Lack of sleep or deprivation due to mental blockage
December 7, 2012 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring
Dear Sir or Madam,
I have a big problem, which is probably psychologically related. Since the beginning of October, I can only sleep for a maximum of 2-3 hours, or actually not at all for almost four weeks, at most for a few minutes. I already notice that I am becoming increasingly unfocused... walking also becomes a bit harder. Unfortunately, there is still no solution in sight to be able to sleep well again. What could happen to my brain in the worst case scenario? Can one die from lack of sleep?
Thank you in advance!
XY
Good evening,
Fortunately, lack of sleep does not lead to death, and the brain is only damaged when you are not allowed to sleep (torture). Luckily, this is not the case for you!
There are many things you can do. You can take herbal sleep remedies like Kytta Sedativum or Ivel, learn progressive muscle relaxation according to Jacobson, or autogenic training, temporarily use stronger sleeping pills, or (if necessary) start taking sleep-promoting antidepressants. Please consult your primary care physician so that they can find the right solution for you! Perhaps you will also confide in them what is preventing you from sleeping...
Best regards, Dr. Höllering, Specialist in Internal and General Medicine
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