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Imovane ZZZZZs


Posted by thelocalvampire on December 12, 1999 at 10:01:18:

I have been on nights (11:30-7:30) for 6 months. I have done everything recommended for shift workers. My room is pitch black; I wear earplugs; I have an air-conditioner/fan; my family is very supportive; I keep a regular schedule, even on weekends; I even put a 'sun-lamp' in my weekend night space; I moderately exercise 3-4 times a week; I'm not fanatic, but my diet is probably better than average; I drink 1-2 liters of water every day: I drink one cup of coffee a day (when I get up, it helps keep things moving if you know what I mean);and, I don't drink or smoke. So even after I've done everything I can think of, I still have a lot of trouble getting to sleep. I go to bed and get up (2 hrs before work) the same time every day. Four or five days a week, after tossing for an hour, I end up taking 3.5mg(a small dose) of Zopiclone (an Imovane derivitive) and within half an hour I'm asleep. After I get to sleep, I have a great rest, for 8-9 hours, and rarely do I wake in the middle. Even if I do, I have no trouble getting back to sleep (even if I have to go to the 'well-lit' john). I wake feeling well rested and rarely get tired at work. My doctor says the Zopiclone is O.K. but the research I've done seems to contradict. Any advise on the dangers of using this drug in the long term? It works so well, and doesn't seem to give me any side-effects (other than my temper seems to flare even less than it ever did before which was rare). I never had sleep troubles on day or afternoon shift. I avoid napping, but if I do lay down at 3am (my lunch break) I can fall asleep in minutes (but only for about 20mins). My job (machine shop foreman) is stressful and a lot of responsibility, but it doesn't 'eat me up' and I quite enjoy it. I have no other "demons to torment me" but I just can't seem to get my brain to wind down. I've even tried some breathing and relaxation techniques to no avail. Any ideas?

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