Will I ever sleep normally again?!?!
Posted by Dusty_Sequins@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 266 comments
I seem to be dealing with some amount of insomnia and it’s driving me crazy. I’m taking a unisom and 2 Benadryl at bed time and still only sleeping 4.5-5 hours a night. Is anyone else dealing with this? Is this an age thing (50) or a a thing I need to see my doctor about?
Melodic_War327@reddit
Well, be thankful your body doesn't try to kill you when you sleep. Mine tries to choke me to death. Even though I use the therapy, I'm still tired and angry and moody all the time.
whatiftheyrewrong@reddit
Don’t take Benadryl regularly. It’s deeply problematic.
ArizonaKim@reddit
Came here to say the same. I think there is a concern about dementia. Tylenol PM has the same active ingredient as Benadryl.
whatiftheyrewrong@reddit
There is. Benadryl, and any antihistamine that causes drowsiness, crosses the blood brain barrier. You do t want to mess with that.
chaosrulz0310@reddit
Benadryl knocks my ass out for days, it’s only in extreme situations I touch that. Tylenol PM causes me to wake up with a worse headache. I will take a Percogesic but I have some weird ass dreams when I do, and thats saying something as I have always had vivid and lucid dreams. Tend to stay away from most sleep aids.
BrutusMustangs@reddit
This!!
chaosrulz0310@reddit
Almost 50 year old woman. It doesn’t matter what I take, what time I go to bed etc. the maximum my body allows for sleep is 6 hours not continuous mind you just from time I lay down to sleep until the switch in my brain says you are awake the longest is 6 hours. Usually it’s 4 to 5 so 6 is a good nights rest.
Dr says after so many years my sleep cycles are 2 to 4 times off normal.
Beyond_the_Matrix@reddit
You may consider looking into perimenopausal symptoms.
chaosrulz0310@reddit
Had a partial hysterectomy 7 years ago and prone to blood clots and have had a stroke so I have to be careful what I take to offset the symptoms. The sleep issues have been going on since I was a child so I don’t think there is much hope on that end but yeah I am creeping into perimenopause for sure. I am not someone who cries easily unless mad and I just spent 2 days involuntarily crying cause apparently hormones and getting old. It sucks.
No-Travel-8949@reddit
Your last sentence says it all…peri/menopause is probably your biggest contributing factor. Talk to your doctor about it, do some research and have some conversations with your doc about HRT. Check out Dr. Mary Claire Haver on YouTube as a start. You’re not alone!
Beyond_the_Matrix@reddit
Oh yes, peri/menopause is definitely a factor. Head on over to those subreddits to find others dealing with the same.
I would suggest seeking treatment from a specialist and not a PCP.
kovixen@reddit
I started trazodone eight years ago after a lifetime of insomnia, and it changed my life. I get eight hours of sleep most nights.
kperry1270@reddit
Try Kava extract
0nlygirlisFred@reddit
Benadryl is the same as sleeping pill. Unless you are talking about melatonin.
I use Flaxseed oil for hot flashes and a melatonin with ashwaganda.
whatsasimba@reddit
Unisom is doxylamine succinate. Benadryl is dyphenhydramine.
They still shouldn't be taken together, and neither should be taken long-term.
0nlygirlisFred@reddit
Agree. If it's the blue gel, that is diphenhydramine. Tabs, the other.
SunshynePower@reddit
Just came up here to second all the suggestions that mention Magnesium. I don't have trouble sleeping and it knocks me out like a sleeping pill. So, I'm thinking it may help you guys too.
Google the different types of magnesium and what they help. You may find one fits better than the others.
If you are a woman, talk to your Dr about peri/menopause. They may have other suggestions that are better suited to your current health condition.
MovieSock@reddit
Thirding the magnesium. This was literally the only thing that worked when I had the insomnia from hell back in 2010 (well, magnesium and the level of stress I was facing finally scaling back down). I'd been to my doctor to discuss things, and she and I are on the same page about not using prescriptions unless it's absolutely necessary; we were giving magnesium a go first.
One thing to know, also, about supplements like valerian or magnesium is that they don't work like sleeping pills - my doctor said you have to give them a couple weeks to build up in your system. And I noticed things were starting to work after only one week on the magnesium - I was still waking up in the middle of the night, but I was starting to feel better rested, so even though I was still only sleeping 5 hours, it was a good 5 hours. Then after another week I was on a more regular sleep schedule.
Another thing - we get more sensitive to caffeine with age. I made the rule that I would not drink coffee after noon unless it was decaf, and that also helped. (Tea is okay, that doesn't trigger me as much.)
I still keep up with the magnesium, and my sleep is generally pretty good. I do often wake up in the middle of the night to pee, but I drop off pretty quickly afterward. I also sometimes wake up at like 4:30 and can't get back to sleep, but it's a lot less frequent than it used to be, and I've also noticed it's around the time of daylight savings and the spring/fall equinox, so I think my circadian rhythm are just very closely tuned into the calendar and the light of the world overall and I can't do anything about that anyway. I still feel rested and that's what matters.
SunshynePower@reddit
I started taking it to help with my ulcerative colitis and it knocked me out like I took a sleeping pill. Not the intent I was looking for but here I am.
fireflypoet@reddit
Women getting older often means less sleep.
SunshynePower@reddit
I have to hide it from my friends that I don't have trouble sleeping. They are really having a hard time of it. I have my own issues with perimenopause, but that isn't one of them.
ViQueen331965@reddit
If you can get your PCP to check your cortisol it may be a good idea.
Serious_Ad4542@reddit
Only thing that has improved my sleep is a low dose of seroquel 50-75mg. Prescribed by my pcp.
brinehart-cincy@reddit
You know you're getting old when "pcp" means something different than it used to.
brinehart-cincy@reddit
I blame the pandemic. (I know. Feels like a cop out.) But ever since the summer of 2020, I've been lucky to sleep the night through without chemical assistance.
Sometimes, I wake up, go to the bathroom, and go right back to sleep. Others, my brain says "no! I'm awake! Let's think about things that make you angry!" At that point, I can either toss and turn until the sun comes up, or turn on the light and read for an hour.
(It's not sleep apnea. I apparently will talk in my sleep, but I'm not a snorer.)
MikeyRidesABikey@reddit
M59
I had about a year of this a few years ago. It's gotten better, though it still happens occasionally.
nevermore90038@reddit
Try a supplement called GABA Calm.
MikeyRidesABikey@reddit
I was on gabapentin for nerve pain last year. The pain is not gone (though it is better) but the brain fog and balance issues were enough for me to stop taking it.
Fair-Wishbone-1190@reddit
I've had insomnia for the past 20 years I'm now 53 years of age, I have tried a lot of things including 100 mg of Benadryl along with Ambien. Then I stopped taking the Benadryl and just took the Ambien but after so long it didn't work much anymore, however I am still taking it, but I also was prescribed Trazodone with it and gabapentin 900 mg and alprazolam. That has seemed to work, I'm not waking up after 3 hours anymore, I'm actually getting a solid block of sleep of about 6 to 8 hours now and it's completely helped me out. Have you thought about asking your doctor for some sleeping medicine? Trazodone or ambien or both? Those really seem to help. I know the feeling of not getting a good night's sleep and it's very difficult to go through the day with almost zero energy.
