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Many “floxies” suffer from anxious, sleepless nights.

The CNS symptoms of fluoroquinolone toxicity can be attributed to the effects of fluoroquinolones on GABA receptors. Fluoroquinolones “are known to non-competitively inhibit the activity of the neurotransmitter, GABA, thus decreasing the activation threshold needed for that neuron to generate an impulse.” Inhibition of GABA-A receptors, can lead to the many severe adverse effects of fluoroquinolones on the central nervous system – including insomnia. To put it into simplified terms, fluoroquinolones do the same thing to GABA neurotransmitters as a benzodiazepine withdrawal, and if you ask anyone who has gone through benzodiazepine withdrawal how their sleep was, they’ll tell you how difficult the process can be with inhibited GABA-A receptors.

As anyone who has experienced insomnia knows too well, sleep is necessary for healing. Without sleep, one’s digestion is thrown out of whack, hormones fluctuate wildly, and all aspects of life become more difficult.

I asked people in The Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Group what helped them to overcome insomnia, and they came up with the tips in the post 48 Tips for Overcoming Insomnia. If you are suffering from insomnia, I hope that those things help you!

In Sarah’s Story on Floxie Hope, she mentioned that the book, The Effortless Sleep Method by Sasha Stephens helped her to overcome insomnia.

I recently read The Effortless Sleep Method and found it to be thoughtful and informative. I highly recommend it. I also think that many of Ms. Stephens’ attitude tips can be helpful for those dealing with Fluoroquinolone toxicity.

For context, please read the whole (short and succinct) book. But in case these things will still help you out of context, I’ll note that the 12 rules noted in The Effortless Sleep Method are:

1. Spend less time in bed

2. No naps

3. Get up when you can’t sleep

4. Get up at the same time every day

5. Do NOTHING in bed but sleep or sex

6. Kick the pills

7. Stop clock-watching

8. Replace negative sleep talk with positive statements

9. Let go of the search for an external miracle cure

10. Find a relaxation method which works for you

11. Find a safety net / relax into your safety thought

12. Put your life first

I think those are all excellent tips for overcoming insomnia, and I hope that they help you!

On another, completely unrelated, note – I have been hearing from some medical professionals lately who have been reading this site. A huge shout-out of THANKS to all doctors, pharmacists, nurses and other people in the medical professions who are learning more about fluoroquinolone toxicity!