How long before your body sleeps naturally?

Treatment and medication
1

I finished Zop months ago, now on various herbal meds, I.e. Valerian, melatonin, GABA etc.  Trying to cut down those too.  But sleep is 3 hours or so, then awake for 2, take some camomile tea, sleep restlessly for another 2 or 3 hours.  Trying this week to get even lower, but exhausted.  Some have said 4 nights no sleep and you're done.  Not for me.  Any suggestions.   My brain is so much clearer off the Zop that I don't regret not sleeping well, but would like the best of  both worlds I guess.  

2

Hi Cass

Good for you for being able to come off of the zops.

I don't have an answer for you as I still take Zops, silenor and Ativan and still barely sleep, but if you find out something that works I would love to hear about it.

Best of luck to you.

Karen

3

Did you taper off the zopiclone properly with diazepam or just stop?

Because if you didn't do a taper you won't sleep well for about 18 months.

4

It took me months to come off.  My idea.  I was more on this site then as I slowly got off after years of use.  I am 75 and was widowed in June.  Did not take  any  Zop at all.  But obviously have stress.  Doctors have been surprised saying older people are on this and refuse to come off.  The most encouraging thing has been a clearer mind, and realizing that I truly did not realize how UNCLEAR my mind was.  Too bad we all can't have really good clinics helping everyone without judging.  3 or 4 doctors have said the exact same thing to me.  "We didn't know.  We were told it was not addictive."   

5

Are you in a jurisdiction that allows cannabis or medical cannabis? A little before bed may help, particularly as tea, etc...

Is it your mind rambling that keeps you from sleeping? You have been through a lot, AND off zop. Don't beat yourself up, relax, and try to really clear your mind of every single thought, even if just for a while....  

6

I seriously doubt if cannabis will clear Cass's mind, Judi!

7

I don't know, it works for me and isn't addictive like zop. I have anxiety and mood disorder issues it helps me clear the mind before bed. When Cass mentions a "Clear mind" I think she is referring to "clear thoughts" and those can keep you up all night long!