Insomnia

Since surgery, I have been suffering from insomnia. Dr rx'd me Ambien and instead of taking 1 a night as prescribed I ended up taking 1 1/2 or 2 per night because 1 wasn't cutting it. Now I am out of insurance (between jobs) and out of Ambien and am trying over the counter ones (Simply Sleep) and it's not working. Last night I was WIDE AWAKE until 5:30am and then I went to sleep. I called out at work (a temp assignment I'm on) and am very frustrated about this. Is anyone else having insomnia issues? What are you doing about it (if not taking medication)? I've tried everything, and my body just doesn't seem to want to sleep at night anymore. I'm 5 weeks post-op. If it was a side effect of surgery, it would've gone away by now. Help!

Trish sorry to hear you cant sleep. I had insomia prior to surgery and for about a week after. I've just the last few nights been sleeping ok again. Have you tried benedryl or Telenol pm. They have both worked for me in the past. I cant say they work as well as Ambien but they did help. Good luck to you. Hope you get some zee's soon Hugs, Jodi

Trish, sorry to hear you aren't sleeping...it is horrible to not be able to sleep. I have had that a little, like my body aches and I can't get comfortable, but not true insomnia! You are in my prayers for a good night sleep! JK

Hi Trish, I am 6 weeks out and rely on Tylenol PM. Does the job for me! Can't wait to get back to my old sleeping habits. Best of luck! Traci L.

I'm sorry you're having trouble sleeping. Try some licorice tea right before you go to bed. Don'****ch any TV or do anything stimulating before you go to bed (at least an hour.) Read the Bible or something that is soothing to you. You may just need to be real gentle to yourself right now. sweet dreams, Heidi

Trisha, I can't say that i've had insomnia but I have had some sleepless nights not being able to get comfortable. I have tried tylenol Pm before and it worked pretty well. I would talk to your doctor if you don't get any relief soon. I hope you get some good soon Bonnie

Hi Trisha, seems like you and I have gotten to know one another and I think very highly of you. I also recognize a fellow overachiever and intense personality. ... not surprised you are having sleep issues. I can relate!.... all the suggestions are good ones, the natual sleep aids are really good. I assume you are caffine free??? and not exercising 2 hrs before bedtime?? I also agree to limit your other stimulating activities 1 hr prior to bedtime, unless of course... it is that stimulating event that ends in that wonderfully sleepy feeling... ....if you get my meaning. Relax, do not allow yourself to think about bills, work or anything... give yourself a "cut off time" to turn off your mind to those issues. This is hard but has worked for me... as I tend to obsess and try to "fix" everything. I have had success with the relaxation techniques and such... in the meantime, I am praying that God's blessings flood your heart and home and that all your needs be met!! Love and a BIG HUG to you my friend.

God yes.... I am having the same issue. I am afraid of taking Ambien because it is habit forming... I don't want to trade being a food junkie for being a JUNKIE junkie. I take Children's Liquid Benadryl.... a shot of it makes me feel kind of drunk-ish and helps me sleep for a bit. Some nights I sleep OK.... but I find it very odd that I am suddenly having these sleep issues... very frustrating because I feel wiped out a lot of the time and then sometimes I feel great. Very weird.