Would Like Some Advice on getting better sleep

[lookingforme]

Hi All,

Just taking an opportunity to vent some frustration here, maybe get some advice...

I've been on my meds for about half a year now and I've had some averages and lows that I've cycled through. I've been on a low recently and I'm trying to work my way out of it now. Doing little things to reassert control over thinghs in my life. I've been on an exercise regimen and I've been eating healthily. I've established some goals that I'm actually looking forward to achieving (an immense improvement over the beginning of the year).
However, the one thing that I cannot seem to shake is my sleep/insomnia...
When I first started my meds they put me to sleep rather quickly but I've seemed to outrun that effect. More of a concern is my sleep quality. Again, these meds make it almost impossible to wake up within 12 hours of sleeping. They used to keep me asleep for that time but now I find myself waking up during the night again. And the wuality of the sleep...everytime I wake up I feel like I've run a full marathon, I'm exhausted. And the fatigue doesn't leave me.

I guess I'm just wondering if, like my psych says, this will settle down in time (I'm wondering if that means that I have to wait for my current crappy situation to change), and if anyone has some non-chemical things that work for them that I could try?

[pipsy]

Hi there.  About a year ago I was taken off my meds (in my case it was the best thing that could've happened).  However, the 'down' side was insomnia BIG TIME.  I have tried EVERYTHING known to man.  Listening to music, watching rubbish on t.v.  Then I found something that used to work when I was a kid.  I started reading.  Not 'heavy' novels, just light hearted stories that I didn't have to really concentrate on.  I left my hubby just over a week ago due to some on-going problems.  The first night away, I drove my friend where I'm staying, bananas because I couldn't relax.  I move into my new home next weekend.  The last couple of nights, I've taken to reading a non-fiction story, based in Sydney.  It's a detective novel.  If you're in a room alone, does it matter if you read the book, cover to cover?  I've found 2 or 3 pages and I'm ready for sleep.  Another thing that might help, keep a low wattage night light burning.  Rock-salt lights are ideal as they emit a comfortable feeling where you relax easily.  When you 'come off' meds, it can take the body quite a while to re-adjust.  You're so used to meds, the body craves the 'fix'.  No-one can tell you how long it will take to adjust because we're all different.  The hardest part is impatience which can cause depression because you're tired.  If you can 'cat-nap' during the day, do so.  If you're working, you will tire during the day, you go to bed at night and - instant awake.  Maybe try and stay up later.  With me, I was still awake at 2 and 3 a.m, then I'd sleep for an hour or so, then wide awake.  Since I've rediscovered reading, I am sleeping better. 

Just as a matter of interest, with the meds I was taking, I was experiencing bad hallucinations, plus I was sleep-walking.  I think given the choice, I'd rather have the insomnia, lol.

You will get through this, it just takes time, which no-one can help you with.