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Depression
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Posted 7/27/2005 11:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hello all I am new to the board and this is my first post. I haven't had a good night's sleep in a long while. Or maybe I have though it doesn't feel like it. I can get 7-10 hours and it feels like I only took a 2 hour nap. It's hard for me to get to sleep without either completely physically exhausting myself or using some sort of sleep aid. Does anyone know a natural way to just calm down and get some rest? It seems like such a simple thing that's just out of reach.

Sometimes when I fall into depression my whole body aches or even throbes with pain. It goes away and does not happen everytime, but every so often. Has anyone else experienced this?
Posted 7/27/2005 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum MindsEyeopen!

Like you, when I was really depressed it was really hard for me to get to sleep without either the help of sleep aids or physically exhausting myself (which only happened a couple of times cause I didn't say no... one time involving a trip to Las Vegas - all I gotta say about that was that it was horrible...).

For myself, I cut back on my caffiene intake and tried not to do too much physical activitiy late at night. It didn't help a whole lot, but it at least enabled me to fall asleep easier. I also tried to distract myself so that I wouldn't think a whole lot - like either just listening to soothing music, or watching the t.v. until I fall asleep. To get some "restful" sleep... I personally think it just takes time. I found myself getting restful sleep on days where things were looking a bit brighter, and so far my sleep has been getting better. I don't know how helpful that was... but just know that you are not alone. :o)
Posted 7/27/2005 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks MaWie! It does help. I'm going to try to get some of that rest right now. Ack it's gotten so hot here, I'm sure hitting up the AC will help a bit.
Posted 7/27/2005 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
Adding my welcome. I have chronic insomnia related to some physical health issues and can totally relate to sleeping 6-7 hrs and feeling like I never did. Have you talked to your dr. about the insomnia? I have and we've tried a couple of different meds to help me sleep. Usually they work quite well and I wake up without the groggy feeling of never having slept. I don't feel refreshed but don't feel exhausted either. Good luck and keep us posted on how you are doing.
Posted 7/27/2005 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi !
Sorry to hear you are having these problems. I take prescription meds to help aid in sleeping. Mine was brought on by a totally different illness. But anyway,.. have u tried Tylenol PM? Or maybe reading a nice book,... (which soothes the mind, and tires the eyes). My therapist told me that when I finally lay down for the night,... when all is quiet... my mind will race with exessive thoughts. All the
worries of the day,.. or worries of the next day...
So now when I am having a hard time with my emotions, I will read ... it helps so much ! Good-luck to you.
Posted 7/29/2005 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I actually ready last night before I went to sleep and it did help alot. If anyone likes D&D books, its the Cleric Quintet by R.A. Salvatore. I think I have used Tylenol PM before but I'm not sure, I have used Simply Sleep I think it said something on the box about being like Tylenol PM or something on it. I don't clearly remember, but now I try to use a sleep inducing tea. It comes down to me not wanting to use drugs so much to acheive it. I have had some twisted experiences with self medication and drug abuse, so it makes me want not use it less. Strange logic I know but thats just how I think. Despite that if one of those meds can consistently get me just like you've described I would definately use them. Being tired after you've slept or not being able to sleep feels like wasted hours. Man I really should have read a book some of those times. Weird how sometimes I can lay there for hours and forget I could be reading or something simply relaxing.
Posted 7/29/2005 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
MindsEye,

This may be a long shot, but maybe you have sleep apnea? or you're taking a med for the depression that is causing this? Two things you should check into. Sleep apnea can actually cause or exascerbate (sp?) depression.

In any case, I hope you find the answer. Lack of sleep is miserable and can be a viscious cycle.
Posted 7/29/2005 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
Oh good ! I am glad reading helped ! Never heard of the book.  But than again,.. i wouldnt.  I love romance and mystery.  Sometimes i get sooo into reading, that when i look at the clock.. wow 1am ! But when i sleep,... oh it's so restless.  I noticed i have been having some person problems of late,... and right now... cant sleep for the birds.  I hate that ! Whatever is bothering in my awake hours... comes into my dream hours and disturbs me ! Kinda like i can't get away from it ! lol Oh gotta love it ! lo
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