Insomnia

[RubberDuckie]

I have been awake for 68 straight hours. I had a detailed explanation that took me 20 minutes to write but it disappeared when I hit submit and told me I wasn't logged on. BS. I'm getting cranky even though I'm not tired. Does anyone know of anybody with a similar experince?
Original version went something like this:
I had my last drink 11/22/09 around 11pm after a full day of drinking (again). As I was apprehensive about an appointment the following day I didn't fall asleep until about 2-3 am. I got up around 6 AM and have not had a minute of sleep since. Monday the 23rd was the first day of not drinkng and I was feeling the effects of withdrawl that afternoon; queasey stomach and hands shaking then the rest of the body. Sweats and chills. I drank a cup of coffee till mmid-morning an tried to a bigmac but could only choke down about 3/4. Drove home and drank water all day and every day since. Didn't have any interest in eating but I knew I needed something with my nightly regimen of 5 pills to control my high blood pressure and cholesterol and few morevitamins supplements, so I made a slice of toast and drank a V-8. Went to bed around my usual time of 11 to 12 pm. I would usually set the TV timer to turn off the TV after 1 hour but I woud usually fall asleep after10 minutes. I was not feeling tired and sleep was impossible. After a couple of hours of trying get to sleep I left the bedroom and went to the living room where I' gave a smoke and watch TV. I started playing solitaire on my PDA as that would usually cause me to fall asleep too. Still nothing. I went into the living room to repeat.
11/24
Morning wake up is 5:40 am and I stuck to my regular scedule even though I wasn't going in to work as I was too shakey, nauseated and wretching. I drink water all day every day and around 7:30 PM had a yogurt. Kept my regular schedule so I went to bed before midnight and had arepeat of the previos night.
11/25
Began at the usual time and a repeat of the previous day continued wit the exceptions that shaking was declining and I was getting an appetite back but pain was increasing in back and left hip (pre-existing coondition) and my body as a whole was feeling acher. Did not bother to go to bed that night pidded around all night doing various things.
11/26
Alarm has just now gone off so the day has just begun and I'llestimate the hours so far: nearly 72 hours and I begin my fifth day of no sleep whatsoever

[Marshy]

Welcome, RubberDuckie!

Not sleeping drove me NUTS when I first stopped drinking. It's a very common withdrawal symptom. I found melatonin helped me sleep for a few nights until my body clock sorted itself out naturally. There are various herbal remdies available. I'm sure other people will be along with their recommendations.

[Rusty]

Hi RubberDuckie,

My doctor specializes in alternative medicine. She is wonderful. I had your same problem. This is what she put me on since Melatonin was completely USELESS, and she wouldn't put me on Ambien. It's called Best-Rest Formula, and it's from Pure Encapsulations, 490 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, MA 01776. It works like a charm-no side effects. Take 2 capsules 1/2 hour before you want to be asleep. Good luck and God Bless!

Rusty

[catch22]

Hi RubberDuckie,
When i first stop drinking i was always tired, but i did loss my appetite for quiet awhile.
Now i go through stages where i cant sleep sometimes i take nytol it does help me sleep, take it half hour b4 bedtime hope it helps. btw Welcome to mwo....

[savon19]

Hi Duckie -

I've had good luck with Advil PM (non habit-forming). You might give it a try before trying something prescription... Plus, you get benefit of getting some pain relief.

I think if you don't sleep again tonight, you may want to see Dr. It can be dangerous not to sleep for long time... Can cause psychosis. Not to scare you - but you need to do something soon.

Also, you may want to stay clear of caffeinated drinks. There are calming teas you could try, too.

[rubywillow]

OK, Rusty's advice is probably the way I'd go long term. The girl knows her stuff. Also, besides caffeine, avoid the computer, cell phones, exercise, I know everyday life. Sometimes, for quick, temporary relief my doc advises just plain ole Benadryl. Don't mix with other meds, don't overdose. Sleep in a completely quiet, completely dark room, cool. This is very normal after you quit alcohol, because your body isn't used to falling asleep, but passing out. Like you've been previously advised, get medical attention if you don't get relief right away. Good luck, and stay sober.

[drylifeahead]

Originally Posted by Marshy

Welcome, RubberDuckie!

Not sleeping drove me NUTS when I first stopped drinking. It's a very common withdrawal symptom. I found melatonin helped me sleep for a few nights until my body clock sorted itself out naturally. There are various herbal remdies available. I'm sure other people will be along with their recommendations.

Marshy I found Melatonin worked well for me too!! Ok, this may sound dumb, but what I do also is once I've found a real comfy spot, with each breath in I think of the word 'sleep'. I do the same for each breath out. Stops me from thinking thoughts that slip into my brain, and the next thing I know, I'm waking up in the morning. I took 2-3 little pills 20 mins before I wanted to fall asleep.
Anyway..worked for me.
DLA

[RubberDuckie]

I know I will be getting some sleep now because I've been on the verge a few times now. I'll miss our family dinner today but I'm sending along a serving platter as a plate they can use to send back home for me.
Thanks again and I'm doing great as far as abstaining!

[ilovejafa]

Hi rubber duckie

For a quick sleep fix, see a doctor to get a few sleeping pills.
You cannot think rationally without sleep!
Once you are not so tired, you can then concentrate on getting the right food and vitamin intake to feel better.

Look after yourself, and keep in touch,
Jafa

[sosad61]

Rubberduckie, you really don't want to drink anything caffeinated. That's all the advice I can offer right now as I'm not in good shape myself. My best to you.