Comments for SLEEPSTARVED.ORG http://sleepstarved.org A site by insomniacs and for insomniacs who are looking for something new… Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:42:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 Comment on Alternative Therapies by gayle http://sleepstarved.org/2008/03/04/alternative-therapies/#comment-1535 gayle Fri, 03 Oct 2008 07:49:07 +0000 http://sleepstarved.org/2008/03/04/alternative-therapies/#comment-1535 Edgar, above, had success with the vitamin cocktail in the book... I'm thrilled. And to Tori's question (which I can't find at the moment) about cranial electrical stimulation, here's some info: Ray Smith, PhD has written a monograph on CES that is available on Amazon.Com. I haven't tried either but I plan to... And I plan to check out those biurnal beats brainwaves, Katyanne. Thanks to all. Edgar, above, had success with the vitamin cocktail in the book… I’m thrilled.

And to Tori’s question (which I can’t find at the moment) about cranial electrical stimulation, here’s some info: Ray Smith, PhD has written a monograph on
CES that is available on Amazon.Com.

I haven’t tried either but I plan to…
And I plan to check out those biurnal beats brainwaves, Katyanne.

Thanks to all.

]]> Comment on What helps, what hinders by freerockspirit http://sleepstarved.org/2008/03/04/what-helps-what-hinders/#comment-1534 freerockspirit Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:06:50 +0000 http://sleepstarved.org/2008/03/04/what-helps-what-hinders/#comment-1534 Hi Gayle, The point you make is valid. Torment depends on self knowledge. I doubt Saddam Hussein had much - - but, just my conjecture! We live in a culture where there is an increasingly high degree of self knowledge and with it comes the torment - sometimes expressed unconsciously and played out in insomnia. It's a kind of self actualization deficit - if you will. I remain convinced that insomnia can best addressed through a combination of dynamic psychotherapy, changing life circumstances and a dose of the medication of choice. I look forward to the debate going on. Once again - thank you for starting the wonderful site, Peter Hi Gayle,

The point you make is valid. Torment depends on self knowledge. I doubt Saddam Hussein had much - - but, just my conjecture! We live in a culture where there is an increasingly high degree of self knowledge and with it comes the torment - sometimes expressed unconsciously and played out in insomnia. It’s a kind of self actualization deficit - if you will. I remain convinced that insomnia can best addressed through a combination of dynamic psychotherapy, changing life circumstances and a dose of the medication of choice. I look forward to the debate going on.

Once again - thank you for starting the wonderful site,

Peter

]]> Comment on What helps, what hinders by gayle http://sleepstarved.org/2008/03/04/what-helps-what-hinders/#comment-1533 gayle Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:27:24 +0000 http://sleepstarved.org/2008/03/04/what-helps-what-hinders/#comment-1533 Thanks to all of you for leaving your comments. I hoped to sit down and respond to each and every one, but that's becoming less possible as the number of responses increases, and as my life refuses to de-clutter. I just wanted to say thanks to you all. to Linda--who I met, right? I meant to follow up. to Nodnoble: Thanks for that info about Trans Magnetic Stimulation info--so interesting-- i hope to follow up. I want to say to freerockspirit, ust above, the lines from macbeth (near and dear to me as they are--it's one of my favorite of Shakespeare's plays) I don't agree that most insomnia is a burdened mind, soul, or conscience. I don't think there are any one-size-fits-all descriptions of insomnia: we each came to this problem by a different route... and each of us needs to find our own way out of it. Psychotherapy may work for some people, but not for everyone--nothing owrks for everyone. Some insomnia is rooted not in a tormented soul but in some yet to be identified neurotransmitter, some neurobiological glitch, that we'll someday understand, just as we understand the deficiency of orexin in narcoleptics. Some is rooted in hormoanl imbalances, some in head injury. Tormented soul? no. Unless you're embarked on a career of killing, but even Saddam Hussein slept well. It's about the sleep system. so try everything you have time and money for, and maybe psychotherapy will help--but no one thing helps everyone. Thanks to all of you for leaving your comments.
I hoped to sit down and respond to each and every one, but that’s becoming less possible as the number of responses increases, and as my life refuses to de-clutter. I just wanted to say thanks to you all.
to Linda–who I met, right? I meant to follow up.
to Nodnoble: Thanks for that info about Trans Magnetic Stimulation info–so interesting– i hope to follow up.
I want to say to freerockspirit, ust above, the lines from macbeth (near and dear to me as they are–it’s one of my favorite of Shakespeare’s plays) I don’t agree that most insomnia is a burdened mind, soul, or conscience. I don’t think there are any one-size-fits-all descriptions of insomnia: we each came to this problem by a different route… and each of us needs to find our own way out of it. Psychotherapy may work for some people, but not for everyone–nothing owrks for everyone. Some insomnia is rooted not in a tormented soul but in some yet to be identified neurotransmitter, some neurobiological glitch, that we’ll someday understand, just as we understand the deficiency of orexin in narcoleptics. Some is rooted in hormoanl imbalances, some in head injury. Tormented soul? no. Unless you’re embarked on a career of killing, but even Saddam Hussein slept well. It’s about the sleep system.
so try everything you have time and money for, and maybe psychotherapy will help–but no one thing helps everyone.

