Problems Falling Asleep EVERY NIGHT

[Elisabeth Neyland]

I've had MD for about 45 years.    I just learned the name for this disorder this year!)   After all these years, it's so good to have a name for the addictive daydreaming disorder that I've had since nine years old.  

 

I'm also so glad that I logged onto this website tonight.  Reading everyone's questions and comments was so helpful to me.  I'm so glad that I'm not alone in having MD;  your lives have mirrored mine  in many  ways.

 

As I read everyone's questions and comments, I was hoping that     sleep problems that most MDs probably have would have come up in the discussions.

 

  I, myself,  have the hardest time falling asleep at night.  I can always suppress my daydreaming   while I'm at work, and even after I get home from work; they are not that strong.  But as soon as my head hit the pillow, my mind want to play and have fun!  The fantasies flood my mind.  I can't stop them.   Since I am addicted to my fantasies, I can't help but to let them run their course.  On these nights which is almost all the time, I get five hours or less of sleep--which then brings on a MIGRAINE headache.  (I suffer from migraines, and one of the triggers for getting a migraine headache is "not getting enough sleep".)   I NEVER get enough sleep due to my MD.  

 

Can anyone tell me what I can do to get to sleep at night. Right now,  I do the following:   take a Unisom  (or two when I really have to sleep)  and melatonin capsules.   I also have a "white noise" machine going (sound of rain) all night.  I run a  fan at night just for the nice soothing sound as well.   None of these things are reliable in helping  me get the sleep that I need.    My brain rarely feels tired, and ready to sleep.     If I stay up and wait until I am exhausted,  this will trigger a headache.   I am so sick and tired of fighting and fighting to get to sleep. 

 

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to easily get to sleep at night?    (Note:  I was in the Army Reserve for 14 years.  I got out but  I want to return.  The Army Reserve will not accept me back in if I take meds  that were orginally used for anxiety, depression, etc.  Most prescription sleeping pills were originally used for these purposes, therefore, I don't want to have anything to do with them.  The use of them might keep me out of the Reserve.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions (other than taking prescription sleeping pills) on how I, a maladaptive adaptive sufferer,  can easily get to sleep  at night?

[greyartist]

I couldn't sleep either. I would just lay there daydreaming. Like I had to finish a "scene" before I could stop. I would dose off but wake back up usually at 3am or every 2 hrs just to go right back into the daydream, altering it slightly or just replaying it.

Can't help you with the no meds solution, I tried all the natural stuff with no success. I now take Lamictal for anxiety and am sleeping better.  

[Cordellia Amethyste Rose]

I've had the same problem all my life.  I would feel horribly sick all day long from lack of sleep.  When it gets really bad, my body just shakes, trembles, and aches.  I now take 4 prescriptions to get to sleep.  My mind and willpower is too strong for anything else.  Good luck.

[Kathy]

I have trouble going to sleep too. I think I just enjoy my DDs so much I don't want to leave that world.

[Sandy D]

I too have trouble getting to sleep at night - I find a daily exercise routine is helpful - both in the morning and evening.  At my age a brisk walk is enough, but I'm 53. If you're trying to get back into the service ( and BTW, I admire your patriotism!) you might want a more intense routine. And yes I MD during my exercise, but I find it helps get it out of my system for the evening. And a tire body falls asleep better, even if we have active minds.

[OhMyMagenta]

I too have problems getting to sleep every night. Over the years I've tried all the natural sleep aides , but the only thing that has helped thus far has been the prescription Ambien. Something else that has been helpful for me has been creating a regular sleep routine. At first, it can be tough to establish and stick to, but once you do, it can be of great assistance. I Have a set time to wind down, go to bed, and wake up daily and hold to that everyday, even on the weekends. Every night before bed, I turn off the TV, make my lunch for the next day, wash up, and go to bed. Doing the same thing at the same time every night is a cue for my brain to wind down and relax. Hope this is helpful.