Insomnia???? 
prestonsmomma
14 y
7,324
† Cross †
Can someone please give me any suggestions. I dont see an insomnia forum. Here is the problem I was weaning off some medications I took one was seroquel and I had no problem sleeping even with the wean for 3 weeks. Now I seem to fall asleep right at 10pm but I wake up at 2-3am every morning and cant fall back asleep. I really dont want to go back up on my meds as I worked 10 years to get down off this med. Anyways here is what I take for bedtime. Any other suggestions? It is always middle night insomnia.
Thanks so much I am desperate I need the energy as I have a very busy 3yr old and I am a single mom.
This is what I take at night.
Kinda crazy but:
Meds include"
50mg seroquel (down from 200mg about 2 months now at 50mg)
1mg klonopin
25mg lamictal (down from 200mg about 1 month now)
Supplements for nightime:
10mg melatonin
100 mg 5htp
500 mg gaba
2 milk thistle
1200 mg calcium
325 mg magnesium
l-cysteine
Occasionally:
valerian root (does nothing?)
chamomile (does nothing?)
1 gm inositol in lemon water/acv mix
Any other suggestions why 2-4 am besides the whole liver cleanse at that time? What am I doing wrong? Any suggestions I am not extremely tired during the day but I do not care for being up from 2-5 am some nights. That and my mind starts racing.
PS: I worked really hard to get down on these meds I do not want to go back up on them as they drag me down to the point I cant chase after my son.
Please help me. I dont know what else to do!
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- Re: Insomnia???? LuellaMay
14 y
6,865
MoreThis is a reply to # 1,662,388
One of the symptoms of seroquel withdrwal is insomnia. How old is your son? Does he take naps? Is it possible for you to take a nap during the day, preferably while he's taking his nap?
Below you will find additional remedies that may help. However, it is possible that the withdrawal symptoms may have to take their course.
http://www.tbyil.com/Insomnia.htm
My Best,
Luella
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- Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,389
This is a reply to # 1,662,557Thanks Luella no my son never naps in his diagnosed or kinda ADHD I am lucky he sleeps through the night.
Funny thing about the seroquel is when I went down I had no withdrawals and slept fine. Still falling asleep fine just cant stay asleep. Weird. I will check that link out. Seems I am doing it all by the book.
I hate to but maybe I just need another melatonin in middle of the night. I hear it doesnt stay in system long. This sucks but I prayer tonight is better. Its so easy to just grab a pill (seroquel) and take some extra to sleep but I came to far for this to happen. - Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,360
This is a reply to # 1,662,557checked the website i am doing all the above, even the music. I just cant figure it out I feel like my brain will never sleep on its own again after years of being drugged into oblivion.
Week herbs dont do much at all. Well for me there weak.
Off for another night. Prayer this one goes well.- Re: Insomnia???? LuellaMay
14 y
6,410
This is a reply to # 1,662,607
Bless your heart. This has to be really difficult for you. Yet, your withdrawal symptoms could be so much worse. Actually, you are lucky just to have insomnia. How often are you reducing the dosage, and how long have you been withdrawing?
I know it's very disconcerting, but try and not to dwell on the insomnia, it may only get worse if you do. Have you tried meditation and visualization? Also, are you withdrawing under the supervision of a physician?
Hang in there, withdrawing from these drugs is not always easy.
My Best,
Luella
- Re: Insomnia???? LuellaMay
14 y
6,410
- Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,389
- Re: Insomnia???? #38782
14 y
6,673
This is a reply to # 1,662,388What has helped me to "overcome" - for good, I hope! - the early-morning insomnia was getting out of bed, visiting the toilet and drinking a large glass of water. Although it could be the "alternative-nostril-breathing" exercise that I´ve started doing before going to sleep. This exercise is supposed to balance both halves of the brain and I´m sure you will be able to find a YouTube video showing how to do it... it´s quite simple.
One more thing that comes to mind... since you said your mind starts racing early in the am when you cannot fall back to sleep, is maybe drinking a previously prepared camomile tea diluted with water, so its not too strong, because this herb gently relaxes and helps takes ones mind off problems... unless of course you want to do a short meditation and let go of them that way.
Wishing you all the best - especially finding the right strategy that´ll help you get a full night´s sleep!- Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,559
This is a reply to # 1,662,776Thanks everyone..yes I am working with my doctor on the w/d's but no offense she is kinda an idiot. She always wants to go faster especially when I was withdrawing from lamictal that stuff killed me the w/d. For some reason seroquel seems to be cake??? Yes I thank God I dont have more w/d from it but I mostly took it for sleep anyways. Go figure.
Just an update. I found upping my 5htp to 150-200mg is helping and even if I wake up which I normally do to pee I fall back asleep within 20 minutes or less.
