Feeling bad and no energy - SLEEP

[Guest guest]

Since I am on a posting roll this morning, I thought I would pipe in

and say how important sleep is. I have been clinically and severely

at times depressed all of my adult life and even before that. I have

always had " racing thoughts " that filled my head every night when I

laid down to go to sleep and the resulting insomnia was maddening.

It started a viscious cycle of being constantly dead tired during the

day as I tried to fit into an 8 to 5 world when I had not gone to

sleep until 3 AM the night before. I fought taking an anti-

depressant or anything for sleep for the better part of 20 years

thinking it would label me as " weak, stupid " and always thought I

should be able to figure all of this out and handle it on my own

without the help of drugs. I was a fool for a long time.

I have come to realize that it doesn't mean I am weak or have poor

character. For me, it is all about genetics. I found the most

incredible psychologist after 3 tries and he has made me see that

really none of this is my fault nor does it have anything to do with

my IQ. Also, he convinced me that an SSRI + something to help me

sleep would benefit me and it has turned my life around. He

suggested I see a psychiatrist to adjust my medicine vs. my PCP who

just wants to put everyone on Prozac. I saw an article suggesting

that a psychiatrist should definitely be consulted because they

tailor the medicine so much better than a PCP to the patient. Also,

I have read SOOOO much lately on the importance of sleep. I decided

a couple of months ago that I would focus on getting at least 7 hours

per night if possible and it has made a huge difference in my world.

I exercise regularly (140 miles on the treadmill in 2 & 1/2 months)

and have lost 40 lbs since May. I am almost 2 years out from surgery

so my honey moon period is over and I thought the weight loss had

stopped. Instead, I am getting closer to my goal day by day. I feel

better, my outlook on the world is brighter and I feel like life is

worth living.

I have learned a lot from this group and feel like it helped me get

myself together along with my psychologist. If anyone out there is

in a rut, take charge and put yourself first. It is possible to

enjoy life and use this surgical gift to the fullest extent possible!

R in Nashville

[Guest guest]

In the past week, I have done nothing different other than sleep 8 to 9 hours

in every 24-hours period. Notice I don't say I'm sleeping at nite,

necessarily. But I had been getting by on zero to 4-5 hrs in a 24-hour period.

In the

past week, I have dropped 2 lbs of the 11 I'd gained. D'ya think it's just from

reduction of stress and getting more sleep? I've read over and over that lack

of sleep will make ya gain weight..............

Carol A

------------------------------------------

In a message dated 9/1/2003 12:02:06 PM Central Daylight Time,

1angelar@... writes:

> Also,

> I have read SOOOO much lately on the importance of sleep. I decided

> a couple of months ago that I would focus on getting at least 7 hours

> per night if possible and it has made a huge difference in my world.

[Guest guest]

I used to do the same thing Carol and when I was tired I would find myself

trying to nibble on junk food thinking it would give me energy when I really

needed sleep. I eat less if I sleep enough and find that I am not " hunting "

food all the time. It took me a good month to get in the habit of going to bed

on time but it has been worth it. Also, if I drink water proactively instead of

waiting till I am thirsty, I don't look for the Diet Pepsi or food as much

either. I start drinking water automatically in the morning and if for some

reason I don't get to it on time, I am hunting for the vending machine at work

and trying to snack on something I shouldn't be snacking on. Ha..

R in Nashville

In the past week, I have done nothing different other than sleep 8 to 9 hours

in every 24-hours period. Notice I don't say I'm sleeping at nite, necessarily.

But I had been getting by on zero to 4-5 hrs in a 24-hour period. In the past

week, I have dropped 2 lbs of the 11 I'd gained. D'ya think it's just from

reduction of stress and getting more sleep? I've read over and over that lack of

sleep will make ya gain weight..............

Carol A

------------------------------------------

In a message dated 9/1/2003 12:02:06 PM Central Daylight Time,

1angelar@... writes:

Also,

I have read SOOOO much lately on the importance of sleep. I decided

a couple of months ago that I would focus on getting at least 7 hours

per night if possible and it has made a huge difference in my world.