Sleep State Misconception - Benzo W/D...anyone relate?

[bizfrob]

I have had a serious issue for sometime and want to know if anyone out there can relate. I was prescribed Klonopin for insomnia and stayed on it for 10 years (way too long. I had serious complications and had to come off. During these complications (Anxiety, Derealization, Muscle pain, etc.) I felt like I did not sleep at all at night. I felt like I was dreaming but awake. I was never really tired in the AM. I have been off Benzos for 18 months and this issue still persist. I got to bed and feel like I am awake all night and dreaming and thinking and then get up around 5am...feel very strange but start the day and am not tired. I get very scared as this seems like my brain is in overdrive but I am getting sleep. I go to a sleep specialist and he thinks my states are mixed and that I am in both states at once. He doesn't really have any advice and I want to stay away from meds. Can anyone out there relate at all? Thank you!

[crazycatnapper]

What does your sleep study show as far as your brain waves and what type of sleep you are getting? I can't imagine a sleep doc not knowing what to do to help, although the answer may be medication. Benzos in particular mess up your sleep patterns, so if you do have to resort to meds, make sure you find one that works for you. Many use natural melatonin.

[ayurkanin]

I can't relate, sorry... but perhaps a short-term course of meds would turn things around for you? Just something light that could get your sleep patterns regulated and then you go off of it slowly? Also, have you been practicing good sleep hygiege? This can help tremendously if followed religiously for a long while. It's difficult, though. Did you actually have a sleep study done since you've experienced this or was the doctor just saying that from your description?