----- For the new members

From: Carol Packer

To: benzo@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Insomnia and Fatique in Withdrawal.

INSOMNIA AND FATIQUE IN WITHDRAWAL

It is very common both whilst taking benzos and in withdrawal to

suffer from insomnia and fatique. Once again the drugs affect the brain

chemicals that help us sleep and although they will eventually start working

again, it takes time. Again that old withdrawal enemy adrenalin is at work.

Excess adrenalin is still in the blood stream when its bedtime. During sleep

the body produces growth hormones which help renew body tissue but these can

only work in the absence of adrenalin.

This is a very frustrating part of withdrawal and I wish the

answer was easy but we're battling chemicals here so again time is the key.

You can do a few things to help yourself but never forget that its withdrawal,

not a failing in you and your normal sleeping pattern will return to normal.

1) Try to stick to a regular bedtime routine.

2) Do not exercise or have excess caffeine 4 hours before going

to bed(this will stimulate your system).

3) Do not get into the trap of worrying about not sleeping as

this will make you agitated.

4) Have a warm bath and a cup of chamomile tea before bed.

5) Instead of laying there worrying try this simple

exercise--Make a mental list of all the furniture in your house and where it

is. Walk through your house in your mind, change things if you want to, move

the furniture around. Then do the same with your parents or friends house.

This exercise focuses your attention and creates effective distraction.

Tiredness is another very important part of withdrawal and you

can feel completely exhausted, in fact many people are misdiagnosed with M.E.

which when through withdrawal miraculously disappears! It is hard to cope with

but please keep moving, do not lay around on the bed or settee even though you

feel like it. This symptom like all the others is a direct result of the

action of the drug on your body and will leave. Drink plenty of fresh water,

eat a healthy diet to keep blood sugar levels even for energy and take walks.

Rest in between and as time goes by your withdrawal wxhaustion will leave and

your natural energy and zest for life will return.