Depression / sleep problems

[Softy]

Any rough guide on how long this should take to clear up after giving up AL? I am on day 25 AF today and sleeping worse than ever, feeling so low all day as a result. Going to see the GP tomorrow so guess he can advise, but would be interested to know how long others have suffered for. I need to know if this is becoming something unrelated to booze, eg an underlying illness rather than a symptom of alcohol abuse.

[JackieClaire]

Depression / sleep problems

Ah ha Softy,
Here she comes your guardian angel (:angelgirl sweeping in.

First the sleep thing. It's a common theme just after going AF
When I first went AF my sleep was abysmal. 4/5 hours tops, but I have never had so much energy and I loved it. So I got myself some over the counter sleep remedies and I was good for a while. I won't lie to you but I've gone back to an awful sleep pattern but after talking it over with my GP he does say that all the years of alcohol abuse are going to take some time to sort my sleeping out. I've refused sleeping pills (not swapping one addiction for another don't ya know) but I'm sleeping a proper non induced booze filled sleep and wake up fairly lively if a little grumpy in the morning.

The depression thing.
It didn't take long for my depression to lift after going AF perhaps around 30 days.

Here's another but coming. Last year my dear uncle/godfather died, my son left home to start a new job, a good friend died and we narrowly missed going bankrupt. So I'm now back on a very small dose of anti-depressants and I'm doing fine now and they've worked a blooming sight quicker because I'm not drinking.

J x
:l

[Softy]

Depression / sleep problems

Thanks JC

I have been on the ADs for a year or more now and I tend to get bad this time of year anyway. I got two weeks worth of sleepers a month ago and tried to make them last but when you have been in bed two hours and can't nod off temptation takes over. I was determined like you to not go back for more but every other night is a major trauma. I will have to see what the doc says tomorrow. Today I sat in work with the Samaritans number on my screen and only managed to avoid ringing by a whisker. I have no real thoughts of self harm but feel I am becoming dependent on needing some support - maybe I am addicted to MWO! Those around me have lost patience. My dad had bipolar and I fear I have the same. On the bright side (yes I can see one) is that at 3pm today I thought " shit I need a drink" I stopped myself and said calmly "actually I don't I just need to get my head fixed and alcohol wont do that for me" a silver lining in every cloud I suppose. Glad to hear you are picking up yourself by the way. Sometimes this illness makes you self centered so being able to help others whilst suffering yourself is angelic.

[Lavande]

Depression / sleep problems

15 years of sleep problems for me!!!!

Started with very early menopause symptoms (age 42),night sweats - zero sleep.
Eventually anxiety & depression caught up with me. Then I started trying to drink myself happy & to sleep & obviously that didn't work. Went on ADs but they didn't help me & actually caused freaky dreams when I was able to sleep a little.

For a little over two years now I've been taking an OTC called Amoryn. It kicked my anxiety & depression, big time! I was able to quit drinking, feel happier & healthier. Unfortunately, even with being on HRT I am still awakened a few times/night with very hot hot flashes but no sweating.

That's my story!
Even though I don't sleep as much as I'd like to I feel much, much better since going AF

[Softy]

Depression / sleep problems

Don't think my doc will give me HRT do you? I am a 44 year old bloke after all! I wonder if Amoryn has a UK equivalent trade name. I will try anything.

[mollyka]

Depression / sleep problems

Softy, I too had rotten sleep after quitting drinking. In fact, my drinking'career' was extended by putting off the evil thought of sleepless nights. Still not great, but I do take a half sleeper occasionally which prob are only placebos at this stage. My doc made a good point tho. He asked me what sort of a sleeper was I prior to my drinking escalating and frankly it was always a bit iffy so I think I'm stuck with it. Depression mmmm - that took a while to lift, also took AD's for about 6 months but stopped bout 2 months ago and now I feel really good and strong - so I s'pose there is light at the end of the tunnel, definitely not an instant fix tho unfortunately! Don't know if that's any help?
Molly

[Softy]

Depression / sleep problems

Thanks all - guess it's carry on with the ODAT mantra only ONAT

[damo180]

Depression / sleep problems

Good luck tomorrow Softy.

Hope all goes well at the docs. I am sure staying AF will help you along the way.

[gyco]

Depression / sleep problems

life

Softy;1064381 wrote: Any rough guide on how long this should take to clear up after giving up AL? I am on day 25 AF today and sleeping worse than ever, feeling so low all day as a result. Going to see the GP tomorrow so guess he can advise, but would be interested to know how long others have suffered for. I need to know if this is becoming something unrelated to booze, eg an underlying illness rather than a symptom of alcohol abuse.

hi softy YEARS, it mite seem dreadful but what we were tot as youngsters doesnt make it true took me 41 years to figure it out hope it helps:thanks:

[Lavande]

Depression / sleep problems

Softy,

Amoryn has to be puirchased directly from the manufacturer here in the US. But there is a distributor in the UK. I had their info sitting around here for a long time but can't find it right now.

Amoryn is used for anxiety/depression. They make a product called Mellodyn which is specifically for sleep, very helpful.

Search for a phone number in your area because I don't believe there is a UK website for the products.

Good luck!

[RedJib]

Depression / sleep problems

hey Softy,

I'm at day 40 AF and have the same problem you describe. My sleep is actually worse than it was when I was drinking; it's quite discouraging. My withdrawal ended weeks ago, nothing else is bothering me (not depressed, I'm sure of that), but I get maybe one decent night of sleep in five. The day after that good sleep I feel enthusiastic, energetic, and motivated, but the other four, I mostly drag my butt around and I look and feel so tired. Falling asleep at night is usually easy, the problem is remaining that way for more than 3 or 4 hours....Sleeping tablets only seem to work for a few days, too.

This is the only serious obstacle I've felt since going AF. In fact, I think about sleep waaaaaay more than I think about alcohol now. And I've done just about everything I can think of to resolve this: daily exercise, no caffeine after 2 pm, listen to sleep CDs before bed every night, no t.v. or reading in bed, etc.. I'm not making an excuse to resume drinking, but the truth is, I certainly did sleep better than this--it's small consolation knowing that I'm not hungover in the morning now, but that doesn't mean most days are starting any brighter. A fog is a fog, whatever brings it on.

[mistysmoma]

Depression / sleep problems

My sleep was terrible for a week or so when I stopped drinking. I bought melatonin 3mg. and it helped alot and dont feel groggy in the am. I only take it occassionally now. Its an herbal supplement and get it at vitamin store. It takes about 30 min. to fall asleep on these, for me anyway.

[Stargazerlily]

Depression / sleep problems

Good morning all.

I also have a hard time staying asleep. Falling asleep is no problem. I keep my Hypno CD in bed with me and if, after waking up, I can't fall back asleep, I listen to the CD. It relaxes me and helps my mind to stop racing. I almost always fall back asleep. I refuse to take sleeping pills as they make me groggy. Try it, it is not 100%, but is very helpful.