hi there.

[kezza76]

hi Ive suffered depression in different severeties since i was 20 (now 36). This bout of depression I am having this time, is only allowing me to get for the last few nights 2 - 3 hours sleep and for the week before its ranged from 6 hours going down to 1 hr 40. I have just started back up on medication again but it has not even been a week and I feel like im fighting a loosing battle. I would just love to chat to people who are suffering insomnia aswell, What your suggestions are and just general support thanks. I have had the bad thoughts(dont think i would ever do anything though). please some help is desperately needed. 🙂

[laureah21]

 I have just started a new med that is fairly new itself (not on medicare so have to pay $66 for  a months worth.  It is melatonin based not seratonin and  you take it before bed.  It used to take me up to 90 minutes to fall asleep.  I get in bed now and don't even remmember trying to fall asleep, I just zonk out.  Wake the next day feeling fine as well, not "medicated"

[geoff]

dear Kezza, I have had a look on the net and it does say what Laureah has said that melatonin is meant to be good, plus B group vitamens and vitamen C, but all of these cost money.

They also say lemon balm and hops or passion flowers may help.

I would go to your pharmacist and/or natural therapy shops and ask these people.

The main point is that you have to break the cycle, and as you have just started to take this new medication please give it at least another 4 weeks, I know that this seems a long time so check out these other solutions.

Would you interested in coming back to us and telling your story or part of it. Geoff.

[Ambs]

In my experience insomnia is at its worst when you just begin the medication, it took 2 or 3 weeks to settle down.  With the medication I am on my GP told me not to take it after midday as it will make it difficult to sleep.  As my anxiety was causing  my insomnia I used a worry diary to write down all my worries before bed which helped.  Creating a routine and sticking to it also helped.  Going to bed earlier rather than later, breathing can help.  Relaxation techniques, focusing on each part of your body and relaxing it.  Resisting the temptation to catch up on sleep during the day.  I was so frustrated with my inability to sleep I tried everything that was suggested to me and some things worked and some didn't!!

[blackcorvus]

Fairly much going through the same thing now. Started on new antiD's a couple of weeks ago. Was waking at 1 and 3 in the morning and hard to get to sleep. Now getting about 4 hrs kip. Found that putting music or radio on just loud enough to hear helps me with getting to sleep. At least now at home and not in hospital I can do something waking at 4.

All the best to you, Bill