I've been having terrible insomnia -- for years, but much worse after Lyme.
I can't fall sleep without sleeping pills, and now I've started waking in the middle of the night (2:00, then 4:00, then 6:00), feeling itchy, wired, and anxious.
Of course, I'm exhausted all the time.
I've done a sleep study and don't have apnea, but it did find that I have micro-awakenings 38 times an hour and no REM sleep.
My primary care doc ran a melatonin test, and it turns out that I'm producing way too much during the middle of the night and early morning.
She wants me to have a second brain MRI to rule out pineal gland cancer, and an oxidative stress test.
Has anyone else had problems with too much melatonin and/or the pineal gland?
Has anyone found an oxidative stress test to be useful?
Thanks!
Posts: 118 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Apr 2012
| IP: Logged |
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
2roads
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4409
posted
Hi LaniMo,
My son is in the same boat.
But, I cannot get decent medical care around here to give a diagnosis, I just know what I see at night....multiple rousals, usually accompanied by increased respiration. He's had a sleep study and 24 hour EEG....go fig.
So, I cannot add any insight, but only can ride on your coat tails-forgive me.
Why would an INCREASE in melatonin cause this? Doctors push melatonin supps to GET to sleep, and stay asleep. Yours seems the opposite. Finally, what is an oxidative stress test? What does it measure, and how is it done?
I hope others will come on and shed some light.
What is your primary infection.....or which do you think could be causing this? You said you've had problems pre-lyme?
Thanks Much
Posts: 2214 | From West Chester, PA | Registered: Aug 2003
| IP: Logged |
"High morning melatonin levels are often present in individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder. This may be due to prolonged nocturnal production of melatonin, and/or late onset of its production.
High melatonin levels may bring about inhibition of ovulation in women as well as decreased body temperature. High melatonin has been noted in the manic phase of bipolar mood disorder. Many antidepressant drugs may stimulate melatonin production ...
This profile reveals a disturbance in the circadian rhythm of melatonin. This may influence other hormones such as thyroid, testosterone, and estrogen.
As well as playing a crucial role in sleep-wake cycles, melatonin influences other vital functions, including cadiovascular and antioxidant protection, endocrine function, immune regulation, and body temperature."
Incidentally, I've noticed an increase in several hormonal issues, including acne, greasy hair and skin, and I've been losing my eyebrow hair.
I've also had more sinus congestion and phlegm lately.
It's my understanding that oxidative stress can cause disruption in circadian rhythym, reduced ability to eliminate toxins, and is associated with diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, chronic fatigue, etc.
Posts: 118 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Apr 2012
| IP: Logged |
posted
2roads: I was diagnosed with Lyme in 2012 -- about a year and a half after I was exposed. I also have bartonella and babesia.
Problems pre-Lyme were anxiety/depression. While treating those, I had problems with insomnia.
Posts: 118 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Apr 2012
| IP: Logged |
posted
I wish I could explain what oxidative stress is ... I certainly can empathize with the insomnia.
I know that my primary care doc was concerned that too much stress could cause problems with circadian rhythym (sleep) and might be remedied by IV glutathione.
My LLMD thought the test was unnecessary. Basically, he said, "You have Lyme. Of course you have oxidative stress."
Here's a summary from Wikipedia:
Oxidative stress reflects an imbalance between the systemic manifestation of reactive oxygen species and a biological system's ability to readily detoxify the reactive intermediates or to repair the resulting damage.
Disturbances in the normal redox state of cells can cause toxic effects through the production of peroxides and free radicals that damage all components of the cell, including proteins, lipids, and DNA.
Further, some reactive oxidative species act as cellular messengers in redox signaling. Thus, oxidative stress can cause disruptions in normal mechanisms of cellular signaling.
In humans, oxidative stress is thought to be involved in the development of cancer,[1] Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease,[2] atherosclerosis, heart failure,[3] myocardial infarction,[4][5] fragile X syndrome,[6] Sickle Cell Disease,[7] lichen planus,[8] vitiligo,[9] autism,[10] and chronic fatigue syndrome.[11]
However, reactive oxygen species can be beneficial, as they are used by the immune system as a way to attack and kill pathogens.[12] Short-term oxidative stress may also be important in prevention of aging by induction of a process named mitohormesis.
Posts: 118 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Apr 2012
| IP: Logged |
posted
And no -- I have a hard time sleeping during the day now, even when I'm exhausted. Sometimes I wake early and can get back to sleep, but probably b/c I'm still feeling the effects of the sleeping pill.
Posts: 118 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Apr 2012
| IP: Logged |
surprise
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34987
posted
From some of the other symptoms you posted, have you had your thyroid checked, hormones, cortisol?
I also have insomnia, and take a sleeping pill. I have for years- and tried every natural remedy known to mankind to no avail- need a sleeping pill.
I have never had my cortisol checked- nor hormones- I should, but don't want more health things to tweak right now, so just keep taking a sleeping pill.
My thyroid has always checked out, and I don't have any other thyroid symptoms, and continue to work on adrenal issues naturally.
I can't 'go under' when I nap during the day. Part of that, I think, is knowing I have kids depending on me later on, so can't 'let go.'
But I do lie down and rest every day, quiet, and pray and meditate, and my whole body completely relaxes.
-------------------- Lyme positive PCR blood, and positive Bartonella henselae Igenex, 2011. low positive Fry biofilm test, 2012. Update 7/16- After extensive treatments, doing okay! Posts: 2518 | From USA | Registered: Nov 2011
| IP: Logged |
surprise
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34987
posted
Sorry, I was thinking more about this (as sleep is my issue too)
You mentioned glutathione for oxidative stress- have you ever had it either IV or liposomal form regularly?
I recently put my daughter back on lipo glut (very expensive Pure Encapsulations non liquid kind)
although she has slept well now for years, supplementing with lipo glutathione for her is always a positive.
If I were rich, I'd get another 60 day bottle for myself- but it's around $80. plus a cold ship fee.
I have heard many positives from people doing regular IV glutathione protocol-
-------------------- Lyme positive PCR blood, and positive Bartonella henselae Igenex, 2011. low positive Fry biofilm test, 2012. Update 7/16- After extensive treatments, doing okay! Posts: 2518 | From USA | Registered: Nov 2011
| IP: Logged |
posted
surprise: I tried IV glutathione once (and liposomal for about a year) and I didn't notice any improvement. My LLMD said it probably wouldn't help to continue.
My thyroid is fine, but I have low prenenolone, low normal DHEA, and low cortisol. I started on a small dose of Cortef (2.5 mg.) today.
Posts: 118 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Apr 2012
| IP: Logged |
surprise
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34987
posted
Well, if that magically fixes your sleep issues, please let me know! :-)
-------------------- Lyme positive PCR blood, and positive Bartonella henselae Igenex, 2011. low positive Fry biofilm test, 2012. Update 7/16- After extensive treatments, doing okay! Posts: 2518 | From USA | Registered: Nov 2011
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic