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Re: Serious Insomnia

Posted by Karen on January 11, 2002 at 12:10:22:

In Reply to: Serious Insomnia posted by Concerned Husband on January 10, 2002 at 06:10:50:

First, let me just say that I am very touched by your concern and understanding for what your wife is going through. Many people simply cannot understand how devastating it is to not be able to sleep night after night. I have been struggling with it for a year now, and I have made progress, but my husband has never truly understood. To answer your question though, there are many things you can do to help her. First, she needs to get a thorough evaluation to rule out physical causes of insomnia. These can include many things, such as medications she may be taking, improper thyroid function, breathing disorders, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and other things. Insomnia is also often linked with depression, although sometimes it's hard to discern which came first (since lack of sleep can certainly make you feel depressed!). You mentioned that you have a 16-month old. She could be suffering from post-partum depression (yes, even after 16 months if it hasn't been treated). This is also something to consider. If physical causes are ruled out, then she may indeed be suffering from what is called "psychophysiologic" insomnia, also called "learned" or "conditioned" insomnia. This happens when a life stressor triggers a few nights of poor sleep, but then the poor sleep is perpetuated by worry over not sleeping. Most of us who post on this site suffer from this type of insomnia, but that certainly doesn't mean it applies to everyone. If you can, try to find someone who specializes in sleep disorders, perhaps at a hospital or university which has a sleep medicine center. This may take some persistence, but they are out there, and will have the most knowledge of all the physical and psychological causes of insomnia. Once it is determined what type of insomnia she has, they will be able to get her the help she needs. This can include medication such as anti-depressants or sleeping pills, suggestions for behavioral modifications which can help (sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques, etc.), or a referral to a clinical psychologist for therapy. In most cases, a combination of medication, behavioral modifications and therapy is most helpful. Most of all, just continue to be there for her and let her know that no matter what, you will get through it together. Because nothing can overcome the power of love!

May God bless you and your family!

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