Comments on: Insomnia and depression http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/30/insomnia-and-depression/ Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:13:33 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: gabriel_g http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/30/insomnia-and-depression/#comment-3083 gabriel_g Wed, 27 Aug 2008 06:38:47 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-3083 another thing, the cost of insomnia is still not truly appreciated, constant lack of sleep wears down the immune system and makes it more likely you'll get chronic disorders such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, post viral illnesses etc etc.. a famous doctor in the 1920's who had some success with insomnia said that 'insomnia is like a vampire that drains you of your vitality when awake and peace when trying to sleep, it is more responsible for suicide or reckless/dangerous behaviour leading to death than it's related disorders [eg depression]' another thing, the cost of insomnia is still not truly appreciated, constant lack of sleep wears down the immune system and makes it more likely you'll get chronic disorders such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, post viral illnesses etc etc.. a famous doctor in the 1920's who had some success with insomnia said that 'insomnia is like a vampire that drains you of your vitality when awake and peace when trying to sleep, it is more responsible for suicide or reckless/dangerous behaviour leading to death than it's related disorders [eg depression]'

]]> By: gabriel_g http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/30/insomnia-and-depression/#comment-3082 gabriel_g Wed, 27 Aug 2008 06:32:21 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-3082 I have suffered from severe-chronic insomnia all my life, have a history of severe depression-anxiety, a 'chicken an egg' case i believe..every night i wake at around 2 am, take something to make me drowsy, sleep until 4, then wake again and nothing will get me to sleep..weird thing is recently have relaxed and overcome depressive feelings about this problem ..I believe in such cases the brain is switched on to HIGH AROUSAL, possibly due to excess cortisol (stress hormone which is dissolved by sleep itself) and even curing the anxiety and depression, which i have done recently doesn't stop the insomnia...to be honest it wears me down and think if it continues i will not be able to cope, Heath Ledger, Marilyn Monroe etc etc..all died as a result of bad insomnia and desperately trying to overcome it with a combination of med's..hope i don't go the same way. I have suffered from severe-chronic insomnia all my life, have a history of severe depression-anxiety, a 'chicken an egg' case i believe..every night i wake at around 2 am, take something to make me drowsy, sleep until 4, then wake again and nothing will get me to sleep..weird thing is recently have relaxed and overcome depressive feelings about this problem ..I believe in such cases the brain is switched on to HIGH AROUSAL, possibly due to excess cortisol (stress hormone which is dissolved by sleep itself) and even curing the anxiety and depression, which i have done recently doesn't stop the insomnia...to be honest it wears me down and think if it continues i will not be able to cope, Heath Ledger, Marilyn Monroe etc etc..all died as a result of bad insomnia and desperately trying to overcome it with a combination of med's..hope i don't go the same way.

]]> By: janet http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/30/insomnia-and-depression/#comment-959 janet Wed, 14 May 2008 15:10:52 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-959 I find when I cannot sleep that praying and concentrating on the words rather then just repeating them by memory can be very helpful. You might also want to try a CD with sound effects to aid in sleep or a childrens lullaby CD with soothing music. I also have a room air cleaner and the drooning sound of that is helpful... I have not had a problem sleeping in many years except ocassionaly. But I do remember as a younger women not being able to sleep due to bills I could not pay, and bill collectors calling constantly. Bankruptsy cured that. God Bless I find when I cannot sleep that praying and concentrating on the words rather then just repeating them by memory can be very helpful. You might also want to try a CD with sound effects to aid in sleep or a childrens lullaby CD with soothing music. I also have a room air cleaner and the drooning sound of that is helpful... I have not had a problem sleeping in many years except ocassionaly. But I do remember as a younger women not being able to sleep due to bills I could not pay, and bill collectors calling constantly. Bankruptsy cured that. God Bless

]]> By: Katy http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/30/insomnia-and-depression/#comment-840 Katy Wed, 07 May 2008 07:54:03 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-840 Incidentally, I also use a homeopathic OTC product called Calms that helps turn down the volume inside my head, for anyone who needs a non-doctor's-office-visit solution. Anywhere vitamins are sold. Incidentally, I also use a homeopathic OTC product called Calms that helps turn down the volume inside my head, for anyone who needs a non-doctor's-office-visit solution. Anywhere vitamins are sold.

