Barnaby here, and I’m once again singing the insomnia sleep disorder blues. Unfortunately, hypnotherapy did not work to cure my insomnia. I was hopeful for a while, but it appears my brief remission was due to the placebo effect, or for whatever reason was just a pause which has now ended. The past week has been quite difficult, and I have been lucky to get 4 hours of decent sleep per night. Lying in bed watching my wife sleep while I can not is quite frustrating, and I can feel the effects of my sleep deprivation the following day. Thus, I am now once again singing the insomnia sleep disorder blues.
However, I am not giving up. I know there is a cure out there that will work for me — I have just yet to find it. However, no matter how bad my insomnia gets, I know that others have even worse problems — so I shouldn’t complain. Yes, insomnia sleep disorder can seriously impact your life, but you can still lead a decent life with it. I am almost beginning to cope with my insomnia sleep disorder, and it is becoming just another part of my daily routine. This is not to say that I’d love to find a cure for my insomnia sleep disorder, and hopefully I will soon.
I shall keep everyone updated on my next avenues for a potential cure for my insomnia sleep disorder.
It’s Barnaby, and I just wanted to pop in to address some questions I’ve recently been receiving from loyal CantSleep readers. Many who believe that they suffer from sleep apnea have asked about all sorts of bizarre cures they’ve read about online. First and foremost, it is important to point out that only a qualified health care professional can accurately diagnose and devise the appropriate course of treating sleep apnea for your personal instance. That being said, there are some purported cures that are absolute nonsense. I’ve seen advice ranging from hanging upsidedown from a bar for 20 minutes before sleep, eating 10oz of dark chocolate each night (a bogus cure, but sounds fun anyway!) or using black sheets only. All of these are Internet myths, and they will not prove to be an effective way of treating sleep apnea.
The appropriate way for treating sleep apnea depends upon the type of sleep apnea you were diagnosed with. For some, losing weight is key towards treating sleep apnea. Others can benefit by using a better pillow and/or changing their sleeping posture. Treating sleep apnea in some instances requires a CPAP mask. In the most severe cases, treating sleep apnea can involve surgical intervention. As I indicated, treating sleep apnea effectively can only be done by a qualified health provider, so if you are suffering from sleep apnea symptoms you should seek help immediately.
As for my own sleep problems — they are getting much better. My hypnotherapy sessions are continuing, and the past week or so have been relatively insomnia-free. I don’t want to get my hopes too high seeing I’ve experienced prior remissions from my insomnia, but I think maybe this time it might be for good. I’ll update everyone again soon!
It’s Barnaby, and I’d like to share some interesting tidbits I learned from my hypnotherapist, Sharon. Sleep disorders insomnia, narcolepsy and others are among the most intriguing ailments suffered by us. Very little is known about the human brain, and even more mysterious are our sleep and dreams. Although much remains unknown about sleep, it is known that without it, we can not live. Sleep — and dreams, too — are necessary for a person to live. Sadly, in some of the severest sleep disorders insomnia people who can not sleep for long durations can entail a fatal result. These cases are extremely rare, and the vast majority of sleep disorders insomnia cases are relatively mild. Nonetheless, I can attest from personal experience that even moderate insomnia can truly impinge upon one’s life.
I have been experiencing sleep issues for several months now, and I have tried sleep aids, changing my sleep environment and a whole list of other potential sleep treatments. My test ruled out sleep apnea, and a professional ruled out the possibility of clinical depression. Recently, I turned to hypnotherapy for help, and my therapist Sharon has been great. Today she was telling me about a patient who suffers from narcolepsy. She advised him that hypnotherapy has not been shown to help narcolepsy at all, and that it was a medical condition requiring serious treatment. He knew this, but was so desperate that he was willing to try anything no matter how remote the chances of it helping. Sharon figured that no harm could come from hypnotherapy, and it might serve to just relax him if not help his sleep condition.
When she was describing to me how much he suffers, I felt almost lucky to have the opposite condition of insomnia. Those with narcolepsy can fall asleep immediately — even if driving or doing other dangerous activities. This presents far more danger than frustrating nights tossing and turning in bed. Hopefully, science makes some inroads and gains insight into sleep disorders, insomnia and narcolepsy — many of us truly need the help.
It’s Barnaby here, and I’m back with some interesting new information. A kind lady contacted me about me sleep troubles and suggested that I explore hypnotherapy as a possibly effective way to treat insomnia. Over the past few months I have attempted to treat insomnia with all varieties of methods and tests — unfortunately to no avail. After my initial research, I am quite excited about the prospects of hypnosis being able to treat insomnia. There is much agreement that stress can be a major contributor to insomnia, and in my case insomnia creates more stress thus creating a vicious circle.
Hopefully, hypnotherapy can be the trick needed to break this cycle and finally facilitate a decent night’s sleep. I am far from an expert on hypnosis, but my research so far has indicated that the relaxed state achieved by hypnotherapy is one of the best ways to combat stress. Hypnotherapy can be achieved either via self-hypnosis or through the assistance of a trained hypnotherapist. I have yet to decide whether I am going to purchase a guide for self hypnosis or alternatively seek the guidance of a professional. However, I have definitely decided that I will give this route a try — I am willing to give anything that can treat insomnia a shot. I’ll share my progress with hypnotherapy soon.
