Anyone else here turn to vendors because of chronic insomnia/sleep disorder?

I have struggled with chronic insomnia and probably another undiagnosed sleep disorder for decades, because my circadian rhythm is more often than not out of sync. Have had sleep studies done only to be told to practice better sleep hygiene. I do and I still lie awake staring at the ceiling for hours until I pass out at 6 am in the morning.

I’m so sick of docs rxing sleep meds that do nothing for my sleep and/or make me a depressed mess. Trazodone in particular made me manic and scary aggressive even though I am normally pretty chill. Ever since that one, I have been nervous and hesitant to try any non benzo meds, because benzos are the only ones that work for me.

please tell me I’m not alone

I, personally, don’t struggle with insomnia, but I can assure you that you’re not alone. I am curious, however, and this is not meant at all to come off as dismissive, is there something intangible that hinders your ability to rest like thoughts or emotions? I hate how cliché the term has become, but what is your “sleep hygiene” like? I’m not at all insinuating that you’re doing anything wrong or that some “literary assistance” isn’t helpful or necessary. I’m just genuinely curious. It seems to be a prevalent issue with a lot of people.

necromedic said:

I, personally, don’t struggle with insomnia, but I can assure you that you’re not alone. I am curious, however, and this is not meant at all to come off as dismissive, is there something intangible that hinders your ability to rest like thoughts or emotions? I hate how cliché the term has become, but what is your “sleep hygiene” like? I’m not at all insinuating that you’re doing anything wrong or that some “literary assistance” isn’t helpful or necessary. I’m just genuinely curious. It seems to be a prevalent issue with a lot of people.

Click to expand...

Sometimes my sleep is interrupted by thoughts but most of the time it’s not. If anything, its interrupted by frustration about not being able to sleep

By “sleep hygiene” I mean that I stay away from caffeine/sweets/junk food/large meals, exercise a bit, take some melatonin, and turn off electronics 1 hour before bed. It’s all such a fucking tease in the end, I still stare at the ceiling in the dark

I’m not an upper user but I’m becoming increasingly dependent on downers just so I can guarantee getting at least 6 hrs of rest a night

If anything sweets will help you sleep.
Melatonin is not a supplement to take.
Your body produces a large dose every day 12 to 18 hours or so after you wake up, which is when you sleep.
Exercising a bit isn't enough.
You should be so tired at the end of the day all you can think about it sleep.
If you aren't, then you didn't burn enough calories.

You are right that melatonin, not looking at screens and not eating cheesecake are a tease compared to a 4 hour walk or 1 hour jog.

@meepmoopmeep - I’m sorry you’re going through that, and I agree that most sleep hygiene practices that get suggested most of the time often offer marginal benefit at most. I’m grateful that I am usually able to fall asleep unassisted, although it’s not always of the highest quality. The times when I do struggle are generally underpinned by some degree of anxiety over something in my life, and I’m usually able to override it with a decent dose of L-theanine and GABA. I wish I had answers or at least better suggestions for you. I can assure you that you’re not alone, though.