How can I get prescribed sleeping pills?
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Original post by Admit-One
It's usually a case of going back and explaining what you've tried, what you do on an ongoing basis, and what you're still suffering with and what impact it's having.
Sleeping pills probably aren't going to work here, as there's more than likely something underlying going on, so when you come off them you'll be back to square one.
Sleeping pills probably aren't going to work here, as there's more than likely something underlying going on, so when you come off them you'll be back to square one.
I’ve been back numerous times and been told something along the lines of “that’s just how it is for some people” or been given generic internet advice that I’ve already tried and when I say I’ve already tried they say that’s all there is to do. I get the same thing when I go about my migraines/stomach pains and it honestly just seems like they’re trying to send me away as quick as possible or think I’m over exaggerating/making stuff up
Original post by Gazpacho.
Then get back to your doctor and emphasis that you feel it is physical. Ask for a referral to a specialist. Explain how much it disrupts your life.
But don't rule out that there is a psychological/behavioural aspect to your insomnia. Keep hammering away at the sleep hygiene techniques. It took me a couple of years to completely fix my sleep pattern.
But don't rule out that there is a psychological/behavioural aspect to your insomnia. Keep hammering away at the sleep hygiene techniques. It took me a couple of years to completely fix my sleep pattern.
I’ve explained how much it disrupts my life and they seem to think I’m over exaggerating
Original post by Anonymous
I’ve been back numerous times and been told something along the lines of “that’s just how it is for some people” or been given generic internet advice that I’ve already tried and when I say I’ve already tried they say that’s all there is to do. I get the same thing when I go about my migraines/stomach pains and it honestly just seems like they’re trying to send me away as quick as possible or think I’m over exaggerating/making stuff up
Original post by Anonymous
I’ve explained how much it disrupts my life and they seem to think I’m over exaggerating
In which case going back and asking for sleeping pills isn't going to be productive.
If you go back with a sleep diary, and a clear record of your symptoms, they can't think youve "made it up". If you are getting nowhere, see another doctor.
Original post by Anonymous
I’ve been back numerous times and been told something along the lines of “that’s just how it is for some people” or been given generic internet advice that I’ve already tried and when I say I’ve already tried they say that’s all there is to do. I get the same thing when I go about my migraines/stomach pains and it honestly just seems like they’re trying to send me away as quick as possible or think I’m over exaggerating/making stuff up
What exactly did you eat and drink yesterday, including portion sizes?
When was the last time you had a migraine? When was the last time your stomach ached? How often and how severe are the migraines and stomach aches?
Original post by Dunnig Kruger
What exactly did you eat and drink yesterday, including portion sizes?
When was the last time you had a migraine? When was the last time your stomach ached? How often and how severe are the migraines and stomach aches?
When was the last time you had a migraine? When was the last time your stomach ached? How often and how severe are the migraines and stomach aches?
I can tell you exactly what I ate and drank yesterday:
Breakfast = Brie and cranberry toastie (400-500 calories)
Lunch = ham barm, grapes and Cheetos (270 calories)
Dinner = spag bol (500 calories - measured portions to make that exact)
Drinks = water, tea, bottle of red wine (~600 calories)
Total = 1770-1870 calories
Did 9112 steps as I was in work and lifting boxes/going up and down stairs all day which justifies the extra calories
I get a bad headache at around 2-3pm every day and it lasts until I go to bed/wake up the next day.
The stomach pains come in waves, every day I will have several waves of debilitating stomach pains to the point I have to curl up and lie and the floor at work.
The stomach pains and headaches will be major factors in your sleep struggles. Even if they weren't, they'd be a big medical priority. Where it's in your interests to pester your GP until they are solved or mitigated.
Have you been checked for peptic ulcers, eg caused by H Pylori, for the stomach pains?
Are you taking any medication for the headaches? If you're taking any medication, inform your doctor about any significant changes you intend making to your eating and drinking habits.
Have you tried eating ground or grated ginger as part of your meals for headache relief?
Have you tried placing 2 or 3 drops of lavender oil on your top lip at the onset of your headaches?
For breakfast try oat / rye / barley porridge, made with soya milk. Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed to the porridge.
Cut out the ham. It's a Group 1 carcinogen. Try replacing it with wholemeal peanut or almond butter sandwiches (made with 100% nuts).
Cheetos are junk. Eat a variety of fruit, on top of the grapes. Whatever's ripe / in season / on special offer / you can get for free by picking it (it's blackberry season now). Aim for liberal consumption of a variety of berries.
