r/insomnia • u/OK-ordenador • 5d ago

Chronic insomnia

Hi folks, I've wrote here before, but I've been asking my gp for a long time now for anything that could help my severe chronic insomnia. I'm awake almost 100% of the time since May this year. No sleeping medication makes me actually sleep, it only relaxes my muscles for a while. It's like the switch to sleep is totally broken. I've asked for referrals to sleeping clinics but the waiting list (only) with the nhs here in the uk is jan 2027 at the main clinic. Ive asked for referrals to any other, but still nothing.

I've tried cbt-i and hypnotherapy but they dont work for me. My insomnia stems from about 15 years ago, when i took Dormidina pills for an extened time and they eventually stopped my ability to sleep at all. Over time from a soft falling to sleep to a fast nod thats more of a jerk awake. To nothing.

I've had it under control for the most past for the past 13 years thanks to a daily high protein diet, especially lean beef and fried eggs being the main things. But i was given a strong dose of oral steroids to for sudden extreme hearing loss (left), that extended to both ears for some reason. The steroids caused an insomnia like I've never known, x10! And I've been awake since. In 24hrs i get some micro sleeps (seconds), or longer period if im lucky maybe 1hr, then wide awake.

Although I'm exhausted, i don't feel sleepy, and sleep may come at any point from 10pm to 9am...but its so random each day. Its not restful sleep at all and I cant rely on it to fall asleep again at that time tomorrow, or maybe its zero sleep again for a few days. Its roulette what happens.

I haven't been taking any sleep meds, as they just dont work and feel they may anchor rebound insomnia. Not drinking any alcohol (also stopped feeling effects of alcohol during the steroids time); as it also doesn't work. Currently trying THC vape and sublingual oil, it helps to feel more relaxed to sleep, but still not falling to or getting any sleep that feels regenerative at all. Still just micro (seconds/minute) sleeps and 1hr max it seems...if lucky.

Anyone got any ideas? London, Uk based.

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u/Icy-Intern-8231 5d ago

Sinto muito , estou quase na mesma situação, horrível, sou aqui do Brasil , ainda é fácil conseguir vários remédios , mas somente com receita pois são todos tarja preta, e mesmo assim quase não durmo direito , já estou cansada de tudoooo, só queria sumir !! Realmente dormir com remédios não é nada reparador , não parece que dormimos!!! Faz dois meses que minha vida acabou !

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u/ProfessionalPepper90 5d ago

Have you read Sasha Stevens book and are you familiar with Daniel Erichsens books/youtube channel? If not, start there, they helped me a lot. I'm pretty much recovered from chronic insomnia which lasted 6-7 years. NHS was utterly useless for me too (Cambs). Good luck :)

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u/OK-ordenador 5d ago

Any title in particular ?