RizzmwitTheTism@reddit
Have you been informed of the high dementia link with these medications? I have severe insomnia too, so I understand the utter exhaustion that never ends, but I would feel bad not mentioning it in case you didn’t know. Trazadone is the better choice- all the others have a huge effect on memory and a scary increase in dementia risk. If you’re a women, you might find relief with progesterone/HRT and magnesium glycinate if you haven’t tried those
Fair-Wishbone-1190@reddit
Thank you for that information, I am a man at 53 years of age. I have heard some stories about dementia & I think that they're very true because I'm forgetting everything all the time, and not just normal little things, even my boss brought up that he thinks I have dementia beginnings because of the things I forget at work like names of people that we work with and other office related things that I do on the daily basis that should never be forgotten how to do. Easy things. But we just kind of joke about it I don't know if he is serious or not, but I've noticed a change in my memory. A very sharp decline in my memory, I attributed it to getting older but I'm starting to think something else is up. Other people my age aren't forgetting things like I am about certain things. The next time I go see my doctor I'm going to bring it up though and see what he says. Thank you for that information, that does explain a lot.
slipperytornado@reddit
Man I feel you. I was waking every morning at 0300, so I started going to bed at like 7. Now I sleep through about now ish to 0630 or more. Maybe a consistent sleep routine that takes into account when you wake up and don’t want to be awake can help. Also take HRT but it didn’t solve all the problems.
Pitapenguin@reddit
HRT helps me. Estrogen patch plus oral progesterone. I even dream again.
Catnip_75@reddit
I wish all women would know there are options to avoid suffering. All of us are going through it, went through and will go through it. They need to have posters at doctors offices lol
Catnip_75@reddit
HRT for the win
oh-pointy-bird@reddit
Trazadone or I probably would’ve had a nervous breakdown. It has been like a miracle drug for me and has a low side effect profile.
Fair-Wishbone-1190@reddit
Agreed I'm on Ambien and trazodone, along with alprazolam and gabapentin for my night time routine before bed. Trazodone is like a wonder drug, it was the last thing that he prescribed to me and it's made all the difference in the world.
oh-pointy-bird@reddit
That’s a lot of meds. Has the same doctor prescribed them all? I’m not a doctor but have, let’s say, a history with good and bad psychiatrists and that’s a really concerning mix, especially the benzo for sleep.
(For a while I was on a bit of a “cocktail” and now all I need is Trazodone - and it’s helped the insomnia related anxiety enough that some nights I can take just 1/2 or none at all.)
Be safe out there!
Fair-Wishbone-1190@reddit
Yes they're all from the same doctor, I started with the Ambien and that helped for many years until it didn't, so then that's when he added the gabapentin which was about 3 years after the Ambien so I was just taking those two at the time. And those worked for a few years as well together, but eventually they really quit working so I went back to the doctor and told him & that's when he added the alprazolam, and that worked for a few years, and then finally he added the Trazodone. which is what I'm doing now. I asked him if it was okay for me to take all these for sleep and he said yes so I'm just going with that for now because it's actually helping. Hopefully it won't fade out in a few years like all the other ones have, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it I guess.
Just a question I'd like to ask you since you also take Trazodone, does it make you sleepy the next day as well? Because I feel really groggy the next day and I have massive brain fog and short-term memory loss now and I don't know if that's because I'm getting older or if it's because of the Trazodone? Have you had any bad experiences with it?
oh-pointy-bird@reddit
No drowsiness or brain fog the next day (and no difficulty waking). Please, please consider getting a second opinion. I say that from experience. The Ambien (+ the rest of the combo) is very, very likely to be causing you the grogginess and probably the other symptoms. (Ambien made me feel awful in the morning even when it didn’t help me sleep all the way through the night.)
Remember, Ambien is indicated for 2-3 week use. Please consider seeing a psychiatrist or sleep medicine doctor. I say that having been on a meds of meds myself, not from a place of criticism but of concern. You can also find some data if you google Ambien long term or alprazolam sleep long term.
Fair-Wishbone-1190@reddit
I appreciate your reply and your concern. I will look into exactly that and see if there's something else that they can do, because I did question it myself at first thinking that it is quite a cocktail to take every night. But it was working so I thought it must be okay. I will look into it more now that you say it that way, because my morning is usually horrible. I'm very unsteady on my feet, I've even fallen over once, it takes me about 10 minutes to be steady and able to see anything because my vision is really blurry for the first 5 to 10 minutes. I guess I thought that was just normal as you got older, I'm 53 years of age now so I'm no longer a young guy. Thank you for making me take a second look at it, and maybe I can find something better or at least less medication. 🙏 🙏🤔
oh-pointy-bird@reddit
Wish you the best!
BuDu1013@reddit
Walk a few miles a day. 4-5 miles preferably. You'll notice a difference. Maybe you already do.
Dillenger69@reddit
When I hit 50 I started waking up at 5am to 6am no matter when I went to sleep. I also started waking up multiple time a night to pee. It's gotten better since then, but yeah, I think it's a 50+ thing.
Opposite_Ad_1707@reddit
That’s why you drain the main vein before even walking into the bedroom.
Dillenger69@reddit
Didn't make a difference, lol
BiscottiKey88@reddit
Perimenopause/menopause 100%. Every one of my female friends (all 50s) is going through the same thing. HRT helped me tremendously.
HumidMind@reddit
1: Rule out sleep apnea with a sleep study. 2: Everything else.
melissa3670@reddit
I have been an intermittent insomniac for years. I stop all caffeine by noon. I used to use Benadryl until the dementia study came out. I tried unisom but it gave me such a hangover that I had a hard time functioning the next day so I used to cut that in half. Last week my doctor decided to start me on trazodone. It was the first night I slept all night (not even waking up to pee!) in ages. I don’t know if it will continue to work long term, but it is working pretty well right now.
ExcelsiorSemper@reddit
Try 5mg of Lithium orothate 1 h before bed.
the_d0nkey@reddit
I just gave up trying. I work from home, so I roam the house all night and take naps when I feel I need to. I’ve tried all kinds of drugs, prescription and natural. Like others have said they all have limited efficacy. I never slept much as a kid. Once my wife got used to me being up n the middle of the night, it just kind of continued.
Thick-Fly-5727@reddit
Please don't take benadryl for long and if you have already, stop. It can cause dementia! I was doing this too, and everyone let me know, including my doctor.
I have been using THC capsules or Trazadone from my doctor as well as ear plugs, lavender on my pillow, and a fan on the bed side table. I also added the supplement L-theanine to my night pills. It is supposed to help with racing thoughts. I am not sure it works, but it doesn't seem to hurt.
Dusty_Sequins@reddit (OP)
I’m sober almost 8 months so I’m leery on taking thc or prescription sleep aids.
Thick-Fly-5727@reddit
I hear you, 6 years for alcohol for me!
All trazadone does is help you sleep, I havent noticed any "fun" side effects, except that it almost works too well in that you might sleep in. If you try it, start with a half.
Optimal-Ad-7074@reddit
thyroid. if they don't do a thyroid function test, ask about it.
I was more in my mid 50's when it started to feel like that thing in a car that keeps the revs steady had just lost the plot. I'd be alternately over-revved and narcoleptic at random all over the place, and I just couldn't seem to get a consistent handle on it with all the "lifestyle" hacks.
endocrinologist diagnosed graves' disease in my case, but it was kind of empirical. there's a rich list of weirdness your thyroid can cause and menopause kind of messes with it.
Cinisajoy2@reddit
Check the labels, some Unisoms are just blue benadryl. Also for some people Benedryl doesn't work.
Dusty_Sequins@reddit (OP)
I take the doxylamine unisom. Upon the recommendation of a nurse practitioner. But it’s just not working anymore
Cinisajoy2@reddit
My husband tried Benedryl a few years back because it was on the list of "safe" drugs. 4 hours sleep then he was wide awake.
ThisSaladTastesWeird@reddit
Tried to have this convo with my doctor years ago and was brushed off. Tried a bunch of things: OTC sleep aids, weighted blanket (didn’t help but I still love it), supplements, sleep hygiene routines, edibles, tart cherry juice, you name it. The one thing I tried that actually did help? Ozlo sleep buds. Hated spending that much money (even on sale) but f*ck me, they work.
