I've recently been diagnosed with chronic lyme and have been having severe insomnia for the passed couple of months.
My LLMD had me try benadryl, valerian, melatonin, ambien, and trazedone but none were very effective.
Can anyone recommend a sleep aid that will really work?
Thanks.
Posted by Queenie Pie (Member # 6306) on :
I had the same Problem. I spent a year and a half with no sleep until my doctor & I found a combo of meds that worked....give the following a try.....
Nortriptyline & Gabapentin or Carbatrol + Temazepam + Nortriptyline
Good Luck!
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
I tried various combos, all you tried.
What finally worked was combining Lunesta and Lyrica, neither alone would work, but both together would. My LLMD has found that Lyrica helps you reach deep sleep.
Posted by peter j (Member # 11825) on :
This is no quick fix, but it sure helped me: If you feel somewhat tired but once you go to bed you're wide awake, then I'd try to sleep in on a new place. Change beds, or try the couch.
It helped me.
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
nothing has helped me.
i've tried diphahydramine but it gives me really bad irregular heartbeats. and besides raises my bp bad too.
i've gone days er nights with no sleep at all.
Posted by Remember to Smile (Member # 25481) on :
quote:Originally posted by peter j: If you feel somewhat tired but once you go to bed you're wide awake, then I'd try to sleep in on a new place.
Change beds, or try the couch.
It helped me.
BRAVO, peter j! That works for me!
I find it best to read a bit of a pleasant (but not thrilling) book in somewhat dim light where i can doze off right there, be it couch, loveseat, or on the guest bed. Have a beloved pillow and cozy blankie there so you'll be comfortable.
Interestingly, many members have issues with electrical supply and water pipes impacting how they feel and sleep.
My couch and loveseat are in corners of the house furthest from electrical panels and water/sewer pipes. Unfortunately, master bedroom isn't...
Another idea: A dear member suggested incline bed therapy and I LOVE IT! Easy & cheap to add a few blocks under the feet of your bed.
My LLRN says overall, these LD sleep disturbances need to be managed by re-training and substituting better habits. Esp turn off all electronics (computer, tv, cell phones) at dusk. Reprogram yourself to live in the daylight and don't allow exposure to artificial light stimulation in the night.
Best wishes, Smile
Posted by DeniseNM (Member # 11182) on :
Lunesta works well for me.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
How much trazodone??
I take traz, ambien and melatonin. Be sure to get the time released melatonin. I like Source Naturals brand.
Are you possibly gluten intolerant?? I read recently that even after celiac patients get off gluten, they still have insomnia.
All this time I blamed Lyme for the insomnia, but reading that made me realize it could be from other causes.
Posted by peter j (Member # 11825) on :
Working out help (if you're able to). A jog.
Melatonin should be used regularly before it helps (if it helps). I am on melatonin now. 2 mg time release. I am not sure how much good it does. But anyway, take it an hour before sleep, and take it regularly for some time (perhaps a month) until it works like it should.
If it isn't completely dark where you sleep, then I'd make it. Just the smallest light can affect sleep mechanisms negativly (even though it doesn't feel that way).
I can't sleep as it is, but with these advices it works a little better. I am on ambien now, regularly. I take 5 mg and crush it withmy teeth and swallow. It helps to give it quick absorption which in turn makes it act stronger (the max level rises) and faster.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- As many sleep and pain meds are toxic and hard on the liver and kidneys, here are some suggestions for sleep support that can safely nourish & calm the body: ---------------------------
Topic: NATURAL SLEEP - Links to articles & supplements -
Posted by Helprin56 (Member # 27076) on :
quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo: How much trazodone??
I take traz, ambien and melatonin. Be sure to get the time released melatonin. I like Source Naturals brand.
Are you possibly gluten intolerant?? I read recently that even after celiac patients get off gluten, they still have insomnia.
All this time I blamed Lyme for the insomnia, but reading that made me realize it could be from other causes.
Posted by kidsgotlyme (Member # 23691) on :
My daughter's LLMD just put her on 5-HTP to try and help with sleep issues. The jury is still out as to whether it's going to help or not.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
5-HTP is basically the same as trazodone.
Posted by searching4truth (Member # 28481) on :
My LLMD started me on melatonin, more specifically "Melazandra" which has a few more things than the melatonin alone. I take 3 caps in the late evening (5mg melatonin per cap). It works wonderfully. Before this, I could not fall asleep before 2am, and even then, would often wake up throughout the night. Now I fall asleep right away, but do not feel "drugged". I also wake up feeling rested, and do not feel like I have a hangover from sleeping pills. Very mellow, but very effective for me.
Posted by july (Member # 10469) on :
Lavender oil works for me. I get it at bath and body works. It helps me get to sleep, my problem is staying asleep (constant pain keeps me up all night)
Posted by missing (Member # 22437) on :
15 mg of zopiclone , plus oxycontin, plus indicin, plus 100 mg amytriptaline,
or 10 mg of zopiclone, and if I wake up in the middle of the night in pain and unable to go back to sleep,
then I take another 5 mg of zopiclone and 2 more oxycontin,
I sleep great now,
It could work if someone is desperate for a nap , and desperate for a break from the pain during the day,
2.5 - 5mg of zopcilone, and 2 oxycontin,
or 1 oxycontin and 2 percocets.
I believe getting a lot of sleep will help a person heal faster.
Posted by METALLlC BLUE (Member # 6628) on :
1-2-3 mg Ativan (depending on individual). Works very well, but I need to find something else since it's been over 6 years of using it daily.
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
Back when I was still sleeping at night, I found that Source Naturals NightRest helped tremendously.
My LLND just recommended "Phosphatydal serine" 100-200 mg at bed time. She said it either works or doesn't and that you would know shortly after starting. I am waiting for mine to arrive at my health food store to try it.
I noticed it's harder to sleep on days that I exercise. Not sure what the relation is.
Also, deep deep breathing sometimes helps me. Not all the time, but sometimes. I mostly only have troubles falling asleep and rarely wake up and stay up.
Posted by J and L Dad (Member # 29101) on :
Lunexor ( herbal sleep aid ) works for me. Tried every Pharm sleeping pill, none worked. Was only sleeping 2-3 hours broken. now get 6-7 & less broken as well. recently added 5 htp, because even Lunexor could not get rid of anxiety attacks once awakened & it has made them less severe & it is now easier to fall back to sleep once awakened
Posted by Beachinit (Member # 21040) on :
Licorice and Ashwagandha tea up to 1 hr before bed, followed by 50 mg benadryl at lights out. Also extra sodium and magnesium to prevent nocturia and fasciculations in that order. This works well for me.
Posted by mr al (Member # 18191) on :
Lunesta for me as well.
Doesn't make you sleepy or anything. Just helps you fall asleep.
![[sleepy]](graemlins/sleepy.gif)