[SpaceCadet]

I've been having a horrible time falling asleep and staying asleep. I'm up at least 2-5 times throughout the night and its starting to take its toll on me. I usually wake up and start the whole going to sleep process over again; having a snack, reading and then falling back asleep. But, I'm back up again within an hour or two.

My psychiatrist prescribed me Trazodone, which I probably won't ever take again. It knocked me out, but I couldn't get my brain to wake up all day today. It brought back old symptoms from earlier in my recovery, and some new ones. I was having symptoms of delirium today and every time I stood up, I felt like I was going to black out.

I take Gabapentin before bed - that helps me fall asleep, but its not keeping me asleep throughout the night.

Has anyone tried Melatonin?

What other options do I have? I'd prefer not taking another sleep aid like Trazodone.

Thanks everyone,

Nick

[Shewarrior]

I have problems staying asleep when my pain level is high melatonin is cheap online and perfecty safe. For me, trazadone is what I need to stay sleep. Maybe your doc can give you a lesser dose of trazadone. It sounds like you're sensitive to meds so I'd give melatonin a try. I bought mine on puritan*edit*they have buy one get two free I think.
Hope this helps. Good luck to you.

Originally Posted by SpaceCadet

I've been having a horrible time falling asleep and staying asleep. I'm up at least 2-5 times throughout the night and its starting to take its toll on me. I usually wake up and start the whole going to sleep process over again; having a snack, reading and then falling back asleep. But, I'm back up again within an hour or two.

My psychiatrist prescribed me Trazodone, which I probably won't ever take again. It knocked me out, but I couldn't get my brain to wake up all day today. It brought back old symptoms from earlier in my recovery, and some new ones. I was having symptoms of delirium today and every time I stood up, I felt like I was going to black out.

I take Gabapentin before bed - that helps me fall asleep, but its not keeping me asleep throughout the night.

Has anyone tried Melatonin?

What other options do I have? I'd prefer not taking another sleep aid like Trazodone.

Thanks everyone,

Nick

[Mark in Idaho]

Melatonin is easy to find. You do not have to go online to get it. Many find it does not last. They get to sleep but do not stay asleep.

Do you have any sensations when you wake up?

Do you feel uncomfortable in any way?

[SpaceCadet]

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

Melatonin is easy to find. You do not have to go online to get it. Many find it does not last. They get to sleep but do not stay asleep.

Do you have any sensations when you wake up?

Do you feel uncomfortable in any way?

No, I just can't stay asleep. I have to go to sleep 10-12 hours before I need to wake up to make sure that I get a full 8 hours. I used to have mini-panic attacks while trying to fall asleep, but that's not the case anymore. I'm very comfortable in my bed, the house is so quiet you could hear a pin drop. I don't get it???

I'm usually very tired at the end of the day, too.

I took double the amount of Gabapentin that I normally take tonight. We'll see how that goes, I guess? I'm tired of not getting any sleep!!!

Nick

[HeadStrong]

Hi Nick,
Same boat here. Since the injury, it's like my brain has forgotten how to sleep. I can fall asleeep and alsdo wake up several time throughout the night.

I have been on nortriptyline , also tried Nyquil, herbal teas, and currently trying melatonin. So far it helps me fall asleep faster, but doesn't help me stay asleep. Even the Beta-Blocker I am on for Migraines, makes me very drowsy....but I can't seem to stay asleep.

I am not a caffeine person so that is not an issue, I have cut out Tv before bed, and still can't seem to sleep well. The doc is aware, but doesn't seemed overly concerned....so I can relate!

Someone mentioned hyper-arousal sleep disorder after injury? Check out this page in the tbi guide: http://www.tbiguide.com/sleepdisorders.html

Let us know if you find something that works for you.

[Klaus]

When I am stressed about something I tend to wake up far too early and struggle to get back to sleep, even if I'm not actively thinking about whatever is stressing me, it's like my general subconscious levels of stress are the problem. I wasn't very functional on little sleep even before my injury.

Things which reduce my stress also seem to help my sleep. A Mindfulness course I have been on has been the most help in that respect.

I also no longer drink any liquid after 8pm. That way when I wake up hopefully I can drift off again without needing to wake up properly to use the toilet, after which all is generally lost!

[concussionfromski]

Hi Nick,
I always have bad sleep and sometimes I have panic attack because I can't sleep. Do you have any experience struggling with panic attack? Thanks.

Originally Posted by SpaceCadet

No, I just can't stay asleep. I have to go to sleep 10-12 hours before I need to wake up to make sure that I get a full 8 hours. I used to have mini-panic attacks while trying to fall asleep, but that's not the case anymore. I'm very comfortable in my bed, the house is so quiet you could hear a pin drop. I don't get it???

I'm usually very tired at the end of the day, too.

I took double the amount of Gabapentin that I normally take tonight. We'll see how that goes, I guess? I'm tired of not getting any sleep!!!

Nick