]]> By: Katy http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/30/insomnia-and-depression/#comment-839 Katy Wed, 07 May 2008 07:49:32 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-839 I've always been a light sleeper, and I usually sleep with a fan on to smooth out the noise bumps: a creak in the floorboard, a tire screech, a neighbor's phone ringing. Most often I used earplugs. I was diagnosed with severe depression a number of years ago. But it was only recently I was prescribed Trazadone (100mg). It made me sleep "hard" and I was uncomfortable with it at first. But the doctor insisted I try it a little longer, and soon I was not waking up every couple of hours, or starting at every little noise, but I was sleeping a full night's sleep every night. And the more uninterrupted, quality sleep I got, the better I felt. Imagine that. Now I get it: sleep, is truly a " balm of hurt minds" as the Bard so rightly put it. And as for the possible addiction: I'll gladly trade that nightly horror for this addiction, because I've found that I'm really mostly addicted to a good night's sleep. If you have asthma and you can't breathe, would you stop using your inhaler because you might become addicted? I've always been a light sleeper, and I usually sleep with a fan on to smooth out the noise bumps: a creak in the floorboard, a tire screech, a neighbor's phone ringing. Most often I used earplugs. I was diagnosed with severe depression a number of years ago. But it was only recently I was prescribed Trazadone (100mg). It made me sleep "hard" and I was uncomfortable with it at first. But the doctor insisted I try it a little longer, and soon I was not waking up every couple of hours, or starting at every little noise, but I was sleeping a full night's sleep every night. And the more uninterrupted, quality sleep I got, the better I felt. Imagine that. Now I get it: sleep, is truly a " balm of hurt minds" as the Bard so rightly put it. And as for the possible addiction: I'll gladly trade that nightly horror for this addiction, because I've found that I'm really mostly addicted to a good night's sleep. If you have asthma and you can't breathe, would you stop using your inhaler because you might become addicted?

]]> By: Melissa Myers http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/30/insomnia-and-depression/#comment-835 Melissa Myers Tue, 06 May 2008 21:54:02 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-835 I first experienced insomnia as an 18 year old. I had gone away to college and after about three months just quit being able to sleep. I suffered severe insomnia (sleeping 1 night in 4) for about three weeks. My parents decided I needed to come home, and that really helped me. I switched to a local community college, was much happier, and my normal sleeping patterns resumed. I then experienced the same problem four years later when I graduated college. I suffered for three months before I was put on Serzone, which literally got me back sleeping and feeling good within one week. Now I am a 34 year old, and have been experiencing insomnia and anxiety again for the past two years, mostly due to many changes in my life.....marriage....moving across country twice.....two new jobs, etc. With all of these experiences I have learned that change is extremely difficult for me. When I am anxious about upcoming change, or unhappy, I quit sleeping. It's tough. I've always wished I was one of those people who thrive on change, but I don't, and I probably never will. I have seen a therapist and taken ambien. They both help me a great deal. I first experienced insomnia as an 18 year old. I had gone away to college and after about three months just quit being able to sleep. I suffered severe insomnia (sleeping 1 night in 4) for about three weeks. My parents decided I needed to come home, and that really helped me. I switched to a local community college, was much happier, and my normal sleeping patterns resumed. I then experienced the same problem four years later when I graduated college. I suffered for three months before I was put on Serzone, which literally got me back sleeping and feeling good within one week. Now I am a 34 year old, and have been experiencing insomnia and anxiety again for the past two years, mostly due to many changes in my life.....marriage....moving across country twice.....two new jobs, etc. With all of these experiences I have learned that change is extremely difficult for me. When I am anxious about upcoming change, or unhappy, I quit sleeping. It's tough. I've always wished I was one of those people who thrive on change, but I don't, and I probably never will. I have seen a therapist and taken ambien. They both help me a great deal.

