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insomnia and depression at after hours of the night

Peteyzee98Casual Contributor20 June 2024, 1:41 pm AEST

insomnia and depression at after hours of the night

Hello, Sane members and participants. Lately i've been dealing with crippling insomnia, and low mood in response to my insomnia, my sleep pattern is crook. I go to bed at 7-8 pm because i feel so drowsy from all the medications i take for my OCD and depression, some of them CNS depressants.

i usually wake up at midnight, but even sleeping through till 10-11 pm is a struggle with constant waking and tossing/turning. I find that when i was younger i found peace and solace in being the only one awake at that time of the night (2:00 AM), but now it is so daunting that i am feeling depressed even during the day due to my anticipation of what is to come each night. How do i break the cycle and try stay awake till at least 11 pm so i can sleep through those after hours? also how can i feel less lonely and like i am the only one who exists on planet earth when i am awake at those times, support would be immensely appreciated and welcomed.

3 replies

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In response to: insomnia and depression at after hours of the night

AsgardSenior Contributor20 June 2024, 2:35 pm AEST

Re: insomnia and depression at after hours of the night

Hi @Peteyzee98

Hallo there, I used to have really interupted sleep for a few years and I found the following worked for me, hopefully the same for you. I found that sleeping in a cold room around 18C was really conducive to sleep and also not drinking or eating after 6pm. Also try to limit any day time naps and no exercise after 6pm (I was really good at sticking to that one).

Try to relax and not stress about sleeping, it will come but try and not to chase it.......Asgard

In response to: insomnia and depression at after hours of the night

GlistenSenior Contributor20 June 2024, 5:15 pm AEST

Re: insomnia and depression at after hours of the night

Hi 👋🏼 @Peteyzee98 I have struggled with insomnia for 3 years.

Sleeping only every second or third night.

More recently I’m sleeping 4-6 hours almost every night.

Over the counter medication sometimes helps.

In response to: insomnia and depression at after hours of the night

DimitySenior Contributor20 June 2024, 11:46 pm AEST

Re: insomnia and depression at after hours of the night

An out-of-phase sleep cycle is difficult @Peteyzee98 . Mine is displaced the other way.

Seniors can get a med over the counter - others by prescription - that helps normalise the sleep cycle. It's a hormone. Perhaps you could ask your gp - you might need to take it when you wake in the middle of the night.

Or a nap during the day might help you stay awake later during the transition.

Sometimes people chat on the forums overnight. There was a thread for it. Or you could start a new one.

Personally I think depression & anxiety vs sleep disturbance is a chicken-and-egg situation. They feed into each other. Are you getting support for your depression?

Take care.

Dimity

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