Spag bol is junk to semi junk food.
Cut out the red wine and all other booze. Alcohol is another Group 1 carcinogen. And not it's not good for your quality of sleep. Some people get headaches from red wine.
Replace the tea with herbal teas, ones with no caffeine. Chamomile tea may help a bit with your sleep. Hibiscus tea is great for anti-oxidants; make sure to rinse with water after drinking due to it being as acidic as cola.
Try eating two fresh ripe raw kiwi fruits an hour before going to bed.
You ate no beans / legumes yesterday. Eat more beans. Not Heinz salty sugary type. Unsalted, unsugared beans and legumes.
You also appear to have eaten no nuts and no seeds. Aim to eat a variety of unsalted nuts and seeds.
There's a big lack of greens and vegetables, including cruciferous vegetables. Homemade salads are so cheap and easy to knock up and are so delicious when done to a competent standard.
Homegrown broccoli sprouts are cheap, delicious and are well worth you adding to your weekly food consumption.
Herbs and spices boost nutrition whilst making the difference between bland home cooking and Michelin rosette level of delicious cooking.
If you do cut down on the ham and minced beef etc, start taking vitamin B12 tablets, which you chew on to mix them with saliva.
Have you been checked for peptic ulcers, eg caused by H Pylori, for the stomach pains?
Are you taking any medication for the headaches? If you're taking any medication, inform your doctor about any significant changes you intend making to your eating and drinking habits.
Have you tried eating ground or grated ginger as part of your meals for headache relief?
Have you tried placing 2 or 3 drops of lavender oil on your top lip at the onset of your headaches?
For breakfast try oat / rye / barley porridge, made with soya milk. Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed to the porridge.
Cut out the ham. It's a Group 1 carcinogen. Try replacing it with wholemeal peanut or almond butter sandwiches (made with 100% nuts).
Cheetos are junk. Eat a variety of fruit, on top of the grapes. Whatever's ripe / in season / on special offer / you can get for free by picking it (it's blackberry season now). Aim for liberal consumption of a variety of berries.
Spag bol is junk to semi junk food.
Cut out the red wine and all other booze. Alcohol is another Group 1 carcinogen. And not it's not good for your quality of sleep. Some people get headaches from red wine.
Replace the tea with herbal teas, ones with no caffeine. Chamomile tea may help a bit with your sleep. Hibiscus tea is great for anti-oxidants; make sure to rinse with water after drinking due to it being as acidic as cola.
Try eating two fresh ripe raw kiwi fruits an hour before going to bed.
You ate no beans / legumes yesterday. Eat more beans. Not Heinz salty sugary type. Unsalted, unsugared beans and legumes.
You also appear to have eaten no nuts and no seeds. Aim to eat a variety of unsalted nuts and seeds.
There's a big lack of greens and vegetables, including cruciferous vegetables. Homemade salads are so cheap and easy to knock up and are so delicious when done to a competent standard.
Homegrown broccoli sprouts are cheap, delicious and are well worth you adding to your weekly food consumption.
Herbs and spices boost nutrition whilst making the difference between bland home cooking and Michelin rosette level of delicious cooking.
If you do cut down on the ham and minced beef etc, start taking vitamin B12 tablets, which you chew on to mix them with saliva.
Original post by Anonymous
I can tell you exactly what I ate and drank yesterday:
Breakfast = Brie and cranberry toastie (400-500 calories)
Lunch = ham barm, grapes and Cheetos (270 calories)
Dinner = spag bol (500 calories - measured portions to make that exact)
Drinks = water, tea, bottle of red wine (~600 calories)
Total = 1770-1870 calories
Did 9112 steps as I was in work and lifting boxes/going up and down stairs all day which justifies the extra calories
I get a bad headache at around 2-3pm every day and it lasts until I go to bed/wake up the next day.
The stomach pains come in waves, every day I will have several waves of debilitating stomach pains to the point I have to curl up and lie and the floor at work.
Breakfast = Brie and cranberry toastie (400-500 calories)
Lunch = ham barm, grapes and Cheetos (270 calories)
Dinner = spag bol (500 calories - measured portions to make that exact)
Drinks = water, tea, bottle of red wine (~600 calories)
Total = 1770-1870 calories
Did 9112 steps as I was in work and lifting boxes/going up and down stairs all day which justifies the extra calories
I get a bad headache at around 2-3pm every day and it lasts until I go to bed/wake up the next day.
