Ongoing Sleep Problem

[BBJ]

 

I’ve had a sleep issue for around 5 years which coincided around the time of my daughter’s birth which I’m guessing is a coincidence.  But now, it’s getting to the point where I can barely function and feel as though I am about to keel over.

I don’t know if there is such a thing as a seasonal sleep disorder but for me, it seems to come on and off for months.  It is now a month that I have barely slept.

 

I try to avoid medication but 2 years ago I resorted to a Chinese therapist which did seem to help.  I am not sure if it was physiological but I did sleep better during the treatment I was given.  And from January of this year, I started training in the gym which I thought was the answer to my prayers as I managed to get 2-3 months of decent sleep, which is now a double-whammy as I barely have the energy to jog etc. 

 

I’m now at the point of considering medication from the hospital which I’d rather not do as I know a few people that are now completely dependent on sleeping pills.

 

At present, I have had two full night’s sleep over the last 4/5 weeks.  And most nights – while relaxed in bed, are spent sleepless.  At times, I can feel myself drifting off then my body jolts like a shock and that’s it, I am awake for the rest of the night.

As for my personal life.  There is nothing whatsoever that is stressing me out.  My time is my own and the family is financially secure.  I don’t go to bed stressed worrying about the next day.  The only thing on my mind is where to ride my motorcycle next and what activity I’ll do with my daughter as I’m mostly a full-time dad.  My relationship with my wife is also better than it ever has been so I am at a loose end as to what the cause is.

 

I’ve tried Melatonin, music and lavender but to no avail.  A friend also dropped me some Old English Essence of Lavender to be taken in water.  He described it as euphoric, but two hours later I was reaching for the melatonin again which neither did the trick.

I have an appointment on the 16^th with a sleep specialist at the hospital but I hope it doesn’t lead me down the medication route.  Alternatively, I’ll try the Chinese therapy at 20k per month again which I’d rather not go to the expense again.

 

If there is anyone who has tried something that’s worked for them, I’d like to know and try so that I can at least scratch it off the list of the many methods of finding sleep.

 

Thanks

[robblok]

I have had sleep issues too, different scenario from you. I fall asleep easy but just wake up again a few times to pee. Now I solved that problem (medication) and I sleep better. But i tried a lot of stuff to sleep

-Melatonin (helped a bit)

- 5HTP (helped better at times)

- Anti histamine (does the trick but not every night i get used to it)

- Gaba (might or might not have helped)

- Exercise does help but hard to do if you have no energy.

 

I had a 3 month stretch of waking up many times it ruined my training, ruined my diet and work suffered. Having no sleep sucks.

[Sheryl]

You need to have a sleep study. You may be suffering from sleep apnea, which can be seasonal.

 

Treatment for that is nto medications but rather devices to wear at night to ensure uninterrupted air flow.

[BBJ]

^

^^

Thanks for the input. 

[InMyShadow]

Here are some sleep apnea symptoms. Sleep apnea does nasty things long term to your body so you should make a sleep study at one of the hospitals a priority at least to rule it out

 

Waking up with sweat around the neck area

Waking up with a very sore or dry throat

Loud snoring

Occasionally waking up with a choking or gasping sensation

Sleepiness or lack of energy during the day

Sleepiness while driving

Morning headaches

Restless sleep

Forgetfulness, mood changes, and a decreased interest in sex

Recurrent awakenings or insomnia

[BBJ]

3 hours ago, InMyShadow said:

Here are some sleep apnea symptoms. Sleep apnea does nasty things long term to your body so you should make a sleep study at one of the hospitals a priority at least to rule it out

 

Waking up with sweat around the neck area

Waking up with a very sore or dry throat

Loud snoring

Occasionally waking up with a choking or gasping sensation

Sleepiness or lack of energy during the day

Sleepiness while driving

Morning headaches

Restless sleep

Forgetfulness, mood changes, and a decreased interest in sex

Recurrent awakenings or insomnia

None of the above other lack of energy due to lack of sleep.

[Sheryl]

Most people with sleep apnea do nto have symptoms other than difficult sleeping/waking up suddenly after falling asleep, and fatigue from lack of sleep.

 

It was your description of being jolted awake suddenly that made me think of sleep apnea.

 

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder  is another possibility - in it, there are sudden muscle jerks which can wake you up. Most peopel with this are nto aware their legs have jerked, only that they suddenly wake up and in general don't sleep well.

 

Sleep study can  diagnose both.

[jenny2017]

The only thing on my mind is where to ride my motorcycle next and what activity I’ll do with my daughter as I’m mostly a full-time dad.  My relationship with my wife is also better than it ever has been so I am at a loose end as to what the cause is.

 

   Good sex daily is definitely a way to sleep better. How can your relationship with your wife be better if you're mostly a full time dad/ 

 

    You should start over doing exercises/sport and you'll sleep much better. I know the start is hard, but once you're used to it, you don't want to miss it. 

 

  

[ThaiPauly]

Sheryl, can you recommend a hospital in Chiang Mai that does sleep studies? I think my wife should have one.

[Sheryl]

There is a sleep clinic at Sripat

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[Rally123]

I can recommend Ativan 1mg. I don't find it addictive and I get a full nights sleep on taking it 1 hour before bed. I was prescribed it for anxiety which I think you are suffering from after reading your post. I only take it as and when I'm stressed out and in need of a good night's sleep. May be the OP is suffering from depression and a simple trip to a Psychiatric clinic may be in order? Don't be shy, they're there to help..