Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Why am I struggling to sleep so much?
This has been constant for years, as long as I can remember. My sleep is so on and off. For a couple of months, I can fall asleep easily, and others, I end up sleeping at 6 am. I have had so many issues with sleep, like for a year, I used to get sleep paralysis a couple of times a week, or dreams where I am stuck and keep waking up in the dream, so I purposefully would not go to sleep because I would be scared in case it happens again.
Then, when I was younger, I would generally have nightmares throughout my whole childhood, so I would be scared to sleep. In the past, I have also been scared I will die in my sleep, even when staying over at other people’s houses as a child. I would sleep at 9 am or pull all-nighters by reading books or just thinking.
I guess my parents never gave me a bedtime and did not care about when I would sleep, so even when I was a six or seven-year-old, I would be watching TV at 3 am, and my parents would not force me to go to sleep.
And now, my sleep is so broken. Every night, without thinking anything of it, I set alarms for every hour, then 30 minutes, and ten minutes, so I know how much sleep I have left. Last month, I was able to sleep on time, but this month, I have pulled all-nighters or slept very late.
Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and understood your concern.
Based on the symptoms and history you mentioned, I think you are experiencing depression and anxiety, along with secondary sleep paralysis. This suggests acute stress, which may be causing your fear of sleep.
I suggest the following:
Starting sleep hygiene practices to improve your sleep.
Avoid smoking and drinking, and make sure to do regular exercise.
You may also consider taking medication like melatonin to regulate your sleep cycle.
I suggest you consult a specialist, talk to them, and take the medications with their consent.
Please let us know if you have any further queries. We would be happy to answer.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.