posted
I just developed insomnia. after a full year of having lyme, this would have to happen NOW! Just when I had a few days of feeling near perfect, and now I have severe insomnia,where I don't sleep at all, and I am beginning to feel like I am incapable of falling asleep.
I am so afraid that my condition is going to start rapidly declining and I will begin to experience the total bodily annihilation that I hear so many talk about.
If this keeps up, I expect to be blind, crippled, and experiencing full body arthritis and flu. I will probably also have insomnia for the rest of my life, as every symptom of this disease seems to last FOREVER!
Can we all just admit that this is the worst disease in existence? Seriously, this disease is the apocalypse!
(breaking up the post for easier reading for many)
Ann-Ohio
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 44364
posted
I really understand your pain ,frustration, and fears. I went through a lot of periods of suffering a whole list of symptoms all at the same time. Insomnia was one of them.
Please get help from your doctor. There are lots of meds and practices to overcome insomnia that should work for you. I hope you find what you need.
Meantime, some deep breathing, hot tea, quiet music, etc. might lead to a nap. I hope so.
I am sure others here will have some good ideas. Let us know how you are doing.
-------------------- Ann-OH Posts: 1584 | From Ohio | Registered: Aug 2014
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posted
I know, as a Lyme patient, how frustrating each of our symptoms is, but I suggest not going into thinking catastrophic thoughts for the future, since any new symptom means we need to find a way to treat it. If we're lucky, the first try works, but sometimes it takes a few treatment tries to find the remedy that works for us.
For me, insomnia also developed early on, and I didn't know I had Lyme. I went thru getting addicted 4 times (!) to benzos before I figured out just taking benadryl at bedtime worked to get me to sleep!
I started at 25mg strength and stayed there for quite some time before I had to increase dosage. After a couple decades, I still take it to sleep.
So that is the simplest remedy I know. Others may add their thoughts here too.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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hiker53
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 6046
posted
I go through periods of insomnia. I am still alive.
When I can't sleep I get up and read--usually the Bible, but sometimes a novel, until I get drowsy.
This, too, shall pass, Mike. Keep a positive outlook.
We all have good days and bad days, good periods and bad periods. That is life and yes life with Lyme can be very hard, but so can life without Lyme.
-------------------- Hiker53
"God is light. In Him there is no darkness." 1John 1:5 Posts: 8878 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004
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Bartenderbonnie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 49177
posted
Lyme is a horrible disease and makes one's life a living hell! What's that saying, "Lyme doesn't kill you but it makes you wish you were dead."
Of coarse we know it can be deadly if left untreated.
But you can get better. You stated you are better. That's GREAT news !
posted
I have taken Ambien for insomnia for many years. One thing I have found out in the past 5 years is that my salicylate sensitivity is a MAJOR cause of insomnia .. not just for me, but for many.
If I eat foods that are high (or too high for me) in salicylates, I will be awake all night, Ambien or no Ambien.
So .. check your diet.
And also try You Tube for all the other tips. This one was huge for me.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Topic: NATURAL SLEEP & ADRENAL SUPPORT -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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MannaMe
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33330
posted
My hubby would listen to something when he couldn't sleep, either soothing music, or uplifting sermons. Not exciting stories or it would keep your mind busy.
5HTP, melatonin, were helpful for him also.
Posts: 2248 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2011
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klutzo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5701
posted
Insomnia is my biggest problem. We're all different, but these are the things that helped me to go from 0-2 hrs. sleep per night to 6-7 hrs. per night:
1. A hot shower before bed. Don't jump right in bed....let yourself cool down.
2. Melatonin, 1 gram an hour before bed, and every time I wake up until 5 am. After that, I take L-tryptophan 500-1000 mgs. instead, each time I wake up.
3. Magnesium Threonate - Two capsules an hour before bedtime and one more the frist time I wake up during the night. MUST be threonate form to work, aka Magtein.
4. Benadryl - 25 mgs. an hour before bedtime and one more each of the next 2 times I wake up, but not unless you must do this to sleep. Benadryl has been found to be even more likely to cause AZD than benzos. I spent 3 yrs. in agonizing withdrawal from Benzos and do NOT recommend them either.
5. I take 0.3 mgs. Clonidine an hour before bedtime, and more later on, but those with low blood pressure cannot do this.
6. No caffeine after 12 noon. No phone calls after 8 pm. No food after 9 pm. No blue screens after 10 pm. Red night light bulbs only. This is to go to sleep by 11:15 pm.
Posts: 1269 | From Clearwater, Florida, USA | Registered: May 2004
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If not, then I recommend going to a therapist. Melatonin, Valerian Root, and Magnesium Malate are helpful for insomnia. Go to a Lyme Disease Specialist.
Posts: 241 | From New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2015
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MADDOG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18
posted
Doctor prescribed me Gabepentin for nerve back pain.
It is a knock out drug,i will sleep 12 hours.
Maybe your doc can get you some.
MADDOG
Posts: 3996 | From Ohio | Registered: Oct 2000
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