EdenSilver113@reddit
For some people antihistamines actually drive symptoms of insomnia. I can’t take Benadryl or unisom.
Russian_Doll_888@reddit
Yep, menopause symptoms. Progesterone and magnesium glycinate did wonders for me. Also, all of the others things are just masking a drop in hormones, so fix the underlying cause. You may have to ween yourself off the other stuff though. I was on clonapin for a few years because my doctor prescribed it for sleep, but it like many other drugs become crutches and your body will want it for months after you stop. You just have to get through it and get on more natural sleep support.
Creepy_WaterYogi75@reddit
May i suggest trying 10 minutes of the "legs up a wall" position. It has a lot of benefits, including helping get a good night's sleep. And/or, try a 7 minute tai chi flow for rest. Both of these are well proven to help with sleep, and they are 7-10 minutes. I hope you sleep well
geebzor@reddit
52m
I’m not sure this helps, but as someone who’s had sleep issues most of my life, the only advice I can give you is:
Any meds you take are temporary and they will stop working eventually and you’ll have withdrawals from hell, Valium, Temazapan, Phenergan, sleeping pills, etc…
What I have found to work are the basics that we’ve always known.
Wind down at night, meditate, when going to sleep, or trying to get back to sleep, observe your mind, don’t play into or engage into anything you think about, just observe, if that makes sense.
This practice alone helped me heaps. Hope it helps you.
EveryExplanation8084@reddit
Yes, this is very common in perimenopause. Just relax and you will be able to find ways to help yourself through this. I lost my mind and didn’t sleep for months. No big changes in your life.
quietsilentsilence@reddit
Do you exercise?
imalloverthemap@reddit
Get a sleep study! When I wear my CPAP, I actually can get by on six hours of sleep, because it’s such quality sleep. I do still need to take things to knock me some nights
jaxiepie7@reddit
CBD oil with Lions Mane
Acceptable-Regret398@reddit
I’m 51. Insomnia has been an issue for me for at least 4 years now. I have tried all the things, but have finally decided that I am a biphasic sleeper. I go to bed early, wake up for approximately two hours in the middle of the night, and then sleep another 2-3 hours. I have slowly adjusted to the idea, and now it’s just the norm for me. Definitely get to the doc, make sure you’re not experiencing a health issue, but be aware that there are alternative patterns of sleep for some people other than 8 hours of solid sleep.
pathologuys@reddit
Perimenopause - I’m 48 and my only symptom so far is insomnia and it suuuucks. Progesterone is helping
Successful-Jacket-64@reddit
Menopausal here. Was fine for a couple years, then symptoms. Tried supplements and that worked for a while. They got much worse, then sleeping problems and brain fog on top. I've been on HRT about a year and all has improved. It's not perfect, but so much better.
femme_mystique@reddit
This. OP should have been on HRT for years by now. I sleep 9 hrs a night with no medication/supplements besides HRT.
Prudent_Wish7640@reddit
I've been on every sleeping pill known to man. Seroquel/Quetiapine is the absolute best. I've been taking it for 10+ years.
I take 300 MG a night, and I am out in 15 minutes. I sleep all night long, and I do not wake up tired if I take at a reasonable hour. I started on 400 MG, and dropped it to 300 MG a month later.
The majority probably don't require that high of a dose. I do!! Due to mind racing, and nightmares from trauma. Love it!
Don't bother with Trazadone. It sucks, and some doctors love to prescribe it.
Best wishes!
floofyfloof2@reddit
Trazadone was horrible! It made my heart race and I didn't sleep either.
Prudent_Wish7640@reddit
It is horrible!
mattmattatwork@reddit
I ran into this for a bit where after 4-5 hours I'd just 'wake up' and not be able to get back to sleep. Spoke with my pcp about it and was given zaleplon. Absolute wonder. My normal wakup time is 6:30. When I wake up at 3-4 in the morning and cant get back to sleep, I throw one of these back and end up sleeping until my alarm. Absolute lifesaver. I only use it once or twice a week now. Closest to my alarm I've taken it was 5am, and had some trouble turning the alarm off. Not groggy the next day or anything either.
TRS80487@reddit
Learn some breathing exercises focused on sleep. Free and totally up to you. I feel ya!
Rubberbangirl66@reddit
Trazadone helps me
RustedRelics@reddit
Not really. You’ll have some goods nights. But a lot of crappy nights as well.
Ancient_Star_111@reddit
No
EnjoyingTheRide-0606@reddit
Short term, no. Long term, yes but only with meds.
One-Rip2593@reddit
One trick is to Pavlov yourself to a voice. Like, listen to the get sleepy podcast when are about to sleep. After a few times, just hearing the voice will conk you out.
Effective_Layer_1589@reddit
Please try cannabis as a way to shut you down before bed, don't believe the lies we were told our entire lives if you don't use it. You want to find indica strains high in Myrcene, Linalool and Caryophyllene, you will need some THC to get the entourage effect to activate but it doesn't require a lot. Check out Fern Valley Farms or Tweedle online. It works and you aren't stoned.
Raynet11@reddit
I tried this for months there is something I encountered that wasn’t very pleasant, being super high, tired unable to move but also unable to sleep everyone is different and that might not happen to you but it was very unsettling it happened a few times. By month 3 I grew completely tolerant which sucked but I grow tolerant to everything very quickly no matter what it is so I have to constantly rotate sleep aids.
Effective_Layer_1589@reddit
I understand, effects are dependent on strain, I found that CBD flower with the lower THC higher CBD does the trick for me. The CBD strains are bred more for their therapeutic benefits rather than getting high. The THC in CBD is an activator. Gummies with THC and CBD can also help too. My wife has trouble sleeping and she takes magnesium citrate capsules to help. A friend does the CBD and the MC and he has good results. I hope you find some relief also a healthy dose of prayer as you lie awake can help. Peace to you
Raynet11@reddit
I have an entire cocktail 🍸 Valerian Root, Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, 5-HTP, Magnesium and Kava, Melatonin no extracts all whole ( extracts don’t seem to work). That list is cycled as well, I’m sure a doctor would write a script but I’m afraid of getting dependent on a medication and then having really bad insomnia coming off of it. Also avoid caffeine after 11:00 am. The THC does work but you really have to be careful since if you do have to get up there is nothing you can do to reverse the effect other than time.
balmerchick23@reddit
For me it's not so much insomnia, it's the nightly bouts of DREAD I get in the middle of the night. I pray the mornings will come quickly. I just don't enjoy sleeping anymore.
MotherFuckinEeyore@reddit
Try glycine. The recommended dose is 3mg but I take 4mg. I sleep through the night. It's natural. I guy it by the kilo from the evil, online, book store.
spotspam@reddit
We do seraquel (Quetiapine)
25mg pill cut to with cuticle cutters in half then into 3 pieces. So 6 pieces per pill. One piece per night.
Helps get 4.5 up to 6.5
Linger with more pill but at 1/6 a half cup of coffee washes me perfectly by 6:30am
Take it around 7-9pm
As to insomnia, we use a backup of Ativan (Lorazepam) for overthinking or anxiety but it’s only a crutch. Ie 30 pills a year 0.5 mg and e take 1/4 to 1/2 to see of that works.
Only full pill if chest is heavy with anxiety due to some big life changing event.
Sometimes don’t Need a pill of exercising well but not too much.
IKnowAllSeven@reddit
Are you a woman? Try magnesium glycinate
SithAccountant@reddit
These work amazing well, I’m a male.
IKnowAllSeven@reddit
Good to know! My ob/gyn recommended it for perimenopause!
