Please help me find a solution. I miss sleep. I stress at night before bedtime knowing that I won't sleep

Question

Hello, For 3 years I have been prescribed Zolpidem for insomnia. Now my doctor wants to stop the prescription. I have tried several products such as melatonin, magnesium that do not work for me, as well as thc, cbd, benadryl and tylenol pm that these give me very unpleasant side effects and that leave me with my head in the clouds for 24 hrs. Moreover, they do not make me sleep but rather agitate me. I don't know what to take anymore and I'm so sleep deprived that I have trouble getting through my days at work. Please note that I am under prescription Valsartan, Paxil, Amlodipine, Ozempic Thank you in advance for the information [name removed to maintain confidentiality].

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Hello, thank you for your question, which is very important! At first glance, I don't recommend medication for insomnia as a first line of treatment. In fact, it has been shown that stopping medications like the one you are taking for sleep can really improve the quality of sleep. The important thing is to do it very gradually. Your pharmacist will be able to develop a cessation schedule tailored to your needs and will be able to follow up with you closely to make adjustments as needed. The most important thing is to look at non-pharmacological measures to improve sleep hygiene and quality. Here are a few of them: At least 1 hour before bedtime, turn off any type of screen: computer, phone, TV, and handheld readers too. Most of them emit a type of light that is stimulating. Regardless of bedtime, I suggest getting up at the same time each day, which will help establish a sleep routine eventually. Keep the bedroom for sleeping and intimacy only. No reading, work, or TV in bed. This way, the body will associate the bedroom with sleep as soon as you enter it. Avoid naps during the day, and avoid stimulants like coffee as much as possible, especially in the afternoon. If you have been in bed for 15 minutes and are not falling asleep, I suggest you get up, go to the kitchen or living room for a few minutes, and then return to the bedroom. This can have a reset effect. If you have a lot of worries, write them down in a notebook or journal at night, so you can be reassured that they won't be forgotten and that you can address them the next morning. Never look at the clock during the night, it is a good source of stress! These strategies can take up to 2 weeks to implement, so take your time, gradually, be patient and willing too. i would also like to mention that cognitive behavioral therapy, with the help of a psychologist or psychotherapist, can greatly help improve sleep. Most group insurances cover this type of service. I hope this has been helpful to you and if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me! Tom Samaha, pharmacist