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What Causes Sudden Insomnia, Nightmares And Altered Sense Of Smell?

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Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2015
Question: I don't understand what could cause a sudden insomnia where I experience nightmares when I am alseep and a change in smell and taste when I'm awake as well as severe depression and anger. I also have restless leg syndrome that was under control but is not now.
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Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (44 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Insomnia and nightmares are due to depression only

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern and it appears that depressive disorder is the main reason for your symptoms like poor sleep, night mares, anger episodes and altered smell. In depression REM sleep (a type of sleep) increases in duration which is light sleep and this results in non refreshing sleep with nightmares. Poor control of depressive symptoms results in these symptoms.

I will advise you to consult your psychiatrist again for reevaluation. If you have not taken any medicines then medicines like SSRIs as Paroxetine, or other medicines like Mirtazapine etc can help. These medicines will reduce your symptoms of depression and will also reduce nightmares. Apart from this medicines like Ramelteon can be used. The medicine helps to correct sleep rhythm and reduce the REM sleep, which results in deep refreshing sleep. Visit your doctor and discuss about these medicines.

For Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) medicines like Vitamin E supplements can help. Pregabalin or Gabapentin can be utilised for severe RLS symptoms. Try to relax yourself and don't think about not getting good sleep again and you will feel better. Improvement in depressive symptoms and sleep will improve your RLS symptoms.


Thanks, hope this helps you. Please ask again if you have more doubts.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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What Causes Sudden Insomnia, Nightmares And Altered Sense Of Smell?

Brief Answer: Insomnia and nightmares are due to depression only Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from HCM I can understand your concern and it appears that depressive disorder is the main reason for your symptoms like poor sleep, night mares, anger episodes and altered smell. In depression REM sleep (a type of sleep) increases in duration which is light sleep and this results in non refreshing sleep with nightmares. Poor control of depressive symptoms results in these symptoms. I will advise you to consult your psychiatrist again for reevaluation. If you have not taken any medicines then medicines like SSRIs as Paroxetine, or other medicines like Mirtazapine etc can help. These medicines will reduce your symptoms of depression and will also reduce nightmares. Apart from this medicines like Ramelteon can be used. The medicine helps to correct sleep rhythm and reduce the REM sleep, which results in deep refreshing sleep. Visit your doctor and discuss about these medicines. For Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) medicines like Vitamin E supplements can help. Pregabalin or Gabapentin can be utilised for severe RLS symptoms. Try to relax yourself and don't think about not getting good sleep again and you will feel better. Improvement in depressive symptoms and sleep will improve your RLS symptoms. Thanks, hope this helps you. Please ask again if you have more doubts.