]]> By: Kristine http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/30/insomnia-and-depression/#comment-832 Kristine Tue, 06 May 2008 20:32:42 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-832 I found out about 15 years ago that I have a sleep disorder, and it's a layered disorder. I went to all sorts of people, tried all sorts of drugs, and ultimately learned that drugs are no cure. I think a lot of people miss this. Most of the time our reasons for not being able to sleep are psychological in nature--whether it be anxiety, depression.....a person needs to learn to adequately cope and deal with things. I am a shining example that this is true, and the more stories I hear from frustrated people who are looking for the magic drug (that goes for depression as well) the more frustrated I feel for them. It's worth a little emotional pain to get a good night's sleep. TRUST me. And if the issues are anxiety/depression, a medical doctor will not have the expertise to prescribe correctly. Don't do that to your body. Go to someone who understands psychology as WELL as medical. I found out about 15 years ago that I have a sleep disorder, and it's a layered disorder. I went to all sorts of people, tried all sorts of drugs, and ultimately learned that drugs are no cure. I think a lot of people miss this. Most of the time our reasons for not being able to sleep are psychological in nature–whether it be anxiety, depression.....a person needs to learn to adequately cope and deal with things. I am a shining example that this is true, and the more stories I hear from frustrated people who are looking for the magic drug (that goes for depression as well) the more frustrated I feel for them. It's worth a little emotional pain to get a good night's sleep. TRUST me. And if the issues are anxiety/depression, a medical doctor will not have the expertise to prescribe correctly. Don't do that to your body. Go to someone who understands psychology as WELL as medical.

]]> By: Joanne, Edmonton Alberta http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/30/insomnia-and-depression/#comment-823 Joanne, Edmonton Alberta Mon, 05 May 2008 21:49:28 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-823 I've suffered from depression and insomnia for years, and have been on a whole lot of anti-depressants. However, they just seemed to mask the symptoms. I finally found a really good psychiatrist who specializes in talk therapy. It's taking a long time, but things are starting to come around, and best of all I've been off all medication for well over a year now! Yes, sometimes meds are appropriate, but sometimes the hard (and long) work of slogging through your issues with a professional can get rid of, not mask, the problem. I've suffered from depression and insomnia for years, and have been on a whole lot of anti-depressants. However, they just seemed to mask the symptoms. I finally found a really good psychiatrist who specializes in talk therapy. It's taking a long time, but things are starting to come around, and best of all I've been off all medication for well over a year now! Yes, sometimes meds are appropriate, but sometimes the hard (and long) work of slogging through your issues with a professional can get rid of, not mask, the problem.

]]> By: Stephanie http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/30/insomnia-and-depression/#comment-799 Stephanie Sat, 03 May 2008 15:48:54 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-799 I used to be someone who could sleep easily, even though I had a history of depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Then I took a very stressful, sometimes dangerous job, that left me unable to fall asleep. I tried a variety of natural things, such as meditation, exercise, avoiding caffeine, and proper sleep hygiene. Nothing worked. So I tried Ambien, and would wake up after 2 hours. I would lay down exhausted, but my brain just would not shut off. I also tried Seroquel, but it left me feeling groggy and made me exceptionally hungry. I quit the job, but months later, the insomnia persists. Presently, I'm taking 100 mg of Trazodone and 0.75 mg of lorazepam every night. Most nights I can fall asleep, but some nights not. It is my goal to taper off the meds and eventually sleep on my own, but I can see that it's going to be a slow process. People who have never experienced weeks on 2 hours/night of sleep have no idea how awful and debilitating insomnia can be. I hate the recommendations for a warm bath and herbal tea. They have no idea how lousy this advice is for someone with insomnia. I used to be someone who could sleep easily, even though I had a history of depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Then I took a very stressful, sometimes dangerous job, that left me unable to fall asleep. I tried a variety of natural things, such as meditation, exercise, avoiding caffeine, and proper sleep hygiene. Nothing worked. So I tried Ambien, and would wake up after 2 hours. I would lay down exhausted, but my brain just would not shut off. I also tried Seroquel, but it left me feeling groggy and made me exceptionally hungry. I quit the job, but months later, the insomnia persists. Presently, I'm taking 100 mg of Trazodone and 0.75 mg of lorazepam every night. Most nights I can fall asleep, but some nights not. It is my goal to taper off the meds and eventually sleep on my own, but I can see that it's going to be a slow process. People who have never experienced weeks on 2 hours/night of sleep have no idea how awful and debilitating insomnia can be. I hate the recommendations for a warm bath and herbal tea. They have no idea how lousy this advice is for someone with insomnia.