]]> Comment on Networking by freerockspirit http://sleepstarved.org/2008/03/04/networking/#comment-1532 freerockspirit Sat, 27 Sep 2008 01:27:41 +0000 http://sleepstarved.org/2008/03/04/networking/#comment-1532 Ann I'm sure this is a common experience. I never found anyone who could really understand - let alone a self help group. See my posting which may be of help - under 'what works what doesn't'. If you want to talk more about it please e-mail me. Not exactly a self-help group but... Ann I’m sure this is a common experience. I never found anyone who could really understand - let alone a self help group. See my posting which may be of help - under ‘what works what doesn’t’. If you want to talk more about it please e-mail me. Not exactly a self-help group but…

]]> Comment on Why I wrote INSOMNIAC by Recent Links Tagged With "sleep" - JabberTags http://sleepstarved.org/2008/08/25/writing-as-an-insomniac%e2%80%a6/#comment-1531 Recent Links Tagged With "sleep" - JabberTags Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:04:47 +0000 http://sleepstarved.org/2008/08/25/writing-as-an-insomniac%e2%80%a6/#comment-1531 [...] links >> sleep Painting, Blowing Raspberries, and Laughter Saved by lordsytar on Sun 21-9-2008 Writing as an insomniac… Saved by MarkTimothy on Sun 21-9-2008 hjbarraza: I need, to sleep, but i simply had way too much [...] […] links >> sleep Painting, Blowing Raspberries, and Laughter Saved by lordsytar on Sun 21-9-2008 Writing as an insomniac… Saved by MarkTimothy on Sun 21-9-2008 hjbarraza: I need, to sleep, but i simply had way too much […]

]]> Comment on What helps, what hinders by freerockspirit http://sleepstarved.org/2008/03/04/what-helps-what-hinders/#comment-1530 freerockspirit Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:48:10 +0000 http://sleepstarved.org/2008/03/04/what-helps-what-hinders/#comment-1530 I think the letter below to Gregg Jacobs - who I was referred to as "the expert" in the field in 2005, might be helpful. In my opinion Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has very limited use in the treatment of chronic Insomnia. I know Gayle makes the point in her book that Insomnia research is now supported by its being regarded as a comorbid condition. I think to regard it as such is actually a distraction. There is always a deep seated 'cause' of this distressing symptom. In my personal and research experiences some of the causes are: Depression, Anxiety, Guilt, Unresolved sexuality/libido. A number of natural and chemical remedies can provide temporary amelioration. Bananas/lettuce/nettle/Trazadone and the like/cannabis (be sure it is a "head high" and not a "body high" or you'll not sleep a minute, particularly if your libido is strong!). I have now come out of my insomnia after 7 years of sleeplessness - but I know that the chained beast lurks and could break loose. I would be glad to help anyone take a psychotherapeutic approach to relieving their symptoms. One thing is for sure. If anyone tells you to not drink caffeine after 6:00pm then they are patronizing you and you should look for a new Doctor! It was particularly disappointing to me that Gregg Jacobs never paid me the respect of responsing to the two or three letters I troubled to write to him. Insomniacs need a close worker to undertake this delicate unravelling - someone between a priest and a doctor... Feel free to contact me on freerockspirit@aol.com. I'm not too good at checking sites! The letter: Dear Gregg, I am writing to follow up on my e-mail of December 2nd. I am becoming more and more convinced of the efficacy of psychotherapy in the treatment of insomnia. I have re-read your book "Saying Good Night to Insomnia" and find no reference to treating the psyche deeply damaged by extreme life events. For example, in your section on Negative Automatic Thoughts (NATs) you suggest that insomnia is (partially) the outcome of a mind preoccupying itself with negative thoughts. You make suggestions and give case studies. These refer to job related, day to day anxieties. While you do refer to deeper sources of anxiety such as bereavement - you do not give any advice about reframing NATs associated with deeper emotional distress. I suggest that NATs associated with such stressors as: bereavement; PTSD; taboo related guilt (the emotional association of those who have, or perceive they have committed crimes against their fellows) cannot be re-framed for two reasons. Firstly, for many insomniacs the "thoughts" are not thoughts at all. These clients report the sensation of a free-spinning empty spool, but no film loaded into the projector. Secondly, and most importantly, that which is truely negative is so. Some, clients suffering from deep emotional stress may find some relief in the cogintive behavioural techniques you suggest. Many more will gather increasing negative effects and even those who find temporary relief in cognitive behavioural therapy will eventually move deeper into distress and psychosis. The key to the treatment of insomnia in such clients in deep emotional distress is dynamic psycotherapy. This should include dream analysis because dream imagery is the gateway to emotional effects at levels deeper than conscious thought. I have never felt more sure of a position. A dangerous stand to take in science! Please don't think I underestimate the importance of cognitive behavioural therapy in treating the worried well. My interest is in what I am calling 'The Macbeth Syndrome': to refresh your memory, in Act 2 Scene 3 after brutally murdering Duncan and his guards: Macbeth: But wherefore could I not pronounce Amen? I had most need of blessing and Amen stuck in my throat. Lady Macbeth: These deeds must not be thought, after these ways; so it will make us mad. Macbeth: Methought, I heard a voice cry, Sleep no more! Macbeth doth murder sleep; the innocent sleep...etc (Works of William Shakespeare; Pope London 1776) Lady Macbeth is actually practising your NAT re-framing! Tight lines, Peter Davies I think the letter below to Gregg Jacobs - who I was referred to as “the expert” in the field in 2005, might be helpful. In my opinion Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has very limited use in the treatment of chronic Insomnia. I know Gayle makes the point in her book that Insomnia research is now supported by its being regarded as a comorbid condition. I think to regard it as such is actually a distraction. There is always a deep seated ’cause’ of this distressing symptom. In my personal and research experiences some of the causes are: Depression, Anxiety, Guilt, Unresolved sexuality/libido.