SithAccountant@reddit
Oh interesting, I’ll let my wife know, thank you!
rhionaeschna@reddit
HRT helped me a lot. Estrogen keeps me from 3am wakeups and progesterone helps put me out at bedtime. For bad nights I got a script for trazedone and it's been pretty good with no side effects. There are a few things they can prescribe that won't have anticholinergic effects like benedryl. I have chronic health issues so sometimes I'm not getting sleep regardless of what I take or don't, but peri has definitely not been helping. For sure talk to your Dr because sleep is way too important to be missing out on and there are solutions. For the au natural route, magnesium glycinate at bedtime can help calm the nervous system and very small dose melatonin can help (3mg or less), but it's also not a good idea to use melatonin nightly long term.
invisiblemeows@reddit
Trazodone. It’s not addictive nor is it even a sleeping pill. It’s an older antidepressant with a side effect of sleepiness. Been taking it since I first started perimenopause and it’s been a lifesaver!
Dusty_Sequins@reddit (OP)
I’ll ask my PCP about it on Wednesday. Thank you!
Uffda01@reddit
Have you had your thyroid checked? I'm a dude and my thyroid completely gave up the ghost; apparently that's a more common issue for women. and its supposed to help regulate sleep and a bunch of other stuff.
Dusty_Sequins@reddit (OP)
Yeah, we checked it a little over a year or so ago when I started gaining weight from seemingly nothing. My diet and activity levels didn’t change but somehow I gained 40 lbs over 2 years. Tirzepatide is helping take it off
Neither_Remote_4818@reddit
Check your diet- I had insomnia and discovered it was caused by the coconut oil I was having in my Popcorn at night! Once I eliminated it, I sleep thru the night easy. So maybe check for something like that that may hype your body up unknowingly before bed.
AlfaNovember@reddit
My wife reports that sleeping propped up on two pillows results in getting an additional hour or so of “deep sleep” as recorded by her Apple Watch. It may be an apnea thing, we’re not sure, but the data is consistent across months. I’m just jealous because the watch only ever recorded me getting about 20 minutes of deep sleep per night.
HillaryRN@reddit
HRT worked wonders for me. Ask your provider about it. The progesterone and melatonin combo is great. Some people add THC+CBN, too (I’m also a cannabis nurse).
user86753092@reddit
Speak to a professional about HRT. Insomnia is very common with peri and can be relieved with the right hormone combination for you.
Congrats on 8 months!
nerdy_geek_girl@reddit
I had terrible trouble falling asleep (47F) and have never had that problem ever, and HRT completely fixed it. I was already on progesterone (IUD) and added estrogen patches.
Coup-de-Glass@reddit
⬆️ This right here. Progesterone will definitely help with sleep.
LessLikelyTo@reddit
Perimenopause is f*cking w/my sleep. Talk to your dr for options.
McNasty420@reddit
I've been up for FOUR DAYS!!! These women deserve a fucking medal. This shit is so awful. Nobody ever talked to me about this.
LessLikelyTo@reddit
Omg seriously though. Do you feel manic? Please tell me you’re getting SOME sleep. I live with Bipolar One and more than 2 sleepless nights and I’m aware I may be headed straight into a manic episode.
I decided I wanted to be one of these very productive people. It’s laughable because I’m a PT Elementary School sub, and I’ve been a night owl my whole life. I started waking up at 5am, and I’m stuck there. I’ll be asleep by 9 and up at 5 like a clock. I used to need 10 hours a night. I miss sleeping in.
Take care of you
kerill333@reddit
Magnesium spray has made a huge difference to my sleep.
jenorama_CA@reddit
I started getting leg cramps a few years ago and the spray is great for acute cramps, but I take magnesium caplets in the morning. I haven’t had super acute incidents in a while and it’s helped with the sleep. I’ve also found that if I wait until I’m really tired to go to bed, I’ll sleep better.
It’s rough out there.
Crazy_sumbitch@reddit
A good night got me is 4-5 I average sleep intervals of 10-15 min at a clip
Last_Inevitable8311@reddit
If you’re a drinker try cutting it out.
I stopped a while back and have been sleeping better than I have in a long time.
Dusty_Sequins@reddit (OP)
Sober almost 8 months now. I did sleep better when I first quit but now I’m back to not sleeping well
Last_Inevitable8311@reddit
8 months! That’s awesome. Congrats. Sorry about the sleep.
Bright_Broccoli1844@reddit
I have both insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. One of my doctors is a neurologist who works at a pulmonary practice who oversees my CPAP usage. I sleep just fine.
Jennyreviews1@reddit
Hi OP, 51F, I see you’ve got a bunch of great advice. Absolutely first and foremost meet with your practitioner. That is always the first line when it comes to sleeping. I am a healthcare professional myself but also you and I are about the same age so I’m going to share with you my own journey and what has helped me.
Technically I have not begun menopause. That being said, I’m sure it’s any day now. What I have noticed throughout the last couple of years is that my sleep has dwindled to just a few hours a night. I did get a sleep study done last year July and was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. This is very common. I am 5‘2“ and 130 pounds. I’m not overweight at all. The common thought is if you’re overweight, you’ve got sleep apnea. It’s just not the truth. So consider getting a referral from your practitioner for a sleep consultation. Most insurance is pay for that.
Last Friday I met with my sleep doctor after six months of being treated with my CPAP machine. I had noticed the last few months that I am waking up without my nasal pillow on. The machines are very high-tech now and my machine communicates with my doctors office. From what she can tell, I have also developed central sleep apnea, which is much more serious and more common in women. From what I understand and what she’s explained is that it’s under diagnosed in women.
When we have any kind of sleep apnea and stop breathing, our bodies, autonomic nervous system generally responds by waking us up. When that happens, it disrupts our sleep. That is what is happening with me while using a CPAP machine. So I’m going back in for a sleep titration study soon. I will be given a BiPAP machine instead.
I think that there is a possibility that you could be suffering from something similar. It is so common in women to have some type of sleep apnea at our age. I’m not saying you have it. I’m saying it’s very possible. That being said I hope you don’t.
When you go to see your practitioner, I want to suggest to have a few blood tests. Have your thyroid and your parathyroid checked. In addition, have your practitioner check you for any type of autoimmune disorders. These are also generally untested for and therefore underdiagnosed. I also developed hypothyroidism which also affects sleep. The test that I mentioned are all blood tests. They’re pretty conclusive and will give you some peace of mind. Have your vitamin D, magnesium and potassium levels checked. These all play apart in muscle relaxation and help us to sleep..
I do think it’s not a good idea to ass cannabis as you are staying clear of it. I am a cannabis advocate but I do not partake at this time because my sleep is affected and that needs to be dealt with in it entirety before adding anything else. But the suggestions are good suggestions.
I wish you the best in your health and do hope that you can get to the root of it and start to sleeping better. All the best to you OP:) <3
elphaba00@reddit
I live in an older house, and the heating and cooling in my bedroom are just not ideal. We have a window unit AC to help in the summer, but it's far too early for that. My husband sleeps with a fan on every night, but that does no real good except for sound. Last night was just not good. The temperature was off, almost too humid.
On Saturday night, I had been dealing with a headache all day so I took two Tylenol and two of the Walgreens purple sleep pills. I made it to 9:00 on Sunday. It was glorious. But I can't do that every night.
brockclan216@reddit
I wouldn't take Benadryl and Unisom because their ingredients are anticholinergics which of used long term can increase the risk of developing dementia. You may ask your doctor about Trazadone. I take magnesium glycinate at night and sleep really well most of the time.
Dusty_Sequins@reddit (OP)
The unisom I’m taking is the doxylamine one so 2 different active ingredients.
brockclan216@reddit
And it is an anticholinergic. They both are. But hey, I'm just a nurse, what do I know?
