I go thru bouts of not being able to sleep, but this has been going on since a week ago Sunday. I mean no sleep at all and it is taking a mental and physical toll. My doctor is out due a death in the family. I have tried tylenol p.m., benedryl, nyquil anything to make me groggy. No help. Any self help remedies out there or should I go to the emergency room if this keeps up ?.It has gotten to the point that my joints and muscles are hurting.
2007-10-09 10:34:25 · 5 answers · asked by vivib 6 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Hmmmm...well of course you will want to check with your Doc...(doesn't he/she have someone else on call?). But some basic suggestions in the meantime. First of all you will not perish from lack of sleep, no matter what anyone tells you. You may feel like crap, be crabby and worried and other symptoms...but if it's only been going on for a week or so..just try and relax about it a bit! I used to have much worse episodes of not sleeping for a much longer time than you ...but eventually got a few hours here and there etc. Stress was a cause (plus worrying about NOT SLEEPING), a lousy diet and no real exercise. I started eating better, took some B Vitamins daily in the form of a 'green drink' and started adding more calcium to my diet...(try taking some calcium after dinner for now) pills (usually calcium/magnesium together) or yogurt or food high in calcium. A calcium deficiency can cause sleep disruptions..as can many other food/vitamin deficiencies. Especially if stress is adding to it all! Then you are draining even more from your body. Many health food stores also carry the essential oil - Lavender...also soothing and relaxing to the body, for many can help with sleep...take a warm bath and drop some lavender into the bath..8 drops or so.
Time to boost yourself up a bit, take time to 'rest' whenever you can and start telling yourself it's ok just to 'rest' even if you are not sleeping. Check with your doctor when you can get to him or her...but in the meantime try to distract yourself.
Also..joint and muscle pain is not normally a symptom of sleep deprivation...more of a sign of a poor diet. I'd start doing some reading on proper nutrition if you are awake at night! :o) Teasing a bit there...but it will get better...I promise.
2007-10-09 10:58:46 · answer #1 · answered by katrina 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sleep is vital for restoration, so it's no wonder your body is aching. Although generally it's not advised- try taking naps to recuperate (if you can).
Also try meditation- it's great for two reasons- it can help you relax mentally and physically, and breathing deeply is great. your body will appreciate the extra oxygen.
Also ensure that you are eating well- lots of fruit, veg and wholegrain. Your body will need the extra nutrition and energy. Take a strong multivitamin to top up your diet as well. Drink plenty of water- aim for 10 glasses a day, more if you can.
Avoid sleep meds if you can- in the long run they will do more harm than good. Visit http://www.howtobeatinsomnia.com/main.html for more information on how to deal with insomnia.
2007-10-13 04:45:17 · answer #2 · answered by Nightstar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Insomnia can be caused by stress, anxiety, illness or even medication you may be taking. And yes, the side effects of Insomnia can be very serious and should not be ignored. There are some good resources out there that can help. Try to stay away from the drugs. They can become addicting and really only provide short term relief. Try some stress reducing activities like Yoga or Meditation. Good Luck!
2007-10-11 04:51:05 · answer #3 · answered by oilman11977 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sleeping well either Viv. How can you go without any sleep ?? For days ?? Surly you are getting a cat nap in here & there.
I have a lot of things on my mind. I have no trouble going to sleep, just can't stay asleep. When I sleep then, it's more like with one eye open, real light sleep.
Like me to try relaxing an hr. or so before bedtime. Try to get low key, wind down, close your eyes & meditate. Clear the plate for the day. Like Scarlet said in "Gone With the Wind" "I'll worry about that tomorrow." and perhaps tomorrow it will have taken care of itself. Good luck girlfriend ~~~~jill
2007-10-09 11:40:25 · answer #4 · answered by Jill ❤'s U.S.A 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take drugs. That's what my doctor told me quite a few times, and I am not joking. You think he's a Liberal?
Yes, he meant prescribed drugs.
2007-10-09 18:27:54 · answer #5 · answered by xenypoo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