Insomnia Forum Posting

Posted by helen on August 13, 2002 at 09:01:02:

In Reply to: Re: Re: discouraged posted by Beth on August 13, 2002 at 08:01:21:

Yes, I'm the same Helen. The reason I avoid sleep meds is that I've had bad experiences with them. I found even if they provided temporary relief, in the end they prolonged the episodes of insomnia or resulted in a roller coaster ride that could continue for months of going off and on the drugs. The behavioural techniques, although difficult to live through at times, don't have the side effects and seem to be quicker to end the episodes in the long term.

I've seen psychiatrists, therapists and a sleep specialist. I've found the support I get online and from friends and family help more than the experts can. The medical folks are always wanting to put me on the drug merry go round. The therapists, I don't know...just don't seem to understand this problem.

I feel better today since I got some sleep last night. I know from experience though, that the alternating pattern of sleep one night and none the next can go on for a while before things settle. It's just hard to keep perspective at times on the days after a night of no sleep.

Thanks for being here.

HElen

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