Drink & sleep

General health and lifestyle
1

Its simple someone once said "have a drink it will relax you and help you sleep" so I did and it worked, but now I cant sleep without drinking, I am able to physically not drink, I just cannot sleep. I dont want sleeping pills, and I have tried meditation and all sorts, changed sleep routine. I just cant drop off... advise?

2

I am just the same, Mark, so I will look forward to any advice anyone can give.

Pat

3

Hi Pat,

thanks for being honest. I absolutely hate it, I dont even like the taste. its a drug like all the others but I know it makes me feel really bad in the morning, I have tried all the yoga, medatation, listing to sleep cds....not drinking cafine....

4

I also fell into that trap, it took me about 6 weeks after I stoped drinking to be able to fall asleep on my own. I am not good with sleeping pills. I used a 12 hour release gravol, the only problem was after about 4 days it didn't work as well and would have a couple of day's were I didnt get much sleep but at least it helped me through the rough spots

5

One of my worst fears is to have to go to bed and lay there, with my thoughts going round and round in my head.  Oh how I wish I had a switch to just turn myself off.  I guess that is what the alcohol does...it switches me and my unwanted thoughts off.

I have no desire at all to drink during the day and never before 8pm in the evening, but it has to be every evening or I am in total panic.

I wouldn't wish this on anybody....but I have to say Mark, that it's good to know I am not the only one with this problem.

Thank you for posting.

Pat.

6

I am exactly the same, I am the guy at the bar with a apple juice. They say you should deal with whats going round in your head, but sometimes that not possible. I am desperately tired,

7

so when u say "fally alseep on your own" is that when u used the gravol ?

8

yes with out alcohol I had alot of trouble falling asleep on my own.

The grvol did help, I know its still medicatiion but not as harsh as sleeping pills

 

9

yes I think its the same as Nitol

10

Have you tried Nitol, Mark?

11

gravol is for upset tummy but it has a sleeing aid in it... I have used nytol as well.... what ever get's you through it sleep is so important 

12

yes

13

I would do anything to get a decent nights sleep, its been over 6 months. Nitol doesnt seem to do much, I just end up at 2am frustrated, so the next night its easier to have a drink but it effects me the next day so much.

14

try using Valerian - i had serious problems sleeping when i gave up drinking - i found Valerian really good - it's non-addictive - no after effects the following morning -

15

I think it conflicts with another med I take, but I will check

16

how much did u take and how long before bed, did it actually make u sleepy as thats the issue I have.

17

yea

18

Same here

19

I've been reading the posts you guys have written with interest. My problem is similar in as much as I used to dread a sleepless night purely because of how it would affect my ability to work the next day, rather than just having a sleepless night...which in itself is not that big a deal. My GP understood this and, cos I worked in the health field, he prescribed some Zopiclone which did the trick, even though, as a hypnotic, I still had to relax and want to sleep. Yes, there was a "hangover" with it but as I was used to hangovers it wasn't much of a problem. Sure, it's a "drug" but so what?? If you have a headache you take an aspirin..If you get an infection you take an antibiotic..Humans have used drugs for thousands of years..Every medievil village had an old woman/man wise in the uses of plants, roots, barks and leaves who would make up potions and poultices and the like , animals use them!  I fail to see the difference. Sometimes our brains are restless and distracted..maybe we know why or maybe we don't but unless there's a pressing need for alertness next day perhaps a sleepless night is just what our brains need. Worrying about it can only make it self-perpetuating. Don't wanna take drugs? Fine. Don't, but you're ignoring the obvious. Maybe there's a reason for your sleeplessness? Maybe you're supposed to be thinking about difficult things alone in the darkness with yourself and your thoughts before sleep comes..Perhaps to accept that is to acknowledge that that's how a lot of problem solving works. In the morning a solution or other way of thinking often presents itself. Yoga works in much the same way..allowing the mind to work while you're busy doing other things or meditating. Indirect cognition is an important thing...Oh, and sleep cd's an' the like only serve to distract.... if you're listening to something it's for sure you're not giving your mind the peace it needs. Have a sleepless night now and again and accept it..for sure you'll get more rest than you think you've had.

PS..Not used Zopiclone for years now, it served it's purpose.

20

HI Mark. News to me since I drop off within 4 mins. Is it stress related perhaps or your mind is simply in overdrive constantly and you can defuse it?? You already tried meditation which should normally help. Just wondering what else to suggest...