The stomach pains come in waves, every day I will have several waves of debilitating stomach pains to the point I have to curl up and lie and the floor at work.
If you eat crap and a get a third of your calories from alcohol, of course you are going to feel crap...
Also while you've noted mentioned this, do note that some medication can cause sleep disturbances and when you take them can influence this. For example I literally can't take my antidepressants after lunch time because if I do I will be awake all night, so I have to make sure I take them first thing in the morning.
What time you eat can also influence this - for a little while I was working a job where I finished late (~11pm each night) so I had to make sure I ate before going to work or at work as if I waited until I got home and ate dinner late at night then, it made my sleep disturbance at the time worse. Try and eat earlier in the evening rather than later (e.g. 5-6pm rather than perhaps 7pm onwards) for your dinner and see if that helps.
Likewise try and avoid drinking anything caffeinated at or after lunch time - you've not indicated how much/when you drank tea but if you are drinking it in the afternoon this could be contributing to the issue.
Also obviously try and minimise screentime leading up to when you go to bed, and avoid using your phone in bed at all. Using a sleeping mask even at night can help with this, as you can't look at your phone without removing it which makes you more consciously aware of when you do it
What time you eat can also influence this - for a little while I was working a job where I finished late (~11pm each night) so I had to make sure I ate before going to work or at work as if I waited until I got home and ate dinner late at night then, it made my sleep disturbance at the time worse. Try and eat earlier in the evening rather than later (e.g. 5-6pm rather than perhaps 7pm onwards) for your dinner and see if that helps.
Likewise try and avoid drinking anything caffeinated at or after lunch time - you've not indicated how much/when you drank tea but if you are drinking it in the afternoon this could be contributing to the issue.
Also obviously try and minimise screentime leading up to when you go to bed, and avoid using your phone in bed at all. Using a sleeping mask even at night can help with this, as you can't look at your phone without removing it which makes you more consciously aware of when you do it
(edited 1 month ago)
I do wonder whether this is the regular drinker who visits different pharmacies for painkillers.
If so, it really does seem like they’re determined that no single thread includes the whole story.
If not, it’s a remarkably similar profile.
If so, it really does seem like they’re determined that no single thread includes the whole story.
If not, it’s a remarkably similar profile.
Original post by Admit-One
I do wonder whether this is the regular drinker who visits different pharmacies for painkillers.
If so, it really does seem like they’re determined that no single thread includes the whole story.
If not, it’s a remarkably similar profile.
If so, it really does seem like they’re determined that no single thread includes the whole story.
If not, it’s a remarkably similar profile.
None of that was relevant here
Original post by black tea
If you eat crap and a get a third of your calories from alcohol, of course you are going to feel crap...
I don’t eat crap, I usually have at least 5 portions of fruit and veg and count my calories, usually aiming for around 1500-1600 a day
Original post by Anonymous
Been suffering with insomnia for basically my whole life, it takes me never less than 2-3 and sometimes 8+ hours to get to sleep and recently started having more nights where I just have to give up on trying to sleep after lying there for hours because I have work/uni so I end being awake for ~40 hours. I've been to doctors about it and been told things like "some people just need less sleep than others" (ridiculous imo because I'm sat in front of them telling them that I'm constantly exhausted but can't to sleep not that I "need less sleep") or that it just takes some people longer to fall asleep than others (also ridiculous imo because it affects every aspect of my life that I'm constantly exhausted) or I'm given generic advice such as read a book or drink herbal teas as if I wouldn't have tried that before coming to a doctor.
The problem is getting worse now: it used to be that I would have one night of it taking 6-8 hours to fall asleep then the next night would get to sleep in around 2 hours but now it's started happening more that I will have several nights in a row of it taking 6-8 hours for me to fall asleep before getting one where it only takes 2. If I wanted 8 hours sleep a night I would have to be in bed for 16 hours a day which obviously isn't realistic. But my doctors carry on dismissing me. I've had similar problems, particularly where they dismiss me being in pain by telling me that that's just how it is for some people ("some people get more headaches/stomachaches than others") and they are yet to prescribe me anything.
Tried OTC "sleeping pills" (which are really just antihistamines that have drowsiness as a possible side effect) and melatonin but neither have worked so I think I need prescription strength sleeping pills but can't get my doctor to give me any.
