by GaryM » Wed Aug 10, 2011 10:46 pm
I have a suggestion. Try cooling your pillow. I wrap two large cool packs (available at most drug stores) in a towel and put the package inside the pillow case. It is cool, but not cold. It should not be uncomfortable. If it is too cold, put an extra layer of towel between the cool pack and your head. If it is not cool enough, partially unwrap the towel so there is only one layer of material between your head and the cool pack. Perhaps a thinner or thicker towel should be used.
I have had chronic insomnia for over 15 years. The doctors can't even do a sleep study because I don't fall asleep. I have been prescribed all sorts of drugs, including anti-depressants, and they don't work. The CPAP makes the problem worse. The cool pillow is the first thing that really helped me. If you find this helps, there are all sorts of pillows with cold packs designed to fit inside the padding. I have not tried them yet, but they are not very expensive. Try the cheap cool pack first. You can get it tonight.
Good luck. I completely sympathize. My typical night was 5 hours of sleep. There have been periods of a week or two of only an hour per night. I am functional during those periods. I was too confused to fill a glass of water. I have been getting 7 and sometimes 8 hours of sleep with the cool pillow. I am a new man! I'm not a doctor, just an engineer. I wish you well, and hope this works for you.
Gary M