New member - hi - insomnia issues

Hey guys,

So, my name is Johnathan. Glad to join some support forum. Hopefully I can learn from some people here and they can learn from me as well.

I'm a 21 year old college student and I've never dealt with insomnia before. However, this summer break (between my Junior and Senior year) is really taking a toll on me. I've had a few days here and there of sleepless nights where I'd lay in bed til 6,7, or even 8am and then only get 3-5 hours of sleep. But, lately, it's gotten much worse. 2 weeks ago I was only sleeping like 4 hours a night for a week...and then the next week I slept 5 or 6, but now it's back again.

First, let me say that I normally require 6-6.5 hours to feel at my best. Anything over that it just overkill...not even necessary. I feel brain fogged over 7hours.

These past 4 days have been crucial. I've been falling asleep around 2-3 in the morning, sleeping 2-4 hours, and then sleeping but waking up every single hour after. Sometimes I'm not sure if I was thinking or if I was actually dreaming during that time. I know I'm getting sleep, but it isn't much. I guess this is what they call insomnia.

I have a fear of sleep. Well, I had. If i do now, it is sub-conscious because all I want now is rest so I can feel better again. Sometimes, with this lack of sleep, i feel high or lightheaded. And, I suppose I should say I do not do drugs but I do drink about 6-7 beers daily, an unfortunate method to cope with anxiety.

My fears are that with 2-4, sometimes 5 or even 6 (but only after days of poor sleep), i'll end up hallucinating, going insane, or passing out for like 16 hours. I don't want to sleep for 16 hours...8 is too much as it is. I'm still functioning, but it's hard. A lot of people hear deal with insomnia, so can you tell me if 2-5 hours will make me hallucinate, go insane, or pass out for more than 8 hours without even an alarm able to wake me up? I always set alarms just in case. I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and possible even Depression at this point.

Sorry if some of my post seems to be rambling, I'm just really tired and need to vent and get some support. I have a very stressful home life as I live with my parents to finish school and my mother is extremely abusive to my emotions.

Thanks in advance for your time and advice. Any personal stories would most certainly help as well.

Hi,
My insomnia started in college (1976). It slowly became worse over time and is has been very debilitating. Let me provide some suggestions of things that worked for me and some that did not.
There are the usual suggestions of creating a strict ritual of bedtime. There is common sense things -no coffee before bed. Don't watch TV or use the computer late in the evening as the light will tell your brain that it is daytime and not bedtime. Try getting a mask for your eyes to block extraneous light in the room. If your home is noisy, get ear plugs.
The temperature of the room can be important. Generally, making the room cooler can help, but maybe hot is better for you. Experiment.
Try meditation -empty your mind by chanting or focusing on an image. There are some very nice eastern mandalas that make for a good focal point. I play a little guitar (not well), but that helped me relax.
Exercise often helps. Jogging is a cheap hobby, and good way to stay in shape. Bicycling or weight lifting is also good. There are lots of options here. Pick something that suits you. This will allow you to relax and take your mind off what you do not realize is bothering you.
Not enough? That's what I thought. It was not enough for me either, but these thing do help. Chamomile tea helps a little. I take a cup every night. In 1996, I started taking melatonin. It was great for about 6 years then stopped working entirely. I tried Ambien, but it did nothing. It does help some people. Lunesta was effective for about 6 years then quit working. There are a lot of herbal mixtures I have tried including Valerian root, passion flower, coffee cruda, and more. They might help a little, but keep reading about them. Some are not good for long term use. After a particular herb has been used for several years, people start getting sick and then a paper is published. Watch for it.
Right now, I am sleeping on a cooled pillow. That really helps me, but you would have to try it to see if it helps you. There is a cooled pillow post in this forum.
Getting through the day with not enough sleep takes an overly macho attitude: no excuses. There are things I need to do, and it is going to be painful all day, but I will get things done. There have been days when I can't drive because I am too tired, but I can do laundry and operate the vacuum. Chronically feeling hopeless and helpless is the path to depression. Fight it. Get something done. Be proud of everything you accomplish in spite of the fatigue, confusion, and forgetfulness. You made dinner? Good job! I know how tough that can be.

GaryM