I apologize if I offended anyone in my original post. I just wanted people to appreciate that things could be worse, that we should appreciate the things that we have but other people don't. But I understand that we are all suffering in one way or another.
Hubris - it seems you are missing deep sleep part of a normal sleep cycle. That's how mine started too. Yours sounds like a cortisol issue, possibly high. Have you ever tried Relora?
Dechi - Thank you, you are very sweet. It really is hell. Now I see why in some countries their first method of torture is sleep deprivation! On another note, are you familiar with the Meridian Clock? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, whenever we have problems (or wake up) corresponds to an organ. I am looking at one on my laptop, the diagram shows that from 2am to 6am it's the Liver-Lung-Large Intestine. I know it sounds new-agey, but mainly that's how I discovered I had a fatty liver. Maybe it's worth looking into.
Learner1 - thank you for taking the time to list the things which worked for you. I appreciate it so very much. I am happy for you that you have finally found a solution. LDN and Citrulline seem very very promising. I will DEFINITELY look into them! Thank you for mentioning them.
Theanine feels the best one, in my experience. Sadly my stupid body builds up a tolerance to it after 2 days. I takes me weeks to feel the same effects on Theanine again. Crazy huh? (because of the congested liver thing I have, no doubt)
Daniel E - I used to take 1/3 of a 50mg without ill effects, just a little relaxed. Upped it to 25mg and....oh boy....the anxiety and palpitations went through the roof! 5-HTP increases cortisol. I wonder if it increased mine too much?
Mary - it's like you just read my mind. Right after I ordered a Cortisol test, you posted here
You are right, that's the only way to know for sure. Mary, when you had the high levels of cortisol at night, did you feel great pain in your body by any chance? Like, pain in the muscles and joints which is more severe than the rest of the day.
I had no idea about the insomnia caused by Seriphos! But it looks like a very good product. I'd love to try it. I hope I don't get another crash.
I am glad you found a nice stack you can use that helps you. Do you cycle between them to avoid tolerance or you take them all every night? I'm curious
Let me list the stuff I've tried (there are more probably, but my brain fog interfers). Maybe there are things which someone could try in the future
STUFF I TRIED:
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Theanine + Tryptophan (the best, but my tolerance builds super fast)
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5-HTP (25mg and I'm off to PANICLAND. 15/16mg makes me a little bit relaxed)
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Valerian (relaxed, but sooo in paaaain. Possibly increases Glutamate in people who have a bad GABA/Glutamate ratio? Or lowers cortisol too much?)
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Glycine (Hello again Panicland! possibly increases glutamate in sensitive people?)
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Essential oils (no effect, maybe calming...?)
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Vagus Nerve Stimulation (helps with anxiety, not much for sleep)
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Jujube (Pain. Pain. Pain. So sleepy but in pain. Lowers cortisol too much? It's a pity, this one would be the bomb.)
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Oleamide (increases Deep Sleep. Never did anything for me)
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Ornithine (felt it didn't do anything)
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Noni fruit (didn't take enough to feel anything beyond little relaxation)
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David Delight Pro (a machine which helps you entrain your brain. There are a lot of modes - meditation, sleep, concentration, etc. This one used to work to get at least 2 hours of sleep, some people helps them to sleep all night. I grew tolerant of it.)
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ICES machine (to help with the pain, but it makes too tired)
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Magnesium Glycinate (helps with relaxation, sleep not so much)
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Taurine (very good, sadly not effective anymore. Works on GABA receptors I think)
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Phosphatidylserine (super alert. No matter when I take it. It should increase Dopamine)
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Melatonin (never felt anything)
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Milk Peptides (relaxation. Some people helps them sleep)
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Reishi (never felt anything)
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Nigella Seed (sleepy, but laxative for me???)
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B6 (not always the same.)
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Fennel (relaxing. Be careful if you have too hormonal problems. This one might increase prolactin, progesterone and a little estrogen)
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Acupressure using an electro-acupuncture machine bought off aliexpress. (was more effective in the past)
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Epsom Salt foot baths (helps with relaxation and a little sleepiness)
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Self-Reiki (helps in relaxation and the pain)
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Crystal therapy (helps sometimes, or just placebo)
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Bach Remedy Sleep spray (a bit relaxed, worked better in the past)
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chamomille tincture on tongue (a bit dizzy in the past, not anymore)
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Sleep Binaural Beats before bed (sleepy, but you'd have to avoid building tolerance to it so you'd have to cycle different ones. There are a lot on Youtube)
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Acupuncture (helped for a bit, then I went into remission)
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Potassium (I am not sure. I need to investigate this further)
Herbs are very hit or miss for me. Valerian gave me the worst muscle and joint pain of my life, so I'm going to steer clear of herbs for now. If I remember something else, I'll edit the list.