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Few things in life are more beneficial than a good night’s sleep. But for millions of people, especially those in benzo withdrawal, this is easier said than done. Learn some tips and tricks which may help you get the rest you so desperately need.
In today’s episode, we’ll tackle the withdrawal symptoms of insomnia and nightmares. We’ll also answer a question on taper symptoms, discuss how long psychological symptoms may continue, and join D for a personal anniversary celebration.
Video ID: BFP032
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Chapters
00:57 Introduction 10:40 Mailbag 21:20 Feature 45:58 Moment of Peace
Episode Summary
Today, we are going to take a look at sleeping symptoms in benzo withdrawal. This includes insomnia and nightmares. We also will answer a couple of questions from the mailbag, and share one comment. In addition, D will share a personal anniversary regarding his own recovery.
Resources
The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein.
MAILBAG
THE ASHTON MANUAL: https://benzo.org.uk/manual/
FEATURE: Insomnia in Benzo Withdrawal
Ashton, C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual.
“Binge-watching television linked with insomnia and fatigue.” Spectator Health. August 15, 2017. Accessed August 15, 2017. https://health.spectator.co.uk/binge-watching-television-linked-with-insomnia-and-fatigue/.
Exelmans, Liese, Jan Van den Bulck. “Binge Viewing, Sleep, and the Role of Pre-Sleep Arousal.” Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine 15(08)(2017):1001-8. Accessed August 15, 2017. http://jcsm.aasm.org/viewabstract.aspx?pid=31062.
Ford, D. “Epidemiologic study of sleep disturbances and psychiatric disorders. An opportunity for prevention?” JAMA262(11):1479-84. Accessed March 23, 2017. doi:10.1001/jama.262.11.1479.
Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book.
Foster, Helen. “Not sleeping? Best insomnia cure could be ignoring it.” Daily Telegraph. September 20, 2017. Accessed October 1, 2017. http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/health/body-soul-daily/not-sleeping-best-insomnia-cure-could-be-ignoring-it/news-story/0734f87ce37af05d024619d4d9beaff5.
Gardner, R.S. Isaac. “Why Are Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs Still Prescribed Indefinitely For Insomnia?” Brain Blogger. February 11, 2016. Accessed March 6, 2017. http://brainblogger.com/2016/02/11/why-are-benzodiazepines-and-z-drugs-still-prescribed-indefinitely-for-insomnia/.
Lewin, Evelyn. “Worrying about insomnia may be worse than lack of sleep.” WAtoday. November 15, 2017. Accessed November 16,2017. https://www.watoday.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/worrying-about-insomnia-may-be-worse-than-lack-of-sleep-20171115-gzlsow.html.
Pardini, Cassandra. “Melatonin Compared With Zolpidem for Hospital-Related Insomnia.” MPR. July 3, 2019. Accessed August 15, 2019. https://www.empr.com/home/news/melatonin-compared-with-zolpidem-for-hospital-related-insomnia/.
Shahly, Victoria, et al. “The Associations of Insomnia With Costly Workplace Accidents and Errors: Results From the America Insomnia Survey.” JAMA Psychiatry 69(10)(October 2012):1054-63. Accessed April 6, 2018. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/1370486.
Spence, D. Warren, et al. “Acupuncture Increases Nocturnal Melatonin Secretion and Reduces Insomnia and Anxiety: A Preliminary Report.” Journal of Neuropsychiatry February 1, 2004. Accessed July 11, 2008. https://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/jnp.16.1.19.
Stoianovici, Robyn, Luigi Burnetti, and Christopher D. Adams. “Comparison of Melatonin and Zolpidem for Sleep in an Academic Community Hospital: An Analysis of Patient Perception and Inpatient Outcomes.” Journal of Pharmacy Practice. June 25, 2019. Accessed August 15, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1177/0897190019851888.
Tracy, Phillip. “Somnox: This Bean-Shaped Cuddle Robot Is Designed to Fight Insomnia.” DailyDot.com. November 24, 2017. Accessed November 25, 2017. https://www.dailydot.com/debug/somnox-robot-kickstarter/.
The Podcast
The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata).
WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com
MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx
DISCLAIMER
All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer.
CREDITS
Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio
Benzo Free Theme
— Title: “Walk in the Park”
— Artist: Neil Cross
PRODUCTION
Easing Anxiety is produced by…
Denim Mountain Press
©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved
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