The problem is getting worse now: it used to be that I would have one night of it taking 6-8 hours to fall asleep then the next night would get to sleep in around 2 hours but now it's started happening more that I will have several nights in a row of it taking 6-8 hours for me to fall asleep before getting one where it only takes 2. If I wanted 8 hours sleep a night I would have to be in bed for 16 hours a day which obviously isn't realistic. But my doctors carry on dismissing me. I've had similar problems, particularly where they dismiss me being in pain by telling me that that's just how it is for some people ("some people get more headaches/stomachaches than others") and they are yet to prescribe me anything.
Tried OTC "sleeping pills" (which are really just antihistamines that have drowsiness as a possible side effect) and melatonin but neither have worked so I think I need prescription strength sleeping pills but can't get my doctor to give me any.
i have the same problem literally my entire life it always takes 6+ hours for me to sleep minimum even if im literally laying there doing nothing but everyone i speak to says sleeping pills are addictive dont take them etc its so frustrating 😭
Original post by Anonymous
I don’t eat crap, I usually have at least 5 portions of fruit and veg and count my calories, usually aiming for around 1500-1600 a day
"Crap" when it comes to what you're eating and drinking is all relative and depending on context.
Given that you have acute and chronic stomach pains, headaches and sleep patterns, what you consumed the other day left a huge amount of room for improvement. As discussed in post 25 above.
Was that day fairly typical for you? Or was it one of 2 days per year that you drank alcohol (eg your birthday and xmas)?
The mentality that so many people have is that they have self destructive lifestyles - with the self destruction being of various degrees. And they then look to the NHS to bail them out and fix them.
There's also a lot of people that have the self image that they eat healthily when they are in fact prodding risk factors for ill health and premature death.
5 a day is a rather dumbed down target because so many people eat so badly in the UK and the advisors that come up with these guidelines realise what an uphill struggle they have to get people off their junk and semi-junk food and drink diets.
A good target is 50 different plants eaten per week.
Another is to eat sufficient fibre that your stools are soft and come out without straining. And that it takes about 24 hours (or less) for your food to pass through you, which can be checked by eating beetroot and looking for pink on your toilet paper.
Another good target is to not get stomach aches. To feel fine inside - relaxed and comfortable. To feel like you have bright eyes instead of stingy / fatigued eyes.
You being a regular drinker that consumes painkillers would be relevant to your sleep issues, stomach aches, headaches.
Original post by Anonymous
i have the same problem literally my entire life it always takes 6+ hours for me to sleep minimum even if im literally laying there doing nothing but everyone i speak to says sleeping pills are addictive dont take them etc its so frustrating 😭
Have you tried applying ALL the sleep rules discussed in page 1 of this thread? Consistently for at least a month?
It's worth repeating that it's not only the addictiveness of sleeping pills, it's the risk of premature death. When they work no better than cognitive behavioural therapy in the form of being taught the sleep rules.
Do you have any health issues apart from the sleep?
What exactly did you eat and drink yesterday?
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Dunnig Kruger
"Crap" when it comes to what you're eating and drinking is all relative and depending on context.
Given that you have acute and chronic stomach pains, headaches and sleep patterns, what you consumed the other day left a huge amount of room for improvement. As discussed in post 25 above.
Was that day fairly typical for you? Or was it one of 2 days per year that you drank alcohol (eg your birthday and xmas)?
The mentality that so many people have is that they have self destructive lifestyles - with the self destruction being of various degrees. And they then look to the NHS to bail them out and fix them.
There's also a lot of people that have the self image that they eat healthily when they are in fact prodding risk factors for ill health and premature death.
5 a day is a rather dumbed down target because so many people eat so badly in the UK and the advisors that come up with these guidelines realise what an uphill struggle they have to get people off their junk and semi-junk food and drink diets.
A good target is 50 different plants eaten per week.
Another is to eat sufficient fibre that your stools are soft and come out without straining. And that it takes about 24 hours (or less) for your food to pass through you, which can be checked by eating beetroot and looking for pink on your toilet paper.
Another good target is to not get stomach aches. To feel fine inside - relaxed and comfortable. To feel like you have bright eyes instead of stingy / fatigued eyes.
You being a regular drinker that consumes painkillers would be relevant to your sleep issues, stomach aches, headaches.
Have you tried applying ALL the sleep rules discussed in page 1 of this thread? Consistently for at least a month?
It's worth repeating that it's not only the addictiveness of sleeping pills, it's the risk of premature death. When they work no better than cognitive behavioural therapy in the form of being taught the sleep rules.
Do you have any health issues apart from the sleep?
What exactly did you eat and drink yesterday?