Dusty_Sequins@reddit (OP)
I don’t know what anticholinergic means
brockclan216@reddit
Google is your friend.
McNasty420@reddit
it's called perimenopause, bitches. WE ARE NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE.
temerairevm@reddit
Given the age range of this generation most of us can probably drop the “peri”.
EzAeMy@reddit
I’m 49. I think it’s still peri?
Informal-Gene-8777@reddit
Menopause=12 months with no period. Peri is everything before.
EzAeMy@reddit
Got it. Thanks.
Informal-Gene-8777@reddit
NP! Regardless of what it's called, it still SUCKS ASS.
EzAeMy@reddit
So true. I won’t even share my worst symptom. I’m sure you see advertisements about it.
Novel-Upstairs7876@reddit
I'm actually scared to tell my doctor I'm going stretches of 4-5 days without sleep because I don't want to end up in a hospital. Perimenopause sucks so bad. I can't sleep AT ALL. I'm on HRT and still no sleep. Ever.
EzAeMy@reddit
If you are still acting mentally stable, you should tell them. Hell, if you’re not, you still should.
Informal-Gene-8777@reddit
Insomnia was mine. I thought I was going to literally die.
EzAeMy@reddit
Sucks.
McNasty420@reddit
It’s all the same shit. Just different ways of saying we are day old bread and now it’s a race to the bottom. Fucking hormones.
McNasty420@reddit
Fuck off lol. J/k
Oxjrnine@reddit
The amount of REM that you need each night shrinks as you get older. But that doesn’t work in our modern world where you can’t take a nap anytime that you need to.
I was only getting two or three hours of R.E.M. waking up and not being tired enough to fall back asleep until it was too late and I had to get up for work. I was waking up two or three times every night.
My doctor gave me a prescription for Trazodone. It’s technically an antidepressant, but it also works to extend your REM.
Substantial_Layer_79@reddit
R.E.M. sleep leaves me wiped out! I only need a few minutes of of. Deep sleep gives me the best quality sleep...though I can't remember waking up refreshed in decades
No_Builder7010@reddit
4-5 hours was the norm for me after turning 50. Tough change for someone who had to have 8 hours before. I was literally going crazy. Tried all the things. Close to suicidal. Finally got on HRT and that helped (more than just sleep) but I couldn't get past 6 hours. Worked with my doc and now I'm on a bedtime cocktail of trazadone, 300 mg progesterone, and magnesium L-threonate. I've forgotten to take my pills at night a couple times recently and slept like crap, so I know the combo actually works and it's not just coincidence! Good luck!
WBRGGRL@reddit
I take Trazodone nightly and it is a life changer. Might be worth asking your doctor about.
misdemeanorcraziness@reddit
As a terrible sleeper, traz was the only thing that worked. Melatonin, magnesium, etc did nothing. My doctor prescribed 50mg, but it left me with a cloudy head in the morning. Bought a pill splitter ( yeah that makes me officially old) and take 25mg. That’s the sweet spot for me.
WBRGGRL@reddit
I have the splitter, too. We can be old together.
I typically take 100mg, but if I go to bed late on a work-night, I’ll split it in half.
misdemeanorcraziness@reddit
Only if you have 12 pairs of reading glasses strewn about the house. 🤣
WBRGGRL@reddit
I have to wear glasses for everything except reading small things… I have to take my glasses off for that. 😆 I guess my reading glasses are my bare eyeballs.
Blu3_ShRo0mZ@reddit
I am diagnosed with Insomnia. I am prescribed Temazepam 30MG daily if needed for over 10 years. It costs $11 bucks a month without Insurance. Fun to use or abuse! Ambien is also another good choice.
e99etrnl17@reddit
Try blue vervaine tincture. Helps me sleep thru the night. Take a dropper full (one full squeeze on the rubber part...it'll fill the dropper about half way but in herbalism that's a dropper full).
demona2002@reddit
I pop a CBD/CBN gummy 15 min before I turn off the light. Works like a charm and no side effects in the morning.
No-Leg-3298@reddit
Hormone replacement therapy. Progesterone is what my doctor put me on. Helps a lot.
Ok-Work4134@reddit
Get a CPAP. Changed my life.
Ok-Work4134@reddit
Get a CPAP. Changed my life
LonelyChell@reddit
Same. 46. Unisom and two melatonin every night.
MrBiscotti_75@reddit
Please try the Andrew Huberman podcast on YouTube. He is a neuroscientist at Stanford has done 2 or 3 episodes on sleep. He runs through factors such as temperature, sound, etc.
Usual-Primary-8607@reddit
Gummies
Nomailforu@reddit
I’ve had sleeping issues my entire life. It’s funny to me when someone tries to tell me to reduce my screen time. I did have screen time when I was a teen and I’d still toss and turn for freakin hours! It wasn’t until I hit menopause and discovered progesterone and then gummies. 😄 I now get the best sleep in my life and wake up super refreshed. Quarter gummy is all I need to get me over that little hump and off to dream land.
Pristine_Main_1224@reddit
50F too. It’s perimenopause or menopause. You need to talk to your OB/GYN. Progesterone (200 mg) changed my night life (as in I can sleep!).
Bahlore@reddit
Get a sleep study, you might have Sleep Apnea.
Substantial_Way296@reddit
Sex before bed
Roseliberry@reddit
Based on you saying youre in perimenopause, you might just need some estrogen/progesterone to get your sleep back. These hormones help protect bone and cartilage as well. See what your OB doc thinks.
Tdot-77@reddit
Just want to share, I'm in the peri stage and I have been a regular sleeper my entire life. 7.5 - 8 hours, I am super diligent about it. In early peri I got to a point where I was getting 2-3 hours of sleep a night and it almost broke me. HRT was a huge game changer. It is amazing how much hormones regulate our bodies, we have estrogen receptors everywhere. Good luck, I wish you rest.
MostlyBrine@reddit
Change your mattress. Your body is not comfortable, so it wakes you up to change position, if more than 4 hours after falling asleep, you will not be able to return to sleep. The new mattress worked for me after years of trying everything else.
bestFriendOutOfMyBox@reddit
If you are you a woman, curious if you know if you are in perimenopause. This is a common symptom. I’ve been waking up at 3 or 4 am for the past year, got on HRT and it helped. r/perimenopause is an excellent resource and you will find so many experiences similar to yours.
SXTY82@reddit
See your doctor. Get a sleep study. It is as easy as saying 'Doc, I am exhausted all the time. Is that normal for someone my age?" and they will prescribe a sleep study. Mine was a take home device and easy peasy.
One thing I know is that Benadryl will knock me out for 8 hours for the first 2 or 3 nights I use it. Then it starts to not work at all. After a week it is useless for me.
I've been fighting sleep issues for years. 2 years ago I got a CPAP after a sleep study. It helped but didn't solve my issues. About 6 or so months back, I made a couple major dietary changes to try and loose a few pounds. 6 days a week: No more sugar added to stuff. No Soda. Super Low carbs. So no bread, noodles, chips or crackers. No rice or potato... One cheat day a week to eat anything I freaking want.
Now I snack on sliced apple/ melon and a nice sliced salami. Meat and Veg for most meals. Which can be a simple salad with chunks of chicken I cooked the night before.
I also started taking a multi vitamin and an extra dose of Vit D. The Vit D was suggested by my doctor.
About 2 weeks into the diet + Vitamins I started sleeping, or rather I started resting while I slept. My sleep patterns didn't' really seem to change but I woke up rested. I am still hoping to be able to get to sleep without drugs but the initial pass out still eludes me.
THSSFC@reddit
Gut health is critical. Fiber ftw.
EzAeMy@reddit
I’m awake right now and I don’t have to go to work. It’s 5:15. But if you partake, an edible at bed can help.
