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Just thought I would explain what goes through my head a little better with a video in my own words.
I had typed this whole example of what happens to me when I go through these nights trying to fight my thoughts but this F#!^ing app cleared it all...wtf! Anyway I can't sleep, I have panic attacks of not being able to sleep and it's getting old fast and I am losing the only strength I have left to stay sane. Please tell me I am not alone please. .....
https://youtu.be/KWv-ZQ1xZ4o
https://youtu.be/KWv-ZQ1xZ4o
Sleeping
PTS
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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SGT Aaron Olivas you are not alone & you have gotten some good advice so far. The sleep study will be a good way to rule some stuff out. The overt sense of fear and anxiety deprive your body of the ability to get the REM sleep it needs. Unfortunately, the mind controls the body so you have to find a way to let your mind get out of high gear when it's time to sleep. A lot of my Soldiers wound up on Ambien during (and after deployments) but it has been proven to be habit forming. Alternating Benedryl and Unisom seems to work short term for someone I know but a long term solution will most likely come from finding out what is the underlying cause. Whether a support group or a trained professional, help is out there. There is an OEF/OIF Social Worker assigned to every VA. That would be an easy call to get a line on resources. If you run into any roadblocks with resources, let me know. My wife works for a non-profit that assists homeless vet and is pretty plugged into the resource community.
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SSG Ricardo Marcial
Olivas,
MSG James W is absolutely correct, my OIF/OEF case manager has helped me so many times to navigate the crazy VA system. She has been a great resource and things would so much more difficult had it not been for her. Check your VA and find that person, they will be a great guide to helping you in every way possible. Good luck and hang in there, you are not alone and coming here for advice is a great example of your strength. Stay strong.
MSG James W is absolutely correct, my OIF/OEF case manager has helped me so many times to navigate the crazy VA system. She has been a great resource and things would so much more difficult had it not been for her. Check your VA and find that person, they will be a great guide to helping you in every way possible. Good luck and hang in there, you are not alone and coming here for advice is a great example of your strength. Stay strong.
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COL Charles Williams
No idea... Caffine, etc... no impact... Slept thru an ambush (redo) at Ranger School on Right Flank Security... When deployed... I was awoken by the incoming alarms, and just pulled my cover up and went back to sleep... I guess I figured if it was my time, it was my time. That said, when working or out and about... I can't relax... I am super hyper...
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COL Charles Williams
SGT Aaron Olivas - Seriously, I have no idea. There was some times - life stress - I could not sleep... so I understand. My wife can never sleep, and for the last few years takes meds... That does it for her. Not sure if that is solution, but she finally gets sleep. I think, honestly, you have to figure out how to relax and calm down... If you can't you need to find someone who can help you with relaxation. When deployed, working late, coming off shift (MP) on bad night.... it takes time to wind down. But, that said, if that is every day... Then you need to find someone to help you figure out why you stay amped up. Meds are solution, but I believe sleep problems have to do with an inability to clear you thoughts and relax.
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SGT Aaron Olivas, you mentioned pills (and you mentioned your VA doctors) ... Have you discussed sleeping pills with your docs? I don't have PTSD, so I'm not a good one to advise you on that. I do have trouble sleeping sometimes, so I use natural supplements and white noise (as you noted) to help with sleep. Hang in there.
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SGT Aaron Olivas
I have and he stated that sleeping pill will not help in the long run because it doesn't allow you to get deep sleep.
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