Given that you have acute and chronic stomach pains, headaches and sleep patterns, what you consumed the other day left a huge amount of room for improvement. As discussed in post 25 above.
Was that day fairly typical for you? Or was it one of 2 days per year that you drank alcohol (eg your birthday and xmas)?
The mentality that so many people have is that they have self destructive lifestyles - with the self destruction being of various degrees. And they then look to the NHS to bail them out and fix them.
There's also a lot of people that have the self image that they eat healthily when they are in fact prodding risk factors for ill health and premature death.
5 a day is a rather dumbed down target because so many people eat so badly in the UK and the advisors that come up with these guidelines realise what an uphill struggle they have to get people off their junk and semi-junk food and drink diets.
A good target is 50 different plants eaten per week.
Another is to eat sufficient fibre that your stools are soft and come out without straining. And that it takes about 24 hours (or less) for your food to pass through you, which can be checked by eating beetroot and looking for pink on your toilet paper.
Another good target is to not get stomach aches. To feel fine inside - relaxed and comfortable. To feel like you have bright eyes instead of stingy / fatigued eyes.
You being a regular drinker that consumes painkillers would be relevant to your sleep issues, stomach aches, headaches.
Have you tried applying ALL the sleep rules discussed in page 1 of this thread? Consistently for at least a month?
It's worth repeating that it's not only the addictiveness of sleeping pills, it's the risk of premature death. When they work no better than cognitive behavioural therapy in the form of being taught the sleep rules.
Do you have any health issues apart from the sleep?
What exactly did you eat and drink yesterday?
My diet isn’t the issue here. I eat fruit and veg several times a day and eat far healthier than the average person (average UK bmi is 27.5, mine is 18.7). Acting like everyone who isn’t some raw vegan health freak who lives off nuts and lentils (I’m allergic to nuts which is why I don’t eat them by the way) takes 6-8 hours a night to get to sleep is delusional. Every time I have told a doctor what I’m eating (and from my blood tests), they have always said I have a healthy diet.
Original post by Anonymous
My diet isn’t the issue here. I eat fruit and veg several times a day and eat far healthier than the average person (average UK bmi is 27.5, mine is 18.7). Acting like everyone who isn’t some raw vegan health freak who lives off nuts and lentils (I’m allergic to nuts which is why I don’t eat them by the way) takes 6-8 hours a night to get to sleep is delusional. Every time I have told a doctor what I’m eating (and from my blood tests), they have always said I have a healthy diet.
Do you think that what you reported as you eating and drinking in that one day was healthy?
Original post by Dunnig Kruger
Do you think that what you reported as you eating and drinking in that one day was healthy?
Reasonably healthy apart from the alcohol, and I would usually have a salad for dinner at least 3 times a week and usually eat more veg. My diet is clearly healthier than an average person’s and my doctor agrees on that
Original post by Anonymous
None of that was relevant here
Which you determined based on your medical degree informing you of the physiology and neurology of sleep and how alcohol and excess painkiller usage influences that, not to mention the underlying issues which cause you to (ab)use alcohol and painkillers...?
Have you actually told any single doctor the entire story about all of your various problems together to be assessed holistically rather than just bits and pieces as here...?
Original post by Anonymous
None of that was relevant here
Yes, you said the same nonsense in one of the previous threads too.
Constant drip drip of info as people recognise you.
In the meantime you omit info so people tell you what you want to hear.
Original post by artful_lounger
Which you determined based on your medical degree informing you of the physiology and neurology of sleep and how alcohol and excess painkiller usage influences that, not to mention the underlying issues which cause you to (ab)use alcohol and painkillers...?
Have you actually told any single doctor the entire story about all of your various problems together to be assessed holistically rather than just bits and pieces as here...?
Have you actually told any single doctor the entire story about all of your various problems together to be assessed holistically rather than just bits and pieces as here...?
They said very specifically in a previous thread that they won’t do that or they’ll be told to stop. Then threw in a few “LOL”s.
Original post by artful_lounger
Which you determined based on your medical degree informing you of the physiology and neurology of sleep and how alcohol and excess painkiller usage influences that, not to mention the underlying issues which cause you to (ab)use alcohol and painkillers...?
Have you actually told any single doctor the entire story about all of your various problems together to be assessed holistically rather than just bits and pieces as here...?
Have you actually told any single doctor the entire story about all of your various problems together to be assessed holistically rather than just bits and pieces as here...?
“Hi doctor I take 50mg of codeine a day and have about 8 units of alcohol a day, please could you prescribe me some benzos”
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