Chamomile does nothing for me nor valerian root but thanks for sharing. It did in the past though before the drugs...I mean meds....
Prayer and mediating does help along with my relaxing music I listen to at night...
The one that is going to give me the most trouble from past experience is klonopin withdrawal. I am not ready for that one just yet. That stuff should be banned the w/d's are pure hell.
I feel for anyone getting on or off stuff. I have been on everything. ALthough I cant get off everything for obvious reasons I do plan to get down to lowest dose needed. The natural stuff to be honest is helping me more though. My body feels more balanced and I am happier and feel more energy then ever.- Re: Insomnia???? LuellaMay
14 y
6,281
This is a reply to # 1,663,485
Bless your heart. I am glad that you are feeling better. Thankfully, your withdrawal symptoms from seroquel are not worse. But when withdrawing from these types of medications, one must do so at their own pace. Remember this with the Klonopin. You don't want to drop down so fast that it becomes unbearable and have to go back on it. Sometimes we just need to stand up to our doctors.
Glad the 5-HTP is working.
Best of luck to you.
My Best,
Luella
- Re: Insomnia???? powertool4
14 y
6,614
This is a reply to # 1,663,728Hi OP,
It sounds to me that your sleep disorder is a SYMPTOM, not a cause. I think that if you address the root cause the best you can, the sleep will solve itself. That being said, for dealing with sleep in the present moment, I'm not sure what else I can suggest other than time-released melatonin?
Do you have any underlying health conditions? I know TCM is very good (depending on the practitioner) for treating this stuff and there may be something that is causing your body to not relax and go into sleep.. or constantly staying in overdrive mode. I have dealt with this with adrenals (and still do) and when the adrenals are kicking my body into overdrive, NOTHING can get me to sleep. After all, the human body is programmed that way. the adrenal glands are there for a reason and it is to save your ass in a fight or flight situation. Constant release of adrenaline and feeling "wired but tired" is very common in Chronic fatigue syndrome and a sign of adrenal dysfunction.
however, i want to say that what I have learned is that "adrenal dysfunction" is not the root cause and there is often something causing a dysfunction in the hormones and adrenals. Heavy metals, pesticides, adehydes, candida, etc. or any toxin can do that over a period of time as the body has a hard time dealing with it.
Perhaps you can experiment with this by taking an adrenal glandular once in the daytime and see if you are able to sleep at night. I noticed sleep was easier when I tried that.
Actually if you can, try to get Adrenal Cortex extract (ACE) and not the whole glandular.
i hope this helps!
- Re: Insomnia???? powertool4
14 y
6,614
- Re: Insomnia???? montecristo5216
14 y
6,517
This is a reply to # 1,663,485I was able to get rid of klonopin after 20+ years of heavy comsumption. I was in the middle of a long and bitter divorce mixed with unemployment issues, child custody battles, etc. My doctor prescribed 4 pills (2 g each) for a total of 8 g daily, so just I could function normally and face my life obligations during day time.
I was taking a med for depression, and Restoril (30) to be able to sleep at night, since the Klonopin was for anxiety.
As you say, it was hell.
I noticed that all these drugs robbed all my energy and my zest for life. I knew I had to do something about them. So, I deviced a plan to withdraw... and IT WAS HELL AGAIN!!
Any way, I was able to drop all of them, one after the other. Klonopin was the last one, the most difficult, almost impossible. BUT I DID IT. And I regained my energy and my life back. It takes time, and patience. I know how you feel.
I can show you how I did it. PM me if you are interested.
- Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,463
This is a reply to # 1,663,968Well that didnt last long. I may check into time released melatonin. I could not get back to sleep last night whatsoever. I go to sleep but 3 am again. I am so sick of this. Yes I know my adrenals are burnt out but I dont get a bunch of time to relax I have a 3.5yr old ADHD child and no relaxition and not much of a break.
I may have to try the adrenal gladulars again...I was taking them. That if I can find a way to get a hair anlysis cause I am tired of this broke, etc...I am way to stressed for my age!
Sorry..I gave in a took an extra seroquel last night. I dont want it to become a habit. As for klonopin that is the least of my worries as I cant do it right now.
When my doctor checked my cortisol a few months back...it was sky high...so yes but relaxation doesnt come easy when I dont get a break from my kid, money, helping my huband with congestive heart failure...well I could go on..Tired of this stuff. If money wasnt an issue I would see a naturapathic physician instead of experimenting.
Thank God for Cayenne it gives me the boost I need in the morning.
Did I forget to mention to my insomnia gets worse before my period. Sometimes 2 weeks before......I am soooo confused!
I need to find a way to get the proper tests so I can get an idea of what the heck is going on. I thought I had Copper overload but reading the book Prescription for nutriotional healing sounds like copper defiency can lead to insomnia so WTH??