Dusty_Sequins@reddit (OP)
I’ve been sober 8 months, I don’t want to use a thc product. It’s a slippery slope for me although I know others ca handle it.
EzAeMy@reddit
That’s great that you know and have the willpower to stick to it. Congratulations on 8 months. I’m sorry I suggested it.
Dusty_Sequins@reddit (OP)
That’s ok! I didn’t say anything about it in my original post and a lot of other people suggested it too.
Majestic-Selection22@reddit
That’s my routine. A gummy before bed works wonders.
EzAeMy@reddit
Hubby makes tincture at home. It’s great. Just a little swallow.
THSSFC@reddit
Try eating more fiber in your diet.
I know it sounds crazy, but there is a lot to the mind/gut connection and having a healthy gut can very much affect a whole host of mental and emotional issues.
I have recently done the same, and have found my sleep to be much improved.
AnastasiaNo70@reddit
Benadryl is no good as a sleep aid!
Try Melatonin.
MatJosher@reddit
I was at 3.5 hours. Went to a sleep specialist and am back to 7.5 hours with a bad night once in a while.
pathf1nder00@reddit
Melatonin supplement. Stop caffeine by mid morning. Diet, exercise.
1 shot of brandy an hour before bedtime.
Dusty_Sequins@reddit (OP)
I’m sober. No alcohol
pathf1nder00@reddit
Okay...cool congrats.
Soulshiner402@reddit
There’s a weed that could help your situation. Side effects include eating whole boxes of Twinkies and laughing at random things.
Dusty_Sequins@reddit (OP)
I can’t, I’m sober. Weed is a slippery slope for me.
JAFO-@reddit
Works well for me. Used to wake up at 3 AM almost every night. Few hits before bed and good to go.
Inwardly-Outgoing@reddit
Dont let a doc give you a benzo for insomnia. I'm now tapering off of tamazepam. It causes brain fog and long-term cognitive impairment
Also you may want to do a sleep study for sleep apnea. That is also related to insomnia
Dusty_Sequins@reddit (OP)
He wouldn’t give me a benzo for sleep. I’m newly sober.
Inwardly-Outgoing@reddit
Congrats on that!
Dusty_Sequins@reddit (OP)
Thank you!
Worldly_Possible2925@reddit
4 hours a night for 14 years. I try to get an hour or two during the day when I can but yeah, I’d like a fix too.
TJH99x@reddit
Benedryl can contribute to dementia. Please find an alternative.
One_Love_Mama@reddit
Came here to say this, please take care!
not-a-dislike-button@reddit
You can't be taking that much Benadryl every night. It causes major issues long term and provides poor sleep quality. It's also linked to dementia. Unisom is the same ingredient as benedryl btw.
Dusty_Sequins@reddit (OP)
No, the unisom I take is the doxylamine one.
pemart22@reddit
What’s your stimulant intake? Have you had a sleep study? Have you tried cognitive behavioral therapy? That amount of sleep aid is potentially dangerous, see a doctor for a referral to a sleep disorders center.
Dusty_Sequins@reddit (OP)
Coffee in the morning and then no more throughout the day.
Smart_Butterfly_7845@reddit
52 M, insomnia comes in small clusters for me, usually after a few hours of sleep I am up in the middle of the night. Even on a regular night I am sleeping 930 PM - 430 AM and can't force any more sleep after 7ish hours.
Defiant-Win-7859@reddit
if you are female, see your doctor about HRT. Progesterone genuinely saved my life in terms of mood and my ability to sleep. I take 200mg at night and I am out like a light in 15 minutes.
emi_delaguerra@reddit
This is the answer. HRT helped me also, with sleeping and with energy.
jokr2k16@reddit
I think seeing a doctor at some point would be a good idea. If it’s not improving even with all those meds, there might be something else going on underneath.
Unsung_Ironhead@reddit
If you drink alcohol regularly, try to stop. When I hit my mid 40s, it affected my sleep. I sleep so much better if don’t.
Dusty_Sequins@reddit (OP)
I quit drinking almost 8 months ago so that’s no longer a factor
uncirculated_luster@reddit
I'm starting to realize this was the same for me. I didn't mark it at 40--but I wasn't drinking as much... when covid hit I drank almost daily--that's when I really noticed it...
SpankyDammit@reddit
I do too. I think it’s an age thing for many of us. Sleeping pills make me groggy the next day so I’ve just gotten used to it.
Firstcounselor@reddit
If you keep taking Benadryl then it’s safe to say you will never sleep normally again. Stop taking it immediately. Go see a doctor, one who specializes in menopause if you’re a woman.
racer3x72@reddit
Indica
Curlypeeps@reddit
I take a 10 mg melatonin, Swanson's sleep aid and Hylands calms forte. I take it all with some chamomile tea and I sleep like a baby. If I do wake up during the night, I take a couple more sips of my chamomile tea. I also tend to ruminate so I will fall asleep using headphones, listening to podcast that's not too stimulating. I will also listen to the podcast if I wake up in the night and can't go back to sleep because I'm ruminating again.
Minute-Unit9904s@reddit
Take one Benadryl or one OTC sleeping pill because too many is overkill and then you just stay awake . For example if I take 2 I feel like the window to fall asleep shrinks. If I miss that window I’m up all night.
Firstcounselor@reddit
Do not use Benadryl as a sleep aid. That is not the intended use and it’s dangerous to do so.
kbchucker@reddit
OP, you are on a similar path to me. I have been struggling with insomnia for several years. It has been getting progressively worse over the last 18-24 months. 3-5 hours of sleep on average. Got an Apple Watch to help me track sleep. Went down every reddit sleep rabbit hole I could find. Supplements, sleep aids, sleep hygiene. CPAP machine. None of it has had any lasting impact. Waking up every morning to my watch telling me I slept like shit. Ironically, some nights I knew I got a relatively decent sleep.
My anxiety was growing and I was beginning to be very irritable and unpleasant to be around.
In the last 30 days the four most impactful changes I have made that seem to finally be working: 1. Let. It. Fucking. Go. When I wake up earlier than I want, I don’t freak out or beat myself up. I try to go back to sleep and relax. If I am really awake, I’ll just get up, go in my office and read emails or reddit until I feel tired again. I don’t allow guilt or negative self-talk to creep in. I accept it and move on. 2. 3” Talalay Soft Latex Mattress Topper. Who knew my mattress was too firm for me? 3. Short walk after dinner, and a hot shower when I am about to go to bed. 4. Stopped wearing my Apple Watch to bed. I don’t think it’s coincidence that my anxiety levels began to rise around the same time I started wearing a watch to track sleep.
The first few nights of doing this, I didn’t really notice too much difference. But after a couple of nights of 3-4 hours and not worrying about it, my sleep gradually improved. I am now getting 5-6 hours uninterrupted sleep and waking up feeling much better.
driftless@reddit
Melatonin gummies 1h before you lay down. Works for me and my wife , and she also likes soothing sounds via her noise cancelling earpods.
ExtraAd7611@reddit
I'd say it's better to get 4 hours of good sleep than 8 hours of bad sleep. Especially if you have a way to power nap in the afternoon.
I don't sleep well on a regular basis. There are many factors, but a necessary (not sufficient) one for me to sleep well is to have really good pillows. I need about 4 pillows to prop up my upper torso at an angle, and one really firm pillow, like a brick, for my head. I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea but I can't wear a CPAP due to nasal congestion and the elevation really helps.
Also I usually sleep better if I have gotten some exercise during the day and if I shower before bed, and if I wait until I'm actually tired before going to bed.
