Posted by saintjames on September 6, 1999, at 2:14:05
In reply to Re: Sleep--too much of a good thing?, posted by Dee on September 5, 1999, at 21:26:35
> I sleep too much when I am depressed, when I notice I'm doing that it's a clear sign that trouble's heading my way.
James here...
Exactally. Depression effects all of the basic drives (sleep, hunger, sex, thought, mood, ect)
This tells us that depression happens at the root
level because it effects the basic drives that keep us alive and functioning. Not everybody has all basic drives effected when depressed. With sleep it is a question of amount and quality. Sleeping more (esp a lot more) is always a sign to me. More important than the amount of sleep is the quality. The ez way to see if you are getting quality is to ask the question "Do I feel rested
after I sleep" Sometimes I feel rested the min. I wake up, but generally it takes an hour or so b4 I ask this question. If I don't feel rested and there are not major stresses or problems going on it is a sign that the depression is creeping back.
I expect a few nights of the month to not have good sleep....that is normal. Ever 5 yrs or so I go thru a major depression. Each time they happen
the signs were there way in advance. The last time it only took me 2 weeks to realize I was in a major depression, the time b4 I went 3 months (not washing, leaving the house, ect) b4 it occured to me I was in a very major depression.Once I realize i am in a major depression i know what to do. My doc (who is excellent) tells me what is the max dose I can take (effexor, I take 100 to 200 mgs normally but can go as high as 400 if I need to) so his orders are to start taking more asap, then call him and let him now what dose I am on. generally I just leave a voice mail with his service "Hey doc, I crashed so I am going to 300. Call me if there is a problem with this" I have been on AD's since 85 so I am an old pro with dealing with these breakthru depressions, and my doc is very comfortable with me changing my dose, provided I let him know what I am doing. This arrangement really helps me because it puts me in control and indicates to me that my doc trusts me and that we are working together as a team.
The five year breakthru depressions always come with warnings (change in sleep and desire to be involved in life past the couch and TV) and I hope I can read the signs sooner next time and avoid it altogether. About 5-7 days of the year I have a sudden depression that lasts a day or so. Most normal people get these too, so I don't make a big woo about it and change the dose provided they last just a day or so. I consider them part of being human. For me, a depression that comes on w/o warning lifts completly the next day so I drag my sorry ass out of bed and the house because I know the next day will be better. because of good meds, great docs, and lots of personal introspection I am a happy camper 360 days of the year, since 1985.
james
poster:saintjames
thread:11004
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990829/msgs/11089.html