Early A.M. insomnia
Question:
For over a year now I have been waking after getting only 4-5 hours of sleep. My doctor suggested that this could be a syptom of depression. I have tried several anti-depressants (serzone, prozac among others), so far to no avail. Lately I have been taking clonazepam which helps somewhat but I know is not the longtime answer. I am currently seeing a doctor at a sleep clinic who has suggested a sleep restriction procedure. No help yet. Any suggestions? Kyle.
Response:
Kyle: Have you tried good sleep habits? Also, if you have sleep problems for a year you should have a sleep test. Have you had one? It will help determine the kind of sleep you are geeting and why you are waking up. Sleep restriction shoud help you sleep better but you may still wake up early if, for exaple, you have apnea, periodic limb ovement or abnormal sleep cycles. On the other hand, if you feel fine during the day it does not matter that you sleep only 4-5 hours. Good luck, Carlos – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->For over a year now I have been waking after getting only 4-5 hours of >sleep. My doctor suggested that this could be a syptom of depression. I >have tried several anti-depressants (serzone, prozac among others), so far >to no avail. Lately I have been taking clonazepam which helps somewhat >but I know is not the longtime answer. I am currently seeing a doctor at >a sleep clinic who has suggested a sleep restriction procedure. No help >yet. Any suggestions? Kyle.
Response:
I have had a similar problem for over 2 yrs. I also have taken many different kind of anti-depressants without luck Just recently they took me off the anti-depressant and gave me BuSpar. I’m almost afaid to say it but I think it’s working. It’s an anti-anxiety medicine. But maybe you do not have anxiety. Sleeping problems are a symptom but of course that goes for depression, thyroid and lots of other things. I only offer it as a suggestion to you. You might also try a low dose of Melatonin-available in the health food store and on the nights when you just have to sleep liquid benadryl helps without leaving you feeling hung over. Good luck to you. Melody
