Inability to fall & stay asleep

Hello everyone, I'll try to make this short and as clear as possible.

This is the first time posting here and the first time I'm bringing up this issue anywhere (haven't seen a doctor yet) , this has been happening on and off for the past few years, although it has intensified lately, leading me to bring up the subject and solve it before it causes me any more trouble.

I have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, I often mix up my sleeping pattern although it's totally not on purpose, it all comes from my inability to fall asleep. For me to keep a steady sleeping pattern is nearly impossible because even if I do fall asleep and wake up at "normal" hours for a week or so, there will be one day that I won't be able to get to sleep for no apparent reason and there it goes again.
Since I hate waking up when it's almost time for bed, every time I have the chance I try to fix my sleeping pattern, but here's where the problem gets slightly complicated - I try to fix it but it's just a wasted effort, I end up not sleeping for 1/2 days or going a full week with only 1/2 hours of sleep a day, also whenever I'm laying down in bed trying to rest, the only thing that comes to my mind is worry, I worry about not being able to fall asleep and eventually end up crazy somehow or even worse... then, when I finally fall asleep, I can only stay asleep for about an hour or two, needless to say that I'm not able to fall asleep after that.

Do keep in mind that this is not an everyday issue, it happens occasionally but since it has been occurring more often lately, I just want to hear someone's opinion on it and perhaps get a few hints on how to solve this issue.

[ Since I know this is going to be asked anyways, these are things I do that could be related to the issue ]

- I take Ritalin for my ADD, although I avoid it when these things start happening

- I do drink coffee, but not enough to cause this (1/2 mugs a day)

- I've "changed" my diet about a year or two ago, I was all about eating healthy and lately not only do I not stick to the healthy things, I tend to abuse on junk food

- I read somewhere that allergies were often related to insomnia, I have severe allergies that keep me from breathing properly along with some other minor symptoms that put together can be quite disturbing, but I cannot do anything about this

- I am extremely anxious, always have been and have seen many professionals over the years but it's just a thing I have to deal with, also I don't feel anxious whenever these insomnia "periods" strike, I only end up feeling anxious when I go for long enough without sleep and start panicking about it


[ Things I have tried to do to fix this ]

- Benzos, they used to work but not anymore, which also leads me to think it's not related to anxiety

- Melatonin, it just doesn't work, even though a friend of mine says it's "impossible not to work" , apparently it is

- Several types of music to fall asleep, some of them seem to make me feel slightly sleepy but not enough to actually fall asleep

- Eating enough before going to bed


Sorry for making the thread this long, I just couldn't find a way to make it smaller

Hi artik3z,

My problem with insomnia is very similar to your although I experience this every night and it has being going on for the past 8 months. I average 3 hours a night and on some night 0 hours. I feel that the problem is rooted in anxiety over getting no sleep itself - I have tried sleeping tablets like Zopiclone, Amitripteline and herbal remedies - none work. I believe that this is because the problem is rooted within my mind.

The more I worry about sleep, the more I try to define the problem and find solutions to it, which creates more anxiety. I seem to be stuck in a mind game where finding a solution to my disorder does nothing but make it worse; but I cannot stop worrying about it until it is better. I simply cannot let go of the worries that coexist whilst I am going through this terrible period.

I am only 22 years old and am going travelling in June for 3 months, I am usually an upbeat person but am currently feeling very desperate for sleep and down. The travelling situation is making me more anxious because I tell myself "I must sleep by then", making it worse. I used to think that doing certain things like going for a jog or having a herbal tea will help me, but now I know I am stuck until my mind lets go.

I am seeing a hypnotherapist who is helping me to look at some of the mind issues and to relax. I feel as though this is going on forever and just want to get on with enjoying my life.