Posted by Scott M on March 14, 2009 at 15:27:31:

In Reply to: Extra Sleep Worth Meds? posted by Jackson on March 14, 2009 at 03:57:19:

Hello Jackson,

Based on my personal experience with ambien,lunesta,ativan,trazadone,

elavil and remeron over the past 12 years, i would stay away from all

sleeping medications. The benzos and similar meds like lunesta

ambien, and zopiclone will eventually create tolerance and withdrawal

symptoms if they are used long term on a daily basis.

Some people are able to use benzos or the z-drugs a couple of times

a month without creating changes in their gaba receptors and central

nervous system, thus avoiding physical dependancy and damage to

their sleep architecture.

I was able to sleep between 6-8 hours a night on lunesta for roughly

3 and a half years at the 3mg level. About 3 months ago , i

developed a tolerance and my sleep shrank down to 2-3 hours per

day. Roughly 3 weeks ago, i began experiencing panic attacks and

depression, physical pain in my joints and gastrointestinal area.

I began the ashton protocol (tapering off system for lunesta) which

is layed out on www.benzo.org.uk website and i feel a lot better.

I was in the best shape of my life before i developed a tolerance to

lunesta. I was running 5 miles and lifting weights, 4 days a week.

The sleeping meds have negatively effected my mental clarity and

memory. I would take 5 solid hours of med-free sleep over 8 hours of

medicated sleep any day of the week. I would recommend buying "Say

Goodnight To Insomnia" by Gregg Jacobs and really follow his 6 week

program. Exercise every day and eat healthy food. Listen to your

favorite music and try to enjoy life as much as possible. Stay close

to your family and friends and don't fret over your insomnia. It

will pass. There are many success stories and many ways to overcome

your insomnia without resorting to sleep-meds. Keep the faith, fight

the good fight and never give up on yourself or god. Sorry to ramble

on, but i need to inspire myself as well as all the suffering

insmniacs out there.

Scott M.

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