Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling or staying asleep, or the complaint of unrestorative/unrefreshing sleep. Most people experience short-term insomnia from time to time, but when insomnia lasts for more than several weeks, it is considered chronic and should be evaluated by a physician. I...
I had horrible, chronic insomnia. The sleep study did not show sleep apnea. I have bipolar 1 & had problems w/hypo mania episodes becoming the result of no sleeping. I was put on sedating meds (Trazodone & Klonopin but refused to take any Seroquel due to weight concerns). These meds didn't help w/the insomnia, but finally I went through EMDR therapy & after the 4th session, I was SO TIRED & seemed to sleep for several days. I got worried about if I would ever wake up, but after a couple weeks of being really tired I got into the habit of sleeping regularly at night & was able to discontinue the sedating meds.
Unfortunately, I'm having severe back pain that is preventing my sleeping very well now (despite pain medication) & will probably have to have surgery within the next month. Seen a neurosurgeon, pain management doc & next week see an orthopedic surgeon.