Posted by Deb on August 01, 2005 at 22:22:01:
In Reply to: Re: I can't wake up! posted by Jim on May 20, 2005 at 23:24:16:
I have had this problem my entire life -- since I was in grade school. I used to get abusive and a little violent to anyone who even tried to wake me. Bright lights, alarm clocks, smoke detectors going off in the room, telephones, stereos -- you name it, it was like I was breathing dead. And, for the first few hours I was actually "awake", I was incoherent, dizzy, dazed and basically non-functioning. I would bump into things, stub my toes, forget where I was and what I was doing. I was fired from at least 6 jobs for being late.
Now the good news. 7 months ago I discovered, purely by accident, a drug that actually helps me wake up when I want to. It doesn't keep me from sleeping -- I still can fall asleep the minute my head hits the pillow (which I've always enjoyed). It's Sudafed, 120 mg., time-released. My doctor says it's a stimulant, but I guess the time-release function is perfect for me. By the time enough of it is in my system, it's time to wake up. I go to bed about 10:00 or 10:30, take one capsule at bedtime, and I am wide awake and ready to go every day at 5:00 or 5:30. It has changed my life.
I have no idea if it will help anyone else with this problem, but it may be worth a try. Only drawback for me is, it is very de-hydrating. So I just drink plenty of water during the day. My doctor also says it raises blood pressure, so if you already have a problem with too-high blood pressure, you may want to consult your doctor. My problem has always been LOW blood pressure, and that may have added to or been the cause of my sleep problem to begin with.
I wish all of you sufferers the best of luck. I can truly relate to your frustration and confusion. God bless all of you.
Deb