The article discusses a personal narrative about sleep issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, the author experienced anxiety and an inability to sleep, leading to depression. After trying various sleep aids, including hydroxyzine, melatonin, and over-the-counter antihistamines, the search for a consistent and effective solution continues amid the pressures of a collapsing media industry. The narrative highlights the complexities of managing both mental health and sleep disorders in challenging times.
My struggle to sleep markedly worsened. Stress still seemed to be in limitless supply. My identity is wrapped up in my job as a science journalist.
I became depressed. It was time to get professional help. This was the start of a years-long odyssey to find an effective sleep aid without negative side effects.
After a five-minute telehealth appointment, I was prescribed hydroxyzine, which knocked me out, but left me feeling so groggy the next morning.
In an attempt to not become overly reliant on any one of them, I rotated through remedies, including over-the-counter melatonin and diphenhydramine.
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