Sex or masturbation also can help, although my wife claims it wakes her up. My wife and I prefer sex in the morning so it's usually going #3 for me to fall asleep.
therocketn00b@reddit
I sleep a lot better after getting laid off from my shitty job. Stress and worry kept me up half the night.
phunkygroovin@reddit
You are going to trade in insomnia for dementia if you keep taking the benadryl. My doctor and my son's doctor won't even recommend taking Benadryl (or any of the first generation antihistamines, which it is a part of) anymore due to its risk associated with dementia and Alzheimer's. Your body is just going to get used to the benedryl anyway and it's not going to help you sleep. It will just make you need to take more and more and too much causes heart issues as well.
I never had any sleeping issues until I got older. I'm writing this as I've only had 1.5 hours of sleep. I'm going to try and go back to bed and get another hour or two of sleep before I have to go to work.
This-Assumption4123@reddit
I have had insomnia for my entire adult life which perimenopause/menopause exacerbated. I am so miserable I am actually seeing a doctor Wednesday to try something I am desperate. So far over the years nothing worked but I need to give it another shot.
Beautiful_Coat_9294@reddit
If you are a woman, this is common during menopause
Candid-Astronaut-607@reddit
This and HRT may help but I agree the medications you are using carry long term risks better avoided.
AgentDangerMouse@reddit
Please do not take Benadryl. It is directly linked to dementia. I have awful chronic insomnia and unfortunately handed it down to both my sons. Please go see a doctor because they can help.
Senior-Tip-21@reddit
My wife’s Dr just told her to stop taking Diphenhydramine products. There may be a link to dementia with this chemical.
Hot-Ad930@reddit
I've heard this as well. I stopped.
scrapqueen@reddit
I take two things when I'm having difficulty sleeping
First I take magnesium glycinate.
Then I take Highlands restless legs pm.
These help me sleep very well.
ArizonaKim@reddit
If you are in a job and a state that allows you to take THC products, I highly recommend gummies to help you sleep.
kbchucker@reddit
Not a great long term solution for insomnia, unfortunately. Agree that it’s a good short term option.
Breklin76@reddit
Indica gummies work wonders. Especially with CBN.
Dogzillas_Mom@reddit
Male or female? If you are a woman, this is a menopause thing. Check out the subs. /r/perimenopause /r/menopause
If you are a man, I don’t know what to tell you? See your doctor for a sleep study?
scooter_orourke@reddit
Polyphasic sleep is very normal. Unfortunately modern society and schedules make this very difficult.
Talk to your health care professional. Also, good sleep hygiene can help the issue
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyphasic_sleep
Pepper_Pfieffer@reddit
I had to give up coffee entirely, and I only had one 16 Oz cup in the morning. My morning cup used to be almost sacred but I can sleep now.
eat-real-chips@reddit
I have the same problem and I am on HRT already 😭 ugh
Informal-Gene-8777@reddit
I was going to ask the OP--are you female? Because menopause-related insomnia is no fucking joke.
LayerNo3634@reddit
Talk to your doctor. Depending on the cause, there are treatments. Might be as simple as a pill. You might need to try different ones before you find what works for you.
Flaky-Debate-833@reddit
The self medication isn't doing you any favors. Take a look at how you spend your awake hours. Do you generally go to bed at the same time each time? Do you exercise? Drinking enough water? How's your diet? Are you looking at a screen while laying in bed? There are lots of factors to consider?
Electronic_Lemon7940@reddit
For a drug-free alternative, try the method actor's relaxation technique. Move and tense small muscle groups starting with your feet, then relax them, breathing deeply and calmly while you slowly move up your body. Try to leave the areas you've worked on limp and relaxed as you move higher up your body. You'll most likely fall asleep before you finish.
Low_Cook_5235@reddit
It’s not falling asleep thats the problem, it’s staying asleep.
Electronic_Lemon7940@reddit
Our prof struggled to wake us all up after these exercises so that's something
Bokononfoma@reddit
Talk to your doctor. I am amongst the world's worst sleepers. Since 7th grade I've had one sleep issue or another.
Talk to your Doctor, FOR REAL. There can be all sorts of strange causes - basic insomnia, snoring, sleep apnea, acid reflux coming up into mouth/sinuses, anxiety, depression, on and on.
There so many treatments, medications, etc. it is a big deal. I ignored it for a while, but these things can add up to cardio/breathing issues, serious irreversible cognitive decline, seizures, etc. it's all bad by itself, but in you start developing chronic old people ailments the effects can be multiplied by this stuff.
I think good sleep is something Gen X learned to take for granted and joke about. I tried looking it up, and the origin of the phrase "I'll sleep when I'm dead" is Warren Zevon in 1976.
MassDelusion101@reddit
To answer, after a dose of my last resort-Valium last night: NO! I’ve given up. AND I’m so tired of my watch taunting me, day in and day out, about my darn sleep score. I don’t know how it got turned on, but I finally googled how to turn it off. I do magnesium, I do melatonin, then a tiny dose of Valium as a last resort when things get bad. I’m post-menopausal and I swear I slept better during menopause. If I had the monies to refurbish my telescope’s motherboard, my tail would be back outside at night with it, instead of tossing and turning in bed and pissing off my cat because I’m keeping HER awake. 😆 (she actually snorts and chuffs when I accidentally wake her, glaring at me.)
jlhouse36@reddit
Maybe ask for a prescription versus 2 OTC’s. Especially with the benedryl. Sometimes that can actually cause an opposite result if there’s too much in your system and could be keeping you awake. Also try to adjust what time you eat. Look into sleep hygiene methods and see where you can tweak habits.
Narezza@reddit
Skip the antihistamines and go with low dose melatonin, and really clean up your nighttime sleep habits.
ONROSREPUS@reddit
No. Pretty soon you won't pee normal or eat normal ect..... life habits change as a person ages.
Feisty-Lifeguard-550@reddit
Iv been like this for years. Especially when the clocks change , so I either fall asleep really early and I’m up at 3am or just now I’m up all night not able to sleep u til 6am and that’s with melatonin. Hopefully by next month it evens itself out. But after menopause it made it worse
ItsRedditThyme@reddit
What even is normal? I go to bed at 10, to get up at 6, every day. I'm responsible for getting the kids ready for school, and on days they don't go, feeding the cats, who wouldn't let me sleep past 6, anyway (I know, because I tried 8, and I think they laughed at me). My wife comes to bed between 1 and 3, and showers. That wakes me up for at least an hour, longer if the humidity increase makes me uncomfortable or my insomnia kicks in. Between 4 and 5, one of our cats starts howling. If he had a brain cell, I'd say it's existential dread, but it's probably just missing his small human. I'm awake until about 5, at that point. Then my alarm goes off at 6. On a good day, I can get back to bed at 9. This school year, those good days are fewer. My wife wakes me up at 10 during the week, getting up for work. On those days, I get up at noon to feed the cats. On weekends, I might get lucky enough to sleep until 1, but that's rare. This is every week. The exception used to be me not having to get up at 6 on my birthday and Father's Day, but that stopped last year. Normal for me is I don't get straight, uninterrupted sleep, ever, and my schedule is never consistent.
mrpink01@reddit
Trazodone ended this issue for me almost immediately.
DaneDaneBug@reddit
Same.
Provolone10@reddit
I wake up every morning around 4:30. I go to the bathroom usually and then fall back asleep. I have the weirdest dreams and then wake up again at 6-7 am. I hate it.
beaushaw@reddit
General rule of thumb. If you are self medicating with two different drugs against the directions of those drugs and it isn't working.... Yeah it is time to see a doctor.
Retire_better@reddit
Been there. Follow your biological clock and go to bed when your body tells you. Often, if one misses that sweet spot, insomnia takes over. CBD is better and cheaper than anything you buy over the counter at pharmacies. Meditate to calm yourself and just relax in general - even if you don’t have obvious anxieties your mind is still worried deep inside. Unless you have serious medical issue, your doctor will not be able to help you besides prescribing a pill that will only makes it worse in the long run.
