insomnia

[Joescar]

This is the 39th day off opiates, hydrocodone.  I am having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at night.  Would like to know if anyone else has had this problem?

[bmdad]

Unfortunately insomnia is one of the symptoms that tends to hang on the longest after stopping pills. I have been through withdrawals a handful times. There were times where I laid around and felt sorry for myself. There were times I forces myself to stay away from the couch and bed during the day and tried to stay busy. I once even continued on with everyday life and worked even though I was working 80 hour weeks. The times I laid around and did nothing ended up making the symptoms last so much longer. The times I tried to stay somewhat busy ended up helping. By 30 days my sleep was back to normal. But the time I continued on with everyday life I was back on track in just two weeks. I attribute this to being worn out and also to the physical activity. I think the physical part of my job got my body back on track so much faster.
So, have you been exercising at all? Have you been drinking plenty of good fluids? Have you been eating healthy? Have you been taking any amino acids or supplements? If not, it's never too late to start. You also want to get on a good sleep schedule. Try and get to bed at a decent time but most importantly, make sure you don't sleep in too late. I would try and be up by 6 or 7 but no later than 8 every morning. A good sleep pattern is very important. If someone has a poor sleep schedule it can cause insomnia even if they weren't taking pain meds.
Just keep going strong and try not to get discouraged. You body will work everything out here soon.
Congrats on 39 days! That's wonderful!
Best of luck!

Brian

[laurel453]

Hi ,

i had the same problem and it took me some months to have a natural sleep for a whole night, do not get discouraged ( we share the doc )....melatonin is a good natural sleep inducer, i used it and it really helps with sleep.

good luck !

[pattifan]

This is a normal reaction so don't worry about it. My typing fingers are getting sore from writing about sleep disorders so please see my posting to tramahater on the percocet thread from this morning.

If you need further info after that please don't hesitate to ask.

take care