 hrs. 2nd night can't sleep. I'm seeing a behavorial therapist. Just started that. I've been told that insomnia is a symptom of something else. Mine is anxiety, so I'm trying to reduce that. I will continue to work with my doctor to find a resolution. Just keep moving along.

Maybe along with medication, you could try some non medical approaches like going to bed and waking up at the same time each night, turning off all screens an hour before bed, limiting caffeine, etc... Sometimes insomnia responds really well to good sleep hygiene methods.

I have to take anti-anxiety medication along with my Ambien to help me sleep. Talk to your doctor about it.

sonnycamehome has the same advice as Ido...No Electronics at all 1hr before bed. I have a set routine for night...put out cloths for the next day...pj's, listen to at least a3o minute sleep/anxiety removal meditation on utube..or any calming music, shut down computer, read a book for an hour, then bed at the same time each night. While reading I drink a tea made with 1/2 water 1/2 milk of sleep tea.

I do not have a clock on a night stand where I can see the time. I keep a small note book/pen incase I'm thinking I need to remember something for morning, and write it down to avoid more anxiety. If I wake during the night, can't fall back to sleep, I get up, stay warm and read my book, no clock, no computer, and I do "self-yaws" as a way to tell my body it needs sleep. Or, if I think don't need to get up, I'll lay on my back, do gratitude thoughts, prayer, and belly breathing...

It's a matter of making the effort, a choice/decision to self-care, know that you don't have to be anxious....as your emotions are "thought driven" so if you continue to Think I'll never get to sleep, you won't.

When I am extremely stressed, I go through bouts of insomnia. I was on Xanax which helped alot. I was later switched to trazadone and hydroxyzine. When combined they work just as good as xanax, but non-habit-forming. Therapy works for me. Whenever I go to a session, I just feel like "ahh"- it's more or less having someone to talk to without being judged. Also, I am a believer of God-depression and anxiety is so common throughout the Bible, I often read and meditate on Psalms. I feel like I can relate when he says things like " I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping." It makes me feel less lonely. I'm not sure if this will help...
When you are less anxious, it'll be easier to sleep.

Hi,

Yes, I have a suggestion: don't drink alcohol to help yourself sleep. Causes a stimulating rebound in a few hours when the sedating effects wear off. One of the worst things you can do.

Sounds like your depression is one of the keys to making this better. This could be the true underlying basis of your insomnia. So improving your mental outlook could significantly help you sleep better. That can be done without drugs, so I hope you are moving in that direction. That's your permanent solution.

You can also help in effect stack the deck in your favor for better sleep by following a strong, sleep supportive lifestyle. Such things as daily exercise, a consistent sleep-wake schedule, avoiding naps, avoiding caffeine later in the day, exposing yourself to bright light immediately upon awakening in the morning, and so forth -- all that goes a long way.

Good luck.

Thanks all for your replies. I have a sleep schedule and follow good sleep hygiene. I believe anxiety may play a major part in the constant waking. For my anxiety in general and if needed at night i was given klonapin, which works good for a limited time. I definately think a med adjustment is needed which is why im seeing someone today. She will be new to me a limph not a psych but thats the best i could do for now as some drs have multiple months waiting lists. I am nervous as im not sure which way it will go, but im trying my best. Wish me luck

I was surprised why no one try Niagen? It really works for me and others who have tried. Niagen is a form of Vit B3, so no harm will do to your body unlike drugs.

Ive never heard of that. Where do u get it? My new nurse put me on .5mg ativan for sleep. I am sleepy but had a major family issue come up, so no sleep yet tonight. :(