I am 16 and I need some advice urgently. I was prescribed trazodone for insomnia, but it hasn’t helped. I have tried meditating, reading, taking hot showers, and avoiding my phone before bedtime. In the past two weeks, I’ve slept less than 10 hours total. I feel terrible and can’t think clearly. If trazodone does not work tonight, I might have to go to the emergency room. Please, if anyone has any tips or advice, I am desperate for help.
Hello, you should indeed see a doctor as soon as possible. There are last-resort options like sleeping under anesthesia, so do not lose hope.
The person who posted this, I get your frustration. This forum isn’t the best place for solutions right now. You need to tell your doctor if a medication isn’t working so they can adjust or try something else. It’s tough, but medical professionals are best equipped to help you. If you feel unheard, seek a second opinion. Hang in there.
You should really consult a doctor and discuss this with your parents. I have severe insomnia and have tried many remedies including sleep clinic visits, various supplements, and medications. What has helped me is strict sleep hygiene and benzodiazepines, though the latter isn’t a long-term solution. I’ve also had mixed results with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia. Professional supervision is crucial.
If the medication isn’t effective, please consult your doctor again.
You need to see a doctor immediately. This forum is for general questions, but you need medical attention.
If trazodone isn’t working, you should discuss other options like diazepam with your doctor, especially since you’re experiencing significant anxiety.
Are you eating properly and exercising? Both can affect sleep quality.
Look up Beth Kendall or the sleep coach school online. Understanding the reasons behind insomnia can be the first step in overcoming it. I’ve been in a similar situation and learning more about insomnia was key. If you ever feel unsafe, please contact your doctor immediately.
Have you had any significant changes in your life recently that might have triggered your insomnia?
Sometimes physical relief or relaxation techniques like using cannabis can be helpful for sleep issues.
It is critical that you see a doctor. Advice from this forum is not a substitute for professional medical guidance.
Visiting the hospital might be necessary. Try to bring an adult who can support and advocate for you.
When I was your age, I experienced similar issues. Your body might be ‘micro sleeping’ during the day. Avoid naps, try to exhaust yourself physically in the evening, and consider medically prescribed sleeping pills if necessary.
You may need to try different treatments to find what works for you. This is common with psychiatric treatments. Wishing you the best.
Consider trying a higher dose of melatonin if you haven’t already.
I’m 16 too and had similar sleep problems. What helped me was melatonin and 5-HTP, exercise, spending time outdoors, maintaining a sleep schedule, and not worrying too much about sleep. There’s also a sleep aid device that emits low frequency pulses which helped me sleep faster. It might get better with time, try to stay hopeful.
@Logan
Can you send me the link to the sleep aid device? Thanks so much for the advice!
After trying trazodone, I switched to an eye mask with Bluetooth headphones. Listening to calming audiobooks at bedtime has significantly improved my sleep. Discuss other options with your doctor, as continuous sleep issues can severely impact your health.
Seeing a doctor as soon as possible is advisable.