I struggle with insomnia

Written by Dr. Ginger Gabriel, Ph.D., M.F.T

I have always had problems with insomnia over the years, but – until now – never so severe. Last night I was unable to get to sleep until 4 am and awoke at 8 am just burnt. Once I do get to sleep I sleep well, so I don’t think I am depressed. I am an anxious person – I can’t get in the “sleep” mode. I have been having this problem for the last six weeks, since I quit drinking. I’ve had a problem with drinking and I do not want to go back to it in order to cure my insomnia.

Advice: I was having problems with sleeping for almost two years. It turned out that I was in menopause, even though my periods were still regular. Once I started taking hormone replacement, I’ve been getting to sleep much better. There is also the possibility that your body needs to get regulated again after drinking for so long. It is very likely that drinking had depleted your body of certain minerals and vitamins that enhance the sleep patterns. I would definitely see a medical doctor

- there is no reason why you should try to tough it out when you can get help. There may be other things going on in your body that need attention, that may have motivated you to drink in the first place. Tell me more about what is going on in your life.

Dr. Ginger Gabriel