What makes us drift off?

[[sa...]]

I'm quitting olanzapine and am rather suffering from insomnia right now.  I used to have pretty regular schedule, go to bed and wake up at the same time without alarm clock or stuff.  Now I go to bed, I get all comfortable and drowsy, sometimes my iphone slip out of my hand, then I got stuck.  Just wouldn't actually drift off to sleep.  I felt like I was lying there comfortably with not much worries, my brain's thought patterns were very random, but I just wouldn't start dreaming.  I figured lying there comfortably has to count for something, but my body doesn't seem to feel that way.  I'm exhausted everyday.  I only seem to start dreaming when it's close to time to wake up, then I wake up at the usual time (no alarm clock), and feel still so tired and drowsy.

 

I'm not sure if there's anything I can do.  What can push me from drowsy to sleeping?  My husband is no help.  He said I always has trouble sleeping and that's why I took benzo.  Ya but the so called "trouble sleeping" back then was getting 6 hours of sleep.  I'd be so happy to get that now. 

[[Da...]]

It's likely just a minor withdrawal syndrome from the olanzapine. It should pass with time. I'd avoid taking anything for sleep, even supplements, and allow your CNS to heal. I'd also avoid any psychotropics (ie caffeine, cigarettes, chamomile tea). Your body will eventually sleep once it's tired enough. In the meantime, best to learn how to relax naturally with meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, reading etc. It does take some practice. CBT for insomnia may also be helpful. There are some great books on it that you can probably find at the library.

[[sa...]]

Thank you!  I don't plan to take anything for the insomnia.  I was just hoping this phase will pass quickly.  I was rather frustrated that I could be so tired even a scary video would make me relaxed and drowsy, then I drop my phone,  turn around and end up lying there for three or four hours, seemingly in limbo.  Sometimes I hallucinate during that time.  One night I was sure I had eight arms and each one was holding a special token.  I could feel myself lying there with eight arms. Another day I was sure I was a red juicy apple, my whole family were apples.  I was very relaxed, just couldn't sleep.

 

[[bo...]]

Thank you!  I don't plan to take anything for the insomnia.  I was just hoping this phase will pass quickly.  I was rather frustrated that I could be so tired even a scary video would make me relaxed and drowsy, then I drop my phone,  turn around and end up lying there for three or four hours, seemingly in limbo.  Sometimes I hallucinate during that time.  One night I was sure I had eight arms and each one was holding a special token.  I could feel myself lying there with eight arms. Another day I was sure I was a red juicy apple, my whole family were apples.  I was very relaxed, just couldn't sleep.

have you tried melatonin it really helps

[[Da...]]

Thank you!  I don't plan to take anything for the insomnia.  I was just hoping this phase will pass quickly.  I was rather frustrated that I could be so tired even a scary video would make me relaxed and drowsy, then I drop my phone,  turn around and end up lying there for three or four hours, seemingly in limbo.  Sometimes I hallucinate during that time.  One night I was sure I had eight arms and each one was holding a special token.  I could feel myself lying there with eight arms. Another day I was sure I was a red juicy apple, my whole family were apples.  I was very relaxed, just couldn't sleep.

 

Do you think these are lucid dreams? Are you aware they are hallucinations at the time you are having them? I'm glad you're very relaxed while these are happening.

 

The insomnia should slowly improve, but it's hard to say when. I'd love to hear when it beings to get better.

[[Ma...]]

Thank you!  I don't plan to take anything for the insomnia.  I was just hoping this phase will pass quickly.  I was rather frustrated that I could be so tired even a scary video would make me relaxed and drowsy, then I drop my phone,  turn around and end up lying there for three or four hours, seemingly in limbo.  Sometimes I hallucinate during that time.  One night I was sure I had eight arms and each one was holding a special token.  I could feel myself lying there with eight arms. Another day I was sure I was a red juicy apple, my whole family were apples.  I was very relaxed, just couldn't sleep.

have you tried melatonin it really helps

 

Yes it does, but don't get a crappy generic. Buy something that actually had some quality control. I've noticed a very large difference between the generic grocery store crap and a more expensive brand.

[[An...]]

What makes us drift off?

This may sound counter-intuitive but going to bed while listening to youTube videos helps me to finally drift off & fall asleep. It I turn off all the noise and darken my bedroom, it seems to take me a lot longer before I finally drift off.....go figure!