Sepa-Kingdom@reddit
If you’re female this could definitely be peri-menopause. Insomnia is the bane of my life.
You need progesterone.
I also find ashwaghanda helpful, as well as magnesium.
The hormone lactium can also be helpful, particularly if you are stressed on top of everything else (who isn’t).
uncirculated_luster@reddit
53m -- had similar issues. Took sleep aids previously... some did keep my eyes shut, but my sleep quality was horrible, and I'd wake up feeling like a zombie for a few hours. I started monitoring my sleep cycles... the number-one offender for me: red wine. I am quitting alcohol. What time are you going to bed? Do you know your chronotype? I started staying up until past midnight just so I'd fall asleep on my own. I know this sounds a little woo-woo, but after I quit drinking, I started trying to meditate to try to "listen" to my body, and surprisingly, it helps (somehow). Sorry, not too helpful...
KitsMalia@reddit
I'm 49 and, out of nowhere, started waking up earlier and earlier every day about a year ago. I can't get more than 5 or maybe 6 hours of sleep if I'm lucky. Pretty positive it's menopause related, as sleep issues are a very common symptom of it.
Frogsweaters@reddit
Read the book Hello Sleep. The amount of sleep you need each night is not static, varies based on many things including age (there is a reason babies sleep much more than adults), and people our age generally don’t need as much sleep as we think/used to and that is okay.
Starmapatom@reddit
Get lots of sunlight and walk a couple of hours everyday
Sad_Jellyfish4394@reddit
So i take a gummy sominex and sleeping podcast and still toss and turn. Tried prescription meds no help. Now trying killing the screen time an hour before bed. I drink water with flavor so making sure no caffeine after a specific time. Not eating after a specific time and trying journaling to empty my brain. I want sleep- good sleep. Good luck.
WolfPacker01@reddit
About 10 or 12 years ago I started having this problem. Last year I started HRT and it’s made all the difference. My body and progesterone don’t always get along, so I asked the doctor if it was necessary when she prescribed HRT. She told me progesterone helps you sleep and it’s made such a difference. I’d forgotten how nice it was to sleep.
CryptographerOk3814@reddit
53M; I’m going through this too. I sleep a lot less the last few years. Wake up before my alarm goes off almost every morning. I get 6 hours, and my body is done. Years ago I could sleep 12hrs no problem.
Sierra_November_Lima@reddit
If you are a female, I definitely recommend HRT. Progesterone will put you out. There are more benefits than not to be on HRT like preventing osteoporosis, etc.. Benadryl is known to cause Alzheimer’s. I would not take that if you don’t have to especially every night.
NeoPrimitiveOasis@reddit
Please consult your doctor. Sleep apnea, anxiety/depression disorder, dietary issues, caffeine, and many other medical issues could be a cause. You can probably improve your sleep via diagnosis and treatment or changing habits! All of that said, age does seem to play a role in the emergence of sleeping issues (and I'm not immune to them myself).
Mischeese@reddit
Are you a woman? If so it’s menopause related, time to see a doctor for HRT.
No_Maintenance_9608@reddit
These days I try to go to sleep around 10, but I'm usually awake by 4 or 5, and then I decide screw it I'll get up especially on a work day and head to the office early (I have flexible work sschedule). Of course I have the bad tendency to check my phone even after I turn the lights off.
I'm sure my sleep issues are sometimes affected by the life issues I still have to deal with.
BuyingAmerican@reddit
I read before bed, which helps reset my brain and focus on something good/peaceful. Agree on the "no to Benadryl" (study linked below) as well as no to alcohol and (mostly) caffeine. I limit caffeinated coffee to one cup in the morning. Also, no devices anywhere near the bedroom (use ye old fashioned alarm clocks instead); that really helps! Other than that, a sleep study may be in order.
Here's a good write-up from Cedars-Sinai Hospital on how sleep can help prevent dementia along with solid tips:
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/stories-and-insights/healthy-living/can-good-sleep-help-prevent-alzheimers-disease-and-dementia
Harvard study "Common anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl linked to increased dementia risk":
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/common-anticholinergic-drugs-like-benadryl-linked-increased-dementia-risk-20150128812
Virtual_Mechanic2936@reddit
Same here.
THC_Dude_Abides@reddit
Do you snore? Wake up with headaches or a sore throat? Feel like you were less tired before you went to sleep? Could be sleep apnea. Record yourself sleeping and listen for you gasping for air. Or ask your partner if you snore. If so have a sleep study done. Stop drinking caffeine after 12:00. Take a cbd/cbn gummy or 2. A couple hours before bed. Melatonin and magnesium supplements before bed can also help.
L1VEW1RE@reddit
You’re just now not sleeping normally? Bro, I haven’t sleep normally since 2012, true story.
You’re fortunate for all the years of normal sleep you got up to this point. My others friends, in our generation, are in the same boat and haven’t sleep normal for close to a decade.
jumpyjumperoo@reddit
Do you snore? Sleep apnea can cause you to wake up at night as your body uses every trick in the book to keep you alive as your oxygen levels plummet. It can mean waking up frequently to use the bathroom but can also present as insomnia. If you snore, get a sleep study.
Churchmousetat@reddit
Google dark cherry juice for sleep.
MasterBlasterSnap@reddit
If you’re female this could be caused by menopause and HRT could help. Ask your doctor about this. Good luck
AuntJibbie@reddit
I'm 52(f). Insomnia has been a part of my life since I had my first child back in '93, but it's evolved into something only a gummy helps me with. The insomnia is insufferable.
RaleighBahn@reddit
Do not be taking Benadryl, ambien, muscle relaxers or etc - that soon becomes a bigger problem than solution - not to mention increased dementia risk. Get a sleep study, see specialist, etc.
liddybuckfan@reddit
Definitely talk to the doctor. I wanted to suggest you stop the Benadryl. Not only does it stop having sleep effects if you're taking it every night but there are some studies showing a higher risk for dementia with regular Benadryl use. I'd been taking it pretty regularly for allergies but now I do a nasal spray and Benadryl only if I'm really bad. It's not a good option for sleep, you're better off with a prescription.
Agile-Oil-2399@reddit
Im also 50. Ive always been an insomniac and have taken sleeping pills since college. That said, for the last year Ive been waking up at around 3:30 every day - even with my meds - and its been horrible. I remember growing up and not wanting to come home around this time because my father would be awake then - so thinking its both age and hereditary. Also, idk if ur male or female - Im female and I think it has a lot to do with perimenopause for me. I just started trying peptide shots thru my dr. to see if that helps (really for a few different needs) before I ask my sleeping pills.
Jealous-Lychee-5084@reddit
Are you female? If so, peri/menopause can cause serious sleep disturbance. Mine’s mostly gone away with HRTz
calmneil@reddit
Try lunesta or ambien
Onenineseventynine@reddit
You might want to get tested for sleep apnea as well as see a therapist for cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. Using meds to get to sleep is not a long term solution in most cases.
45babycakes@reddit
Take a gummy or 2 I sleep a straight 6.5 to 8 hours.
Nuclear_N@reddit
Havent slept consistently well in at least 10 years. I am up at 4am to pee, and seem to just stay awake
Staran@reddit
I sleep well in the winter. So from dec to march. Afterwards, I have been having a harder and harder time sleeping without something.
I retire in a few months and have been wondering if my insomnia will continue after retirement. I mean, if I can’t sleep at night, who cares, right? I can just sleep during the day to make it up, right?
Is this how it works?
Minute_Plastic_350@reddit
have u tried CBD? im a 4-5 hr a night during the weeknd and 7-8 on the weekends... work stuff hurts my sleep.. CBD def helps me