Can't Sleep -- really need help.

[tjs2112]

I took Prozac last week for 4 days, and it resulted in nocturnal panic attacks and general insomnia -- no more than 2 hours of sleep a night, if any.

I quit the drug (with doctor's consult) last Friday. I've had nights with ok sleep since then, but the past two days, I've found it VERY hard to fall asleep, and harder to stay asleep more than an hour. I get very anxious thinking about not being able to sleep hours before bedtime, even with my new bedtime routine to wind down (yoga, tea, book). During guided meditation in bed, as I begin to relax, I feel as if the second I begin to drift my anxiety flares up and prevents me from relaxing.

Any advice? Is this just a learned response from the traumatic Prozac experience? I really need some help.

 

[PeggyJoan]

Hello tjs!
I hear you! In the past few weeks I have been struggling with exact same thing. I have done lots of research and this is what helped me at least not be so anxious before bed: Do not chase sleep - you will never catch it!, if you can't sleep or you wake up, frame this as 'resting' rather than sleeping. No, rest is not quite as good for you as sleep, but it is good. Do not get into the vicious cycle of fearing sleep - tell yourself this is temporary and this 'this too shall pass'. Be kind to yourself - everyone has periods in their lives when they can't sleep. Tell yourself 'I am okay. I am safe. This will not harm me' .
There are different schools of thought on whether you should get up. Some say get out of bed and do something quiet - no tv or computers. Others say stay in bed and read, rest, etc., do anything but try and make yourself sleep.
I think there is a definite link between this and your prozac. Mine stems from Effexor withdrawal - it was awful. I am back on it and already feel better. I honestly believe stress before sleep keeps us from doing just that. Face your anxiety and know that it is not *you*, don't give it power at night by trying to force yourself to sleep. You will get past this! Best wishes, Peggy