]]> By: Joanne Ciccone http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/30/insomnia-and-depression/#comment-798 Joanne Ciccone Sat, 03 May 2008 11:13:59 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-798 insomnia hasbeen a part of me for a very long time. My first bouts of insomnia started when I was in the 8th grade (I am almost 60 now). It started out of nowhere. Suddenly I just couldn't sleep. I was awake till 2 or 3 am. 'we had a large volume of 1000 short stories and I distinctly remember going through that book figures why waste time if i just couldn't sleep. I have very fond memories of that anthology, but not of the insomnia or of falling asleep the next day during home economic class. I gradually worked out of that insomnia period, but it started to reassert itself as I gave birth to two sons. I supposed, being a mother and always being on alert to their noises influenced my quality of sleep then. My sons have been on their own for quite a while now, but this persistent insomnia still visits me most nights. I have taken various sleep medicines, including Trazadone, until just this week. I also am allowed to take Ambien every night although I try not to unless total sleeplessness sets in. I have come off Trazadone after taking it for years as it hasn't seemed to work for so long. I have always been a very light sleeper and wonder if just being aware of so many low noises around me (that lots of people wouldn't notice) has contributed to my sleeplessness. My hearing test shows that i am super sensitive to low level pitch noises. Of interest is that three years ago my husband and i flew across country from Virginia to Los Angeles to help drive our son and his college stuff cross country from LA to Virginia. In that 17 day trip I slept so much. I would go to bed around 8 PM and nap during the day in the cozy back seat of our car. I had no sleep troubles on this trip. I wonder if the total lack of any responsibilities during this cross country trip allowed my body and mind to relax to the point where sleep was desired and easy to obtain. To sum it up: Maybe our constant daily responsibilities, whether real or perceived, on a long term basis puts our mind in a constant groove (like an old LP record) of perpetual sleeplessness. To be able to get back to "sleeping like a baby", we need to find a way to make a new mind grove in our brain. insomnia hasbeen a part of me for a very long time. My first bouts of insomnia started when I was in the 8th grade (I am almost 60 now). It started out of nowhere. Suddenly I just couldn't sleep. I was awake till 2 or 3 am. 'we had a large volume of 1000 short stories and I distinctly remember going through that book figures why waste time if i just couldn't sleep. I have very fond memories of that anthology, but not of the insomnia or of falling asleep the next day during home economic class.

I gradually worked out of that insomnia period, but it started to reassert itself as I gave birth to two sons. I supposed, being a mother and always being on alert to their noises influenced my quality of sleep then.

My sons have been on their own for quite a while now, but this persistent insomnia still visits me most nights. I have taken various sleep medicines, including Trazadone, until just this week. I also am allowed to take Ambien every night although I try not to unless total sleeplessness sets in. I have come off Trazadone after taking it for years as it hasn't seemed to work for so long.

I have always been a very light sleeper and wonder if just being aware of so many low noises around me (that lots of people wouldn't notice) has contributed to my sleeplessness. My hearing test shows that i am super sensitive to low level pitch noises.

Of interest is that three years ago my husband and i flew across country from Virginia to Los Angeles to help drive our son and his college stuff cross country from LA to Virginia. In that 17 day trip I slept so much. I would go to bed around 8 PM and nap during the day in the cozy back seat of our car. I had no sleep troubles on this trip.

I wonder if the total lack of any responsibilities during this cross country trip allowed my body and mind to relax to the point where sleep was desired and easy to obtain.

To sum it up: Maybe our constant daily responsibilities, whether real or perceived, on a long term basis puts our mind in a constant groove (like an old LP record) of perpetual sleeplessness. To be able to get back to "sleeping like a baby", we need to find a way to make a new mind grove in our brain.

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