It’s Barnaby stopping by in order to share my initial thoughts about sleeping help based upon hypnotherapy. I located a certified hypnotherapist near me, and yesterday I had my first session. Sharon was very kind and professional, and she explained to me that the goal of our sessions was to allow the stress to escape from my subconscious enabling me to fall asleep. Sleeping help such as this is quite appealing to me seeing I can’t use typical sleep aids nor has anything else I’ve tried been successful. Sharon warned me that hypnotherapy was not an overnight solution for insomnia, and that its effects are not immediate. I am willing to be patient and let the effects of the therapy accrue hopefully providing me with much needed sleeping help.
I actually did feel quite refreshed after my session — this was the first time I have ever experienced anything like this. Sharon relayed to me that many have her patients have benefited from hypnosis in their quest to quit smoking, lose weight, overcome their fears — and for sleeping help. I found this especially encouraging that others have found a solution to their insomnia by using hypnotherapy. Sharon said it was impossible to predict exactly when I would experience tangible results from the hypnotherapy — different patients have varying response times. Hopefully for me it is soon — if I don’t get sleeping help quickly I fear turning into a walking zombie! I will keep everyone updated, and I want to thank you all again for your kind words of encouragement and advice.
It’s Barnaby again, and I’d like to discuss some good sleep deprivation help I’ve received from a local insomnia support group. Although I have yet to find a cause, nor cure, for my insomnia, the support of others suffering from the same ailment can serve as effective sleep deprivation help — if only for moral support. This support extends to online communities such as those who read CantSleep.com — sharing our stories and ideas about insomnia is an effective tool towards conquering this beast once and for all. Sleep deprivation help can come in the form of moral and peer support along with professional treatment.
Unfortunately, one has to determine the cause of their particular sleep troubles in order to effectuate a useful treatment regimen. I say unfortunately because I have yet to ascertain the cause of my insomnia which has periodically reared its head over the past few months. I enjoyed a brief period of sleep deprivation help through the use of Valerian, but for some reason it suddenly lost its effectiveness after two week’s use. I have ruled out sleep apnea, clinical depression and migraine headaches as potential causes — and my search continues. Until I find a long term cure for my insomnia, I must rely on sleep deprivation help in the form of support groups and online communities like the one here on this blog. I do appreciate all the suggestions and tips received from CantSleep.com readers — and I encourage everyone to continue to write in. Maybe one of you can provide the ultimate sleep deprivation help in the form of a permanent cure for my insomnia.
In a recent post here on CantSleep, I alluded to the fact that I ruled out clinical depression as the cause for my case of insomnia. However, an appreciable percent of those having trouble sleeping do suffer from clinical depression. It is important to know the signs of clinical depression, whether relating to yourself or seen within a loved one. If anyone around you is displaying the signs of clinical depression, it is important that they seek immediate professional help. Left untreated, clinical depression can prove fatal. Signs of clinical depression can include:
– Decreased energy levels and fatigue
– Insomnia
– Loss of interest in work and/or hobbies
– Disinterest in sex
– Sudden temper and irritability
– Sudden change in eating habits including either weight gain or loss
– Persistent thoughts of death
– Minor but chronic aches and pains
If you — or someone you love — is showing the signs of clinical depression, then seeking help can prove to be a lifesaver. Unfortunately, suicide claims the lives of tens of thousands on an annual basis, and proactive treatment could have prevented virtually all of them. Modern treatment for clinical depression is highly effective, and once treated those who suffer from clinical depression can lead normal and happy lives. Hopefully this information can spur someone out there to take the first — and most important — step by recognizing the signs of clinical depression and seeking help.
I wanted to post a quick follow up to my previous comment that I disqualified sleep apnea as the cause of my particular case of insomnia. In many instances, symptoms of sleep apnea can mirror those of typical generic insomnia. So what are the most prevalent symptoms of sleep apnea? They include:
– Excessive daytime fatigue
– Waking up tired
– Sudden heartburn in the middle of the night
– Swelling of the legs
– Frequently getting up to urinate during the course of the night
– Waking up in the middle of the night gasping for breath
Any of you experiencing these phenomenon may be displaying symptoms of sleep apnea. If so, it is imperative that you get a sleep apnea test in order to know for sure whether or not you are suffering from this condition. The good news is that if sleep apnea is the culprit behind your insomnia, then relatively easy cures are possible. However, failure to treat sleep apnea can lead to a long list of adverse health conditions — so if you are experiencing the above symptoms of sleep apnea, then you should seek help from a physician and a sleep apnea test. This sleep apnea test can be a bit inconvenient, however, it is absolutely painless. Unfortunately, I was unable to solve my insomnia problems with a sleep apnea diagnosis, but maybe this can prove to be the key to curing your trouble sleeping.
