Help...I havn't slept for 3 Days...?

Question

It's been like this for a couple months now. I don't sleep on a regular basis like everyone else. My biological clock is MESSED UP like no tommorow...I only sleep from as lil as half an hour to maybe 1 and a half if I'm lucky per day. I don't mind this lifestyle. An hour really is all I need to feel refreshed everyday but it did hit me if I continue this lifestyle in the long run my lifespan is seriously gonna be cut short a couple of decades due to all the side effects that come with it or so I've heard. Now I don't mind dying but part of me wants to live and die of old age, get married, and start a beautiful family. The Doctors won't give me any proper sleeping Medication yet until I see the Psychiatrist next week for fear out of depression( which I'm not, I'm a proud happy Hedonist :) ) But incase that doesn't work out so well does anyone have any tips on how to get a good nights sleep or how to act and behave in front of the psychiatrist? Any tips would be greatly Appreciated :)

Answer 1

I'm glad to hear you're going to see a psychiatrist. There are a couple of reasons you may have this problem, but I don't want to speculate - that's what the doctor is for! I'm writing to respond to your question about how to behave in front of the psychiatrist. You need to just be truthful! You wouldn't go to a doctor and purposely change the description of your symptoms, would you? That would change the diagnosis, and prevent appropriate treatment. I know there can be a general "paranoia" about seeing a psychiatrist, but truly, he or she can only help you if you tell them what's really going on. You probably have some medical reason for your insomnia, but even if it's a "mental or emotional" reason, medication and cognitive-behavior therapy can help. (Cognitive-behavior therapy simply means that you can learn to do things to help yourself. Most therapists don't "psych you out" with prolonged psychoanalysis that doesn't lead anywhere anymore.) And if you find that you don't like the way the psychiatrist responds to you, it's ok to try a different one (just like it's ok to try a different regular doctor). Good luck!

Answer 2

I'm not a medical practitioner, but I have lots of experience with mental health. I will eat my hat if your pdoc doesn't say that you are bipolar. You're on a high right now, but could cycle into a low at any time. This must be prevented.

All the psychiatrist is going to do is ask you to fill out some forms (Like rate from 1 to 10 how rested you feel when you wake up). Not hard at all. And then all he'll do is talk to you. Ask questions and listen to your answers. Very low key. Be yourself. Be as open and honest as you can be. Don't hide anything from him. He's just a guy. Don't be intimidated.

This disorder is highly treatable with medication and therapy. You have much to look forward to. Many bipolars (my son,17, included) control their illness, and go on to have normal lives. I wish that for you.

Debbie
TX mom

Answer 3

I periodically go in streaks where I can't sleep well for a coupld of nights in a row, even if I am super tired. My mind just stays wired about some upcoming event or life issue and nothing can get it out of my head. It helps me when I consistently get some good exercise, like a long walk after work, or keeping busy with home projects and hobbies. I do take melatonin once in a while, but I cut the tablets in half, otherwise I have strange dreams adn am still tired. In the long run, a consistent lack of sleep will put added stress on you and will hurt your health.

Answer 4

You need to comply with your doctor's wishes. There's no special way to "act" with the psychiatrist just be yourself and tell the doctor honestly how you feel. You should also be very open about any recreational drug use.

Although you describe yourself as a "happy hedonist" it doesn't automatically mean you can't be depressed. A lot of people have depression without being aware of it, and a lot of others are in denial.

It's also possible that you have other psychiatric issues such as hypomania, drug abuse, or maybe it's purely a sleep disorder.

Answer 5

I've got this as well. Only sleep one out of four nights although I may drift off during the day. Basically, I am on hyper-vigilant danger alert after an attack on me. Eventually, I become too tired and fall asleep at inappropriate moments. Does not help that I have got an permanent headache as I was bashed on the bonce three weeks ago.
These are mental health patients in the community that are causing me all this grief.

Answer 6

Melatonin is an herbal sleep aid that is not addictive. I take it quiet often. Take one with a glass of water, get in the bed and dim the lights and it should help within 30 minutes or so

Answer 7

it is very important that you see the psychiatrist if not just for the sole purpose of getting the sleep medication. after 12 days without sleep is extremley dangerous, lack of sleep beyond that can be deadly. What i have found works for my mild insomnia (its not nearly as bad as yours is) is a hard excersize just to get a few hours of sleep at night. It seems to work very well for me. I hope what i said helped. good luck.

Answer 8

I am on 900 mg of seriquil for this reason, I don't need sleep and then you wish you could sleep so bad but alcohol don't work. just get over to a place that has mental disorder screening and get some meds.

Answer 9

a good friend of mine had that problem. You might be having a disorder where you just stop breathing every 8 minutes. Do you toss and turn all night? I strongly suggest a sleep test.

Answer 10

I suggest a hot bath and candal light and pray or meditate. Sleepytime Tea. Or Bedtime tea. Melatonan. Read. Stop drinking coffee or any caffine.