Insomnia: The Evil Stepchild of AD/HD

Ever have one of those nights when you are so anxious about the next day you can't let go? I'm having one of those nights right now. My wife is awaiting word for a new job and I'm so uptight with worry I worried myself right through the night. Oh, I didn't fret about and pace and talk to myself. I only do that when I discover my elected officials played lapdog for the RIAA/MPAA again. This was just one of those nights where I found things to do all night long.

I've written before about how poorly I respond to medications. So I won't go into the exciting world of Ambien hallucinations or melatonin next day lethargy. Instead I'm just going to jump right into the coping strategies.


Coping Strategies:

  1. I shouldn't have worked with the lights on. Keeping things dark would have helped me get sleepy.
  2. I should have used my Chinese exercise balls. Those things always knock me out.
  3. I should have mentally prepared myself to retire for the evening instead of pushing through my fatigue to finish what I was working on. I could have finished it in the morning.
  4. I'm not going to berate myself over this. I can prevent myself from turning my sleep schedule upside down again. Lights out. Cloisonne spheres in hand. And wake up as close to my normal time as possible. That way I have a chance of being tired at my target goal the next evening. I risk more ticking episodes if I don't put a stop to this now.


Of course, this is how I deal with insomnia. Your methods may vary, but it is important to get control of it before it undermines your productivity and concentration.


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Comments

Terry Matlen, ACSW said…
Hi,
I'm new to your blog- it's creative and brilliant.
I am in the field of AD/HD. For insomnia, have you ever tried telling yourself you will NOT fall asleep- over and over? I've heard it works. Unfortunately, on the nights I'm afflicted with the same dreaded problem, I forget my own advice.

Better nights for you-
Terry

www.addconsults.com/blog
www.myADDstore.com
November 05, 2005 8:18 AM
D.R. Cootey said…
I'll be thankful I never took melatonin long enough to produce that reaction.
December 14, 2005 1:47 AM
D.R. Cootey said…
Terry, I just noticed your comment. Sorry I haven't replied to it sooner.

I have never tried that advice. I may do that tonight. It's 2am and I'm still up.
December 14, 2005 2:07 AM
Anonymous said…
shure fire cure all for insomnia - Harry Potter tapes, the voice is soothing, if you attach you mind onto it as in a meditation it has a harder time wandering off into those things that make you anxious. I've yet to make it to the end of a tape without slipping off to sleep. Is it called insomnia if you can fall asleep but wake consistently at 4 am in the morning with anxious thoughts? Or is that just the precursor to altzheimers. Wonder if there is any correlation between altzheimers and ADHD, Thanks for your blog - its brilliant as Harry would say.
December 14, 2005 7:09 AM
D.R. Cootey said…
Yes, waking up at 4am with anxious thoughts puts you into the Insomnia category. But, are you waking up then thinking anxious thoughts or are you really waking up with anxious thoughts?

As for going to sleep with Harry Potter, I don't think that would work for me. I enjoy the series too much to tune it out. I'd startle awake worried about what I was missing. I find having ambient rain effects in the background helps soothe me best.
December 14, 2005 3:09 PM
Unknown said…
Hi,
I just discovered your blog. I was fascinated as I read through your articles of "self". I am Adhd adult and suffer much of the same. It is nice to know I can return to read your valuable insight and wisdom. Thanks.
December 19, 2005 7:49 AM
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