Sleep

[Leo]

Does anyone have any useful tips for sleep?

I seem to go from one extreme to the other. On really low days - the only way I can cope is by sleeping. It's never consistent, I can be awake all night, sleep for a few hours in the morning, shower and fall asleep on the couch again.

On the other hand it can go the opposite way - I fell asleep around 11.30 but woke at 2.30 and am awake. I had 4 hours sleep the night before but did not sleep during the day.

It feels like a vicious cycle, I'm sleep deprived so sleep more, then have over slept!

I have Zopiclone sleeping tablets that are usually effective at getting me to sleep, but will only let me keep or four hours. The last night I took them I didn't sleep at all.

[bookletters]

I know Leo, it's tough when you are at that stage where the meds aren't helping you enough to repair your sleep yet.
Go see your doc and have a word. I was prescribed "trazadone" (it is an old fashioned antidepressant which, when prescribed at a low dose, acts as a sleeping aid).
Have you tried relaxation CDs before bed?

[Catbrian]

I use Zolpidem, sleep tab.  Sometimes it works, other times it does very little.  Unfortunately it's one of the worst symptoms of depression.  Maybe you're too used to the Zopiclone, perhaps trying one of the others might help.  I find reading really helps, as well as sleeping in a different place in the house/flat.  I never drink coffee or tea after 6pm, or eat too many sweet things before bed.

I hope it improves for ya

[bookletters]

I too sleep in a different part of the house when I am depressed. I have in the past dragged my mattress in a different room and consider this is my "healing" cosy nest type of thing. I don't know why but it does help me.

[Leo]

I'm trying not to take the Zopiclone unless I really need them - I still have half a packet left. I was worried about dependancy. It is a really mild dose though.

I'm glad I'm not the only one - I fall asleep easier on the couch watching tv.

I am an avid reader but haven't been able to concentrate on a book recently. I will need to keep trying.

[bookletters]

I can't concentrate on books either while depressed!!
Sleep and mood are heavily, heavily linked....

[mat]

Zopiclone never did anything for me, i ended up using them to try and put me to sleep permanently.

Lucky tho I am on new meds and they are helping me with my sleep.

my tip would be to sleep in a complete dark room with no noise what so ever, lay on your back and close your eyes and take deep breaths in with your nose and exhale through your mouth and just relax !.

[Tacey]

Meditation has helped me a lot.  I actually don't intend to go to sleep, as I'm trying to be 'mindful'.  It's sod's law that you'll sleep when you don't want to!

[bookletters]

haah very true!