A number of natural and chemical remedies can provide temporary amelioration. Bananas/lettuce/nettle/Trazadone and the like/cannabis (be sure it is a “head high” and not a “body high” or you’ll not sleep a minute, particularly if your libido is strong!).

I have now come out of my insomnia after 7 years of sleeplessness - but I know that the chained beast lurks and could break loose. I would be glad to help anyone take a psychotherapeutic approach to relieving their symptoms. One thing is for sure. If anyone tells you to not drink caffeine after 6:00pm then they are patronizing you and you should look for a new Doctor! It was particularly disappointing to me that Gregg Jacobs never paid me the respect of responsing to the two or three letters I troubled to write to him. Insomniacs need a close worker to undertake this delicate unravelling - someone between a priest and a doctor…

Feel free to contact me on freerockspirit@aol.com. I’m not too good at checking sites!

The letter:

Dear Gregg,

I am writing to follow up on my e-mail of December 2nd. I am becoming more and more convinced of the efficacy of psychotherapy in the treatment of insomnia.

I have re-read your book “Saying Good Night to Insomnia” and find no reference to treating the psyche deeply damaged by extreme life events. For example, in your section on Negative Automatic Thoughts (NATs) you suggest that insomnia is (partially) the outcome of a mind preoccupying itself with negative thoughts. You make suggestions and give case studies. These refer to job related, day to day anxieties. While you do refer to deeper sources of anxiety such as bereavement - you do not give any advice about reframing NATs associated with deeper emotional distress. I suggest that NATs associated with such stressors as: bereavement; PTSD; taboo related guilt (the emotional association of those who have, or perceive they have committed crimes against their fellows) cannot be re-framed for two reasons. Firstly, for many insomniacs the “thoughts” are not thoughts at all. These clients report the sensation of a free-spinning empty spool, but no film loaded into the projector. Secondly, and most importantly, that which is truely negative is so. Some, clients suffering from deep emotional stress may find some relief in the cogintive behavioural techniques you suggest. Many more will gather increasing negative effects and even those who find temporary relief in cognitive behavioural therapy will eventually move deeper into distress and psychosis. The key to the treatment of insomnia in such clients in deep emotional distress is dynamic psycotherapy. This should include dream analysis because dream imagery is the gateway to emotional effects at levels deeper than conscious thought.

I have never felt more sure of a position. A dangerous stand to take in science! Please don’t think I underestimate the importance of cognitive behavioural therapy in treating the worried well. My interest is in what I am calling ‘The Macbeth Syndrome’:

to refresh your memory, in Act 2 Scene 3 after brutally murdering Duncan and his guards:

Macbeth: But wherefore could I not pronounce Amen? I had most need of blessing and Amen stuck in my throat.

Lady Macbeth: These deeds must not be thought, after these ways; so it will make us mad.

Macbeth: Methought, I heard a voice cry, Sleep no more! Macbeth doth murder sleep; the innocent sleep…etc
(Works of William Shakespeare; Pope London 1776)

Lady Macbeth is actually practising your NAT re-framing!

