New with question

[sunshine5]

Hi, a friend told me about your forum and suggested I post my question here and you might be able to help.

I deal with very mild, manageable anxiety. I'm aware of it, and I'm aware of when it peaks a little bit, but usually it's short lived. However, the one area that is a continued struggle for me is insonmia. I can generally fall asleep quickly, but wake between 2-4 am. and have a hard time getting back to sleep (mind won't turn off) or I wake up early, even though I'm so tired, but I'm ready to get up and cannot make myself keep sleeping. Lately though I've even been having trouble falling asleep, and feel anxious while trying to. Seems to be a vicious cycle because the constant sleep deprivation makes me more anxious. I hate bedtime. During the day I'm fine (although tired), and lead a very normal, active, happy and full life.

My doctor prescribed Trazodone (which I have not taken yet) but I've been reading up on it and I'm just not so sure. It sounds like it might do more harm than good.

Any suggestions?

Amy

[Oubliette8]

Have you had a sleep study done? You could have some physical problem causing your lack of sleep. Your sleep patterns then feed the anxiety, which then makes your sleep even worse. I would ask for a referral for a sleep study and a specialist. Your anxiety sounds like it would be manageable on its own without meds (although therapy might help) if you could only get some sleep. I would want to be absolutely sure it wasn't a genuine sleep problem before starting psych meds to treat the sleep issue.

[prothyraia]

I would look into self-hypnosis or guided relaxation techniques before starting medication.

[elder.sandi]

I have bad sleep issues as well. Before I was pregnant, they had me on Trazadone and klonopin for sleep. I had to get off of these when trying to get pregnant. It was the worse two weeks of my life. I couldn't function at all because of withdrawals. It was like razors cutting through my every thought. I couldn't drive, I could go out, I couldn't live. I wonder what exactly does it do to your brain to have that kind of reaction when you stop. I completely regret taking it. I went to see a nutritionist after getting pregnant and the supplements she subscribed helped me sleep better. Just getting my iron levels in check made a huge difference. Good luck!

[RiverTam]

Exercise. Heavy cardio for 30 minutes per day, at least 5 days a week is an effective treatment for this.

[mexicali mami]

My doctor gave me xanax for sleep/anxiety. I'm already hooked. I wish I never tried it because I know it will be hard to quit. Try all other options first. One hand typing so thats he short story.

[Dingletwitz]

Just a thought: both sugar addicts and nighttime coffee drinkers have a 3 am waking thing that happens. Might be worth looking into.