Question:
I'm in the first stages of have a sleep disorder diagnosed by a sleep
physician and would like some feedback on this process and what is to come.
History:
Have had sleep problems for around 10 years. Probably started when I went
from "field" work to office work. Sleep problems on and off during that
time. Main problem in past was waking too early. Waking up at 1 or 2 AM
and normal wake up time should be 4:30 AM. Normal bedtime is 8:30 to 9:30
depending how exhausted I am. Did not dream much that I could remember.
Was given small daily dose of Paxil to "take the edge off" if depression was
the cause, but I react badly to it. I get panic attacks from it. My
opinion is yes, I am depressed, but don't seem overly depressed. I am
more STRESSED and VERY TIRED.
Went to sleep doctor and had first sleep study about 7 years ago. No
diagnosis could be given, no apnoea found. Actually nothing found. I
didn't sleep all night. Strange place, uncomfortable bed and pillows,
street noise, etc.
Answer:
Be sure they check into delayed and advanced sleep phase syndrome.
Learn about those for yourself also. Not sure why; your sleep/ wake time
correspond more with advanced, but for a reason unknown even to me :-) I sense
more of an actual delayed.
Call me nuts:-) maybe want fellow sufferers LOL. On a serious note, if not
born with it ( and you might not know till much later in life) cirdardium (
sp?) rhythm problems can be caused by shift work or lots of time zone travel.
If your sleep study comes back OK, I think you should consider getting
cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for your anxiety. It is going to
take a lot of effort on your part, but if you can change your thinking
and anxiety about sleep, it will help your sleep. Your brain and body
know how to sleep, your anxiety is getting in the way. Even if the
sleep study identifies problems, CBT can help reduce your anxiety,
which will help in any case.
You could start by reading the book, "Say good night to insomnia" by
Gregg Jacobs. This book covers not only CBT methods but also sleep
hygiene. If that is not enough, consider looking for a therapist. This
is not easy since few know much about sleep. Perhaps the sleep center
can refer you.
Another resource is the forums at www.sleepnet.com. The insomnia forum
there is less focused on sleep apnea and more on insomnia than this
one.