Tight lines,
Peter Davies

]]> Comment on Alternative Therapies by rostromojado http://sleepstarved.org/2008/03/04/alternative-therapies/#comment-1529 rostromojado Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:35:33 +0000 http://sleepstarved.org/2008/03/04/alternative-therapies/#comment-1529 Oh, I've found it Gayle. Lemme get home and search the doses then I'll post. (This is Edgar, BTW) Oh, I’ve found it Gayle. Lemme get home and search the doses then I’ll post. (This is Edgar, BTW)

]]> Comment on Networking by Ann http://sleepstarved.org/2008/03/04/networking/#comment-1528 Ann Sun, 14 Sep 2008 13:42:32 +0000 http://sleepstarved.org/2008/03/04/networking/#comment-1528 I just wanted to share my experience with finding a support group. The NJ Self-Help Clearinghouse informed me that not only are there no self-help groups for insomnia in New Jersey, but there is not one IN THE ENTIRE US! The person I spoke to also said that I am the FIRST person requesting this in all the years she's worked there from 1988!!! Is this thing so deeply buried in the closet that no one is willing to meet to talk about it?! If there are any of you out there who would like to get together, please let me know. I live in central NJ. I just wanted to share my experience with finding a support group. The NJ Self-Help Clearinghouse informed me that not only are there no self-help groups for insomnia in New Jersey, but there is not one IN THE ENTIRE US! The person I spoke to also said that I am the FIRST person requesting this in all the years she’s worked there from 1988!!! Is this thing so deeply buried in the closet that no one is willing to meet to talk about it?! If there are any of you out there who would like to get together, please let me know. I live in central NJ.

]]> Comment on Who/what killed Heath Ledger? by Jenny K http://sleepstarved.org/2008/03/06/whowhat-killed-heath-ledger/#comment-1527 Jenny K Sun, 14 Sep 2008 13:13:28 +0000 http://sleepstarved.org/2008/03/06/whowhat-killed-heath-ledger/#comment-1527 Ledger was taking oxycontin, a popular prescription drug related to heroin. Combining this with any kind of sedating drug is asking for trouble. The sleeping tablets are far less the culprit than this drug; they are more just an "accesory to the crime" so to speak. The real question is why are doctors prescribing heroin-like painkillers to people who aren't suffering from chronic and severe pain? Normally this kind of med should only be prescribed to cancer sufferers or others with severe, debilitatingly painful conditions--not healthy, strapping young adults like Ledger. Ledger was taking oxycontin, a popular prescription drug related to heroin. Combining this with any kind of sedating drug is asking for trouble. The sleeping tablets are far less the culprit than this drug; they are more just an “accesory to the crime” so to speak.

The real question is why are doctors prescribing heroin-like painkillers to people who aren’t suffering from chronic and severe pain? Normally this kind of med should only be prescribed to cancer sufferers or others with severe, debilitatingly painful conditions–not healthy, strapping young adults like Ledger.

]]> Comment on your experience with the Ambien [zolpidem] crazies—is it a demon drug? by Jenny K http://sleepstarved.org/2008/02/29/your-experience-with-the-ambien-zolpidem-crazies%e2%80%94is-it-a-demon-drug/#comment-1526 Jenny K Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:01:10 +0000 http://sleepstarved.org/2008/02/29/your-experience-with-the-ambien-zolpidem-crazies%e2%80%94is-it-a-demon-drug/#comment-1526 Addit to above: I work as a psychiatric nurse and have seen quite a few odd effects from Ambien (we call it Stilnox here in Australia). One patient became delerious and started to wander about waking other patients and talking absolute nonsense to them (almost as if she was hallucinating). Another patient was sleep-texting people (that is--sending text messages on her mobile phone to friends etc (texting is a bit of acarze here amongst young people) in the middle of the night but had no memory of doing so. Apparently Ambien wakes up a certain part of the brain while putting other parts to sleep, thus producing the strange not awake/not asleep state and bizarre behaviour in some people. I read they are considering triallng it on coma patients in the hope that it might stimulate some kind of response. Addit to above: I work as a psychiatric nurse and have seen quite a few odd effects from Ambien (we call it Stilnox here in Australia). One patient became delerious and started to wander about waking other patients and talking absolute nonsense to them (almost as if she was hallucinating). Another patient was sleep-texting people (that is–sending text messages on her mobile phone to friends etc (texting is a bit of acarze here amongst young people) in the middle of the night but had no memory of doing so.

Apparently Ambien wakes up a certain part of the brain while putting other parts to sleep, thus producing the strange not awake/not asleep state and bizarre behaviour in some people. I read they are considering triallng it on coma patients in the hope that it might stimulate some kind of response.

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