It’s Barnaby, and unfortunately I have returned. Not that I didn’t miss all the wonderful feedback from the readers of CantSleep.com — but I had thought I had put my trouble sleeping to bed once and for all (no pun intended). For around two weeks, Valerian was working perfectly — but, to my dismay, last weekend I once again had trouble sleeping. I at first chalked it up to a temporary relapse into insomnia, but after tossing and turning the entirety of last night I realized my trouble sleeping has returned with a vengeance. I’ve previously enumerated here at CantSleep my search for the root cause of my insomnia — to no avail. My sleep apnea test came back negative, I don’t suffer from depression and I’ve severely limited my consumption of caffeine and alcohol since my trouble sleeping began several months ago.
I thought I had found the magic bullet to cure my trouble sleeping with Valerian — but alas, that was too good to be true. Well, I’m going to have to delve back into my insomnia research and unfortunately start again appointments with specialists in my seemingly never-ending quest for a good night’s sleep. I shall keep everyone updated on my sleep (or lack thereof).
Barnaby here. On a sour note, my sleep travails remain unabated. The past week has only allowed me one decent night’s sleep in between quite a few nights of tossing and turning. Instead of complaining about my own sleep issues, I wanted to start an important discussion about clinical depression. Once you recognize the signs of clinical depression, what are the best depression treatments? The answer to that question depends upon the nature of your individual case, and a full diagnosis and treatment regimen can only be devised by a qualified mental health care provider. Some who are diagnosed with clinical depression receive depression treatments including psychotherapy and group therapy as opposed to medications. As the above video illustrates, the future might hold gene treatment which can treat — or even prevent — clinical depression. However, for now, therapy and pharmaceuticals remain the salient depression treatments.
The majority of those with the disorder receive depression treatments including anti-depressants and/or mood stabilizers. These pharmacological depression treatments have been shown to be highly effective, and today’s depression treatment drugs have far fewer side effects than those of past times. It is important to remain cognizant that none of these treatment solutions provide for an overnight cure. It is paramount to stay the course with your prescribed depression treatments, and retain hope that there will be sunnier days. I’ll be back here at CantSleep again soon. I’d like to thank everyone who has sent in suggestions, tips and sympathies regarding my nagging insomnia. Hopefully I’ll have good news to post soon!
Clinical depression is a serious condition which afflicts a substantial number of us, yet many are unable to recognize the symptoms of clinical depression. Everyone has occasion to feel “depressed” or sad — that is a part of the human condition. However, those afflicted with clinical depression experience these emotions with severe intensity and for extended periods of time. This often leads to dysfunction, and in the worst circumstances to suicide. There are effective treatments for clinical depression, but without first recognizing the symptoms of clinical depression they can not be used.
Clinical depression expresses itself differently within various people. Common symptoms of clinical depression include extended feelings of hopelessness or helplessness. More subtle symptoms of clinical depression include the inability to make decisions, forgetfulness and lack of concentration. Obviously, many of us experience these symptoms occasionally as a part of everyday life, however, when they become pronounced and chronic it might point to a diagnosis of clinical depression. Another facet within symptoms of clinical depression is a loss of interest in hobbies, work — or even sex.
Clinical depression has been tied to insomnia, and the inability to fall asleep could be a symptom of clinical depression. Your appetite can also be a telltale when it comes to clinical depression. Either sudden weight loss, or alternatively weight gain, can both be symptoms of clinical depression. Most all of these symptoms can also be associated with other conditions — or just be a phase not relating to any disease at all. In the end, only a qualified professional can make an accurate diagnosis of clinical depression. However, it is up to you to notice the initial signs and know when possible symptoms of clinical depression are present warranting further examination.
Narcolepsy is an insidious condition which embodies itself in the form of excessive daytime sleepiness. This can entail drowsiness throughout the day, or even falling asleep at the most inappropriate of times. Those afflicted with narcolepsy can suddenly fall asleep even when in the middle of a conversation. Just like with insomniacs, those with narcolepsy have trouble getting a full night’s sleep. Consequently, many times narcolepsy is erroneously diagnosed as insomnia upon initial examinations. Although much about narcolepsy is not yet understood, scientists do know that those suffering from it enter REM sleep much faster than does the typical person.
REM stands for rapid eye movement, and it is associated with the deepest stages of sleep. Most dreams that you are able to recall with detail occur during REM sleep. Normally, a person enters REM sleep approximately 90 minutes after first falling asleep. Those with narcolepsy enter REM within 10 minutes of falling asleep. Research has definitively shown that narcolepsy is not a mental illness nor a psychological condition. It is a neurological ailment which can wreck havoc within the lives of those who suffer from it. However, research has quantified that those with narcolepsy do not have shorter life spans as a result.
Scientists aren’t certain, but they believe that narcolepsy is a genetic condition. Treatment regimens for narcolepsy are highly personalized — what works for one person might not work for another. Most treatments currently center on pharmaceuticals, and although there is no cure, many with narcolepsy are able to manage the condition using current treatment regimens.
Hi everyone, 
Hello fellow insomniacs,
Recent Comments