This past 6 weeks have been an adventure. Years ago I was diagnosed with chronic depression with episodes of major depression. At first I just dealt with it the best I could then I started taking a couple of prescriptions to help. Also for as long as I can remember I have had trouble sleeping and about 5 years ago starting using a prescription to sleep.
In December I decided that I was going to stop taking prescriptions for both things and read up on how to best stop taking the meds. First thing I want to say is you should consult your doctor before stopping any prescriptions and not to follow how I did it. Everyone is different and this is just how I did it. On the first prescription I just went "cold turkey" and had no noticeable effects at all. Then I started weaning myself from the sleeping pill. Sleeping pills are not physically addictive but are mentally addictive plus I love my sleep. Weaning myself from the sleeping pill took about 3 weeks. This was one of the most difficult things I have done and I will say that being addictive to them physically or mentally is horrible. For the last month I have been slowly weaning myself from the last prescription I was taking. So far I don't have any negative effects except for being able to sleep is worse than ever. I am going to try some of the herbal teas that I have read about and hopefully that will help some.
Some will ask why I decided to do this and my answer is that the time was right. I don't work and have to get up everyday at a certain time so if I don't sleep I just have to deal with it the best I can. A lot of my stress in the last 12 years was work related and since I am retired a lot of the stresses are gone.
Why did I tell you all this? I am a open book person, I will always tell you if I made a mistake or did something wrong. If I did or said something I will tell you, I am not afraid to admit it. So this is old me in a nutshell, good or bad, it's me.
I share your inability to sleep......3 or 4 hours a night is a blessing, when I can get it. I've started taking Kava Kava, a natural herb. Helps me relax so at least I'm not stressing over not being able to fall asleep. Hope you find what works for you.
ReplyDeleteSlept better last night, I have a super hard time getting to sleep but when I do I sleep fairly good. I go to bed at the same time every night so I am going to try to set the alarm to get up at the same time everyday. Whatever helps I will try it.
DeleteWork related stress?
ReplyDeleteSurely you jest.
PS: New ticketing software went online today. Lord help us!
Stress, isn't that your bosses middle name, Mr Stress Producer himself.
DeleteHave fun.