Sorry venting...:(- Re: Insomnia???? powertool4
14 y
6,528
This is a reply to # 1,664,444Based on my experience, it sounds to me like the cortisol being high is keeping your body from shutting down. High cortisol did that to me and nothing, i mean NOTHING put me to sleep. If i did sleep, i didnt feel well rested.
How long as this sleep problem been an issue? Can u think of a trigger or something that may have caused the gradual increase in cortisol?
Things that LOWER cortisol taken at nighttime can definitely help. Out of supplements PS (phophatidylserine) is one but i never have tried it. Chinese herbal medicine like i said is really good at insomnia cures over a few months time.
You're not taking birth control or HC or anything are you? The period issue is perfectly logical, your cortisol and hormones are fluctuating and going crazy around that time. Those issues Chinese herbal medicine is good at too. But the key is to find a good practitioner.- Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,604
This is a reply to # 1,664,525Actually I do have phosphatidyl serine. Maybe I will take one tonight. The issues got worse well ummm....with the drug withdrawal but I was doing good. I fall asleep fine it is always a middle of the night thing then my mind wants to jump into overdrive kinda like a "rush" of thoughts and stuff and I cant relax again. So I am going to bed by 10pm like it is suggested for adrenals.
My gut still tells me its something to do with copper now I just need to find that email..lol that has the hair test. I can get one done around here for 150 bucks but that is too much. I am stretching to get stuff as it is.
I dont know much about chinese medicine?
I do know when I get a break from my son who is very hyper and very demanding I feel better and rest better. So I definetly need more relaxation time for myself. Hard to do when you are constantly stressed, hard to find babysitters, and your kid well...I dont like to label him ADHD but he does have the symptoms. I hardly ever sit down anymore..I have lost 3 pant sizes in less then 3 months which is good but...I think I am working myself to death..seems impossible when you are a stay at home mom but I also help my husband out with his conjestive heart failure etc..
Thanks everyone for your help. I hope to have a better night. I did forget to add that I usually apply progesterone cream in the luteal phase so but I forgot maybe that will help some too. I always seem to be on the low end of progesterone??? Something with me having PCOS.
SORRY SO LONG: One quick question for Powertool does phosyphatidyl serine is that in lechtin...cause I take a ton of that and I noticed PS is quite costly.- Re: Insomnia???? powertool4
14 y
6,498
This is a reply to # 1,664,579that must be very hard. Obviously stress management is one key aspect of cortisol but i also know that if the body is in a metabolic state of imbalance, no amount of stress reduction can put a permanent dent in it. However, the mind is very powerful thing.
IDK if you do any meditiation but taking even 10-20minutes a day TWICE a day DAILY to just focus your mind on one thing (breathing for example) and sitting still and not doing anything brings about balance to your body. The book "The relaxation response" was written by a Harvard MD and PHD and showed variuos studies in the changes of blood flow, etc. during meditation.
PS is not in lecithin unless it's added in. Phosphatidylcholine is what you are thinking and that is good for the liver and a various other things.
Traditiona chinese medicine (TCM) has a lot of merit and i definitely think that you should look into it. It seems you may also be in a catch 22 where your body is dependent on drugs but the withdrawls are causing the insomnia and cortisol symptoms, creating a vicious cycle.
I dont know where you are located but if you are in socal, i can direct you to an acupuncturist/herbalist that has a great track record in reversing type II diabetes, autoimmune, sleep disorders and other things.- Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,654
This is a reply to # 1,664,597Thanks Powertool sorry I would but I am soooo broke plus trying to help my son with nutrients and living on a real strict budget. I did take the PS last night and slept better but I am thinking of adding Asghawanda for adrenals mainly cause it is buy one get one free at swansons and a ton cheaper. Maybe I can take the PS here and there I have enough for a few months.
I notice I sleep better on nights I drink Kefir. Maybe the tryptophan in milk products as I dont drink milk itself. That and a bananana.
Sorry my spelling is awful..lol- Re: Insomnia???? Iolite
14 y
6,720
This is a reply to # 1,664,999High cortisol will cause waking in the middle of the night. That's exactly what I had to deal with. I was taking LOTS of melatonin, at one point 30mg. I also took phosphidtyl serine. Seriphos by Interplexus is the best form of PS that I've found. It was recommended on Janie's dessicated thyroid group on yahoo [http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NaturalThyroidHormones/].
If I woke up, I took another seriphos. I also took hawthorne to help with the pounding of the heart which can make it very difficult to fall asleep. Tryptophan is good too. I still take that if I wake up in the middle of the night. I also take lobelia too. Four capsules of lobelia will help me get back to sleep along with tryptophan.
You'll have to experiment with all of the above to find what will work for you.
