Sleep - what should I ask for?

[Carolina]

Dearest angels,

I am not sleeping much at night.  I wake up to pee, I wake up in pain, I wake up and wake up and wake up.  All night long.

I need to ask for something for sleep, but I don't know what.

I can't take pain meds (itching or allergies or both), and it is usually pain keeping me awake,  Not overwhelming tear your hair out pain, but nagging constant bone pain (arthritis).

I take Benedryl to sleep and melatonin, and Cymbalta.  But those aren't doing the trick for my sleepless nights.

A muscle relaxant?  Xanax?  Ambien?  What do you find works for you?

I'm not worried about addiction.  Addiction isn't when you need something for pain.  It's when you need it to get through the day.

I've never understood wanting most of the narcotic meds in an addictive way.  And now I can't take them.

I used to take diet pills waaaay back in the day, and couldn't get addicted to them cause I couldn't stand the way they made me feel.

I guess I've been lucky.

But lack of sleep is getting to me.  I spend long hours in bed, but mostly NOT sleeping.

Hoping for some ideas.

Oh I use one of those heated pad things (microwaved) to help me ignore my neck pain and get to sleep.  But it doesn't get me through the night.

Hugs

Elaine

[KellyG999]

Oh, my goodness! You NEED the sleep to rest and recharge your mind and body. I'm so sorry you're struggling!!

I agree with you about the addiction - I take Ativan (lorazepam) for anxiety attacks related to my throat issues, and also when I can't sleep. I usually take a half a pill, twice per day. It's very low dose and I don't feel odd, out-of-it or drugged at all. It simply takes the edge off. I am not autiosworried about being addicted and I don't abuse it.

I'd be cautios about asking for these types of meds. When I described the problems I was having, Lorazepam is what the Dr. recommended. Perhaps you can explain your sleep problems and ask to talk about options.

Good luck!

KellyG

[Autoimmunity]

I go through periods where I get little to no sleep (nighttime sleep) at all (I think from the narcolepsy).  I have literally had days where I've gone to bed and have not slept at all, it's horrible.  I went to my doctor who prescribed me I think it was ambien.  Then I read the side effects which scared me so bad I didn't even try it ((sleep driving, sleep texting, calling people, etc.)).  Luckily, right after that, the cycle changed, so for the time being I am not having the not sleeping issue.
My mother also has sleep issues, her doctor prescribed her amitriptyline that she takes every night.  She gave me a few to try (my doctor was aware), but it didn't work for me as every time I fell asleep I jerked back awake.  My head would jerk, or my legs, etc., but that may be worth a try.
Good luck.  I know how awful it is to get no sleep.

[bjnc]

I take Trazodone, which is an antidepressant used for sleep.  I've taken it for several years, and it has worked very well for me. 

Becky

[Joe S.]

A bit of meditation can be like hours of sleep. I try to meditate each night. If I fall asleep so much the better.

[engy]

I no longer need sleep meds but I did at first due to adrenal fatigue.

However, I used a natural supplement with valerian root in it. Revitalizing Sleep Formula I think it was called.

I know for some people it wasn't string enough but it worked great for me.

Good Luck. Sleeping is so important!

Carie

[anita]

Carolina,

If you have aching pain, maybe try using a heating pad on low.  The warmth from the pad can help with the pain and just be comforting to help you sleep.  Mine does have an auto-off feature after 45 minutes or so, but if I need it again in the night, I just flip the switch back on (no getting up to use the microwave).

I also use Ambien.  It comes in regular (5 & 10 mg) and a CR (extended release) for those who have trouble throughout the night.  I take the 10mg regular, but sounds like you could use the CR.  Maybe ask your doctor for a couple week supply and try it out.  I would stay away from xanax if possible.  Also stay away from Lunesta.  It caused the worst metal taste in the mouth...EVERYONE i talked to had this side-effect (myself included).

Let's hope you have better sleep in your New Year!!

[Jenny]

I agree about the Ambien CR. It has changed my life. I went from sleeping two or three hours a night to almost a full night sleep (except for getting up to pee, of course). 

[Carolina]

 

Thanks for all the thoughts.

I figured out today that I have a UTI!   I have an RX for a UTI that didn't materialize, so I "push started" the antibiotic this morning, and already the aches and pains are retreating.  I will take it for the full 7 days.

I sorta wanted to wait to have the UTI tested professionally (I used my self test strips and the part for bacteria turned bright pink immediately) but since it's Sunday and tomorrow is the 'official holiday' I didn't want to wait two more days.

The trouble sleeping only happens when I have 'extra' pain, like this infection produced.  Now it's already getting better.   

I'm leery of antibiotics since my PN was probably caused by extended use of an antibiotic.   BUT an infection is very hard on my arteries (inflammation scars your heart and vessels, making it easier for the plaque to invade) so it's the old 'rock and a hard place' dilemma.

I do have a heating pad Anita, but the worst pain is in my neck and I can't get the heating pad to stay around my neck.   But heat helps a LOT.

And I will ask for something to help me sleep when i need it.

Hugs

Elaine

[jazzlover]

I take trazodone and plain Ambien. I dont like extended release sleep aids. I take 2/3 of an Ambien at bedtime and when I wake up to pee, I take the other 1/3 .. works great and way better than the CR or even Lunesta.

[A66eyroad]

Elaine, you might look into getting a heated mattress pad. I got one from (I think) Sears online. It's got six different zones -- three on each person's side. I like to keep my side on 5 for feet, 3 for body and 0 for shoulders and above. Husband likes it on before he hops in, then turns it off for the night.

The one I got has a wireless control.

Best hundred bucks I ever spent!