I don't need the seriphos anymore, but I still use melatonin, lobelia and tryptophan to help me sleep when my back is bothering me.
iolite- Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,649
This is a reply to # 1,665,119Thanks Iolite...yep that what I am pretty sure it is so working on adrenal during the day and doing the above. I noticed the phoshadyl serine does help just wish it was cheaper some. I have no idea if my corisol levels are still high but I think just having some relaxation since I am a single mom with adhd child or very hyper I dont get a whole lot lf "me time" to breath.
Oh well..catch breaks when i can. School will be starting hopefully soon.
I have been drinking Kefir in evenings, turkey, and banana for evening snack supposed to be good for tryptophan as I already take 5htp.
Hoping this night goes like last night. One awakening but feel back asleep.
Thanks u guys...God Bless- Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,227
This is a reply to # 1,665,377Nope another bad night last night. I will look into that sophios? I um bought some adrenal glandular and the health store lady said to take 9 of them a day?? Okey maybe I am that stressed lol but that seems like a lot. Hopefully get some shut eye all night tonight. Check in later.
can u get that sophios locally or internet? Thanks a bunch. I just dont want to get to the point of desperation like last night and gave in and took another seroquel which of course just made me drag all day.
Thanks good night to all...- Re: Insomnia???? Iolite
14 y
6,724
This is a reply to # 1,666,085Yes you can get Seriphos online and it is CHEAPER than other phosphidityl serine brands. Last time I ordered, I paid $17.85+sh for 100 caps.
http://www.vitaminlife.com/product-exec/product_id/37510/nm/SERIPHOS
I found it cheaper!
http://www.pureformulas.com/seriphos-100-capsulesinterplexus-by-ayush-herbs.html
iolite- Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,477
This is a reply to # 1,666,135thanks iolite. I do find adding the adrenal glandulars has helped a million for some reason. I am taking 3-6 a day. Maybe just need some help my body.
- Re: Insomnia???? powertool4
14 y
6,233
This is a reply to # 1,667,214I'm glad the PS and glandulars are really helping you. Now, you need to find out the reason why your adrenals are in that state and this is most important. Are you on birth control or any other type of medications? It could also just be a reaction from your drug withdrawal, in which case it should solve itself given enough time to adjust. Do you have any gut issues btw?
- Re: Insomnia???? jurplesman
14 y
6,389
- Re: Insomnia???? jurplesman
14 y
6,389
- Re: Insomnia???? powertool4
14 y
6,233
- Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,477
- Re: Insomnia???? Iolite
14 y
6,724
- Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,227
- Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,649
- Re: Insomnia???? Iolite
14 y
6,720
- Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,654
- Re: Insomnia???? powertool4
14 y
6,498
- Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,604
- Re: Insomnia???? powertool4
14 y
6,528
- Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,463
- Re: Insomnia???? LuellaMay
14 y
6,281
- Re: Insomnia???? prestonsmomma
14 y
6,559
- Re: Insomnia???? dar7726
14 y
6,424
This is a reply to # 1,662,388I was on antidepressants for years (off 7 years) and what I've learned about them and most likely seroquel and similar drugs is that they are endocrine disruptors. I've been dealing with insomnia (due to taking these types of drugs/never had insomnia before) for many years...even after being off of them for years.
Not until I had my hormones check using a 24 hour urine test and adding natural hormones (PLUS and this is a big PLUS) and adding Iodine did I begin to start to see a normalizing of my sleep.
These types of drugs also contain fluoride which calcifies the pineal gland...this gland produces melatonin...so no melatonin will be produced...see the pattern here?
Iodine taken in large enough doses will detox the body from fluoride, bromine, chlorine etc. It is this detoxification and also the direct benefits of the Iodine on the endocrine system and other systems that I believe is beginning to cause me to return to normal sleep.
dar- Re: Insomnia???? dar7726
14 y
6,706
This is a reply to # 1,696,208Forgot to mention that I'm also addressing the adrenal and cortisol issue as well at the same time.
- Re: Insomnia???? dar7726
14 y
6,706
- Re: Insomnia???? jessdavis
14 y
6,344
This is a reply to # 1,662,388My suggestion of a solution is not the use of medications but it is the use if the Yuen method of Chinese energetics wherein This method aims to help a person self heal and regenerate one’s self from diseases and conditions. This makes use of deleting issues as rapid as possible this can be an emotional, physical or any other issues that cause disturbance in the body or even sickness. In order to balance the energy and correct the issues, you must first identify the issue you want to delete, then rate the intensity form 0-10, locate the energy or discomfort in your body, put all your thoughts at the midline and make an energetic command to delete the inability to sleep as well as its effects.You will see there is an enormous development.
- Re: Insomnia???? Juliemouse
13 y
5,298
This is a reply to # 1,662,388Milk thistle always makes me more hyper and awake; try taking that one in the morning instead.
- Re: Insomnia???? LuellaMay
14 y
6,865
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