i really dont know what to do i'm still trying to work so i'm missing alot of days or just get like 2 hours some nights which makes for an awful day
Posts: 187 | From FL | Registered: Nov 2007
| IP: Logged |
springshowers
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19863
posted
I feel you!. Nothing works for me either.
Now it sounds basic and I am sure you have heard of it.
But breathing and meditation are my two things I use and the only things that help.
Sometimes we think we have done something or try it or have tried it and we put it aside. A friend reminded me of a few other simple items like this recently.
So if you take the time to actually lay out straight and take in deep breaths in through the mouth and out through the nose and also clear your mind and do your best to relax into each breath.
Ok I admit. I only get about two hours at a time and osmetimes 3 or 4 and have to redo these excerices throughout the night sometimes.
But it actually becomes easier and more second nature and kind of your own sort of mind control.
I have had to practice and I now can make myself go to sleep even if it is for short boughts.
I then add them up to getting at least SOME sleep.
Some is better than NONE and I know how BAD insomnia can be.!!
Its horrible. I am sorry you are having to deal with it..
As treatment works I notice sleep improves quite a bit. So it is definately related to lyme and the condtion we are in. in my opinion.
Good Luck.. and I hope it helps???????
At least a little. What do you have to loose?
Posts: 2747 | From Unites States Of America | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Ugh, insomnia. It's been really bad for me too. I wake up after a few hours and can't get back to sleep.
But I can't tell if it's psychological or from my babs (LLMD says babs).
Xanax works great for me. It relaxes me so I can fall asleep, and go back to sleep after I wake up in the middle of the night. It's an anti-anxiety drug, it doesn't knock me out.
It has a short lifespan so it's mostly out of my system by morning. It doesn't make me feel groggy or hung over when I wake up.
If I HAVE to wake up for some emergency I find that it doesn't impair me. I maybe be a little flat, but I can function normally.
I haven't had any problems going off it, which I do from time to time, but it is a drug that people get dependent on.
I hope that helps.
James
Posts: 872 | From New York City | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
I have tried Ativan so i thought it works kind of the same
Posts: 187 | From FL | Registered: Nov 2007
| IP: Logged |
springshowers
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19863
posted
I also have tried Atian and Klonopin and they are in the same family and I assumed the same thing.
Posts: 2747 | From Unites States Of America | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
My daughter and I have had really bad insomnia, so we take a lot of pharmaceuticals. I hate to do it, but sleep is crucial.
I take valium, soma and seroquel. She takes valium, lyrica and seroquel. We are both knocked out. I had been on valium and soma for years; adding the seroquel really helped. Not good for anyone with diabetes, though.
Good luck, I feel for you.
-------------------- "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." Anonymous Posts: 450 | From California | Registered: Feb 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
Ativan is a little different, it lasts longer. I liked Xanax better.
Klonopin lasts MUCH longer in the system. It would last for 18 hours for me. However, it may have a more mild effect on anxiety. Meaning, it would be better for taking during waking hours.
Sleep aids like Ambien sort of knocked me out, but didn't help me to stay asleep. And when I was going through some extreme anxiety years ago, it did nothing.
You may have to try a few different meds to find what works for you.
James
Posts: 872 | From New York City | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
Insomnia, what a curse! I have suffered almost to death with it. I take Xanax with Ambien right now and get about 5 hours of sleep a night.
This combination has worked best for me so far and I have tried several others. I use to only get about 3 hours of sleep a night for like 3 years.
I also start my night time routine early. I try to get relaxed for awhile first, then I take 1mg Xanax, then an hour or so later I take the Ambien. If something disrupts this routine, I am in trouble.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
If only there were a magic bullet for this problem!!
I have major issues with insomnia too; it always gets worse when I'm the sickest, but still a problem when I'm functioning fairly well.
I've tried many natural and herbal remedies with no success. I've been on many different Rxs for various kinds of sleep aids, and I often take a combo of several things for sleep...the number of different drugs is so high, I'm not going to name them all.
Every once in a while, my doctor will hit on a combo that will work really well for me. After a few weeks or months, I have to find something new because apparently I build resistance to the old meds.
It's a tiresome merry-go-round, and if somebody has a solution, I'm all ears!
Posts: 962 | From Charleston | Registered: Jan 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
wow, so many combinations! i will have to look into them i just cannot keep going on 2 hours of sleep whether i work or not ive tried numerous herbal combinations
Ativan was the first i tried but i was resistant so fast like in a month having to go to the next dose now it just does not work
Then i had to take Ativan and restoril, but i did not feel like i was sleeping at all
Ambien, Ambien CR, Lunesta, Sonata, just had opposite effect and i think Trazodone made me crazy
valerian makes me nuts, i think you build tolerance like ativan to it
i dont know i just dont think my liver takes it out fast enough Ambien Cr worked ok but then i would feel drunk and crazy
i guess i have alot of more meds to try but i get scared cause sometimes the reaction is opposite for days
same with accupuncture, it used to work, now it just makes me more awake tried bioidentical hormones, that didnt work unfortunately like the miracle they say they are
gosh i wish they came out with something that worked!
Posts: 187 | From FL | Registered: Nov 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have tried all the usual - trazadone, ambien, lexapro, zoloft, valerian, melatonin.....they all make me jittery
A neuro first put me on a combo of elevil/librium. My LLMD didn't like that at all and now I take just the librium and it works most of the time.
Sometimes if I'm feeling particularly "wide awake", I start out with a benadryl about a half hour before the librium.
I know, it's what they give psychos!
I probably average about 7 hours, 4 nights a week, getting up for bathroom breaks at least twice a night. The other nights, I may get 3 or 4 hours. It also depends on the phase of the moon. I'm a lunatic!
-------------------- "Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love". Mother Theresa
Dekrator48
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18239
posted
The things that have really helped me are bioidentical hormones prescribed after hormone testing.
I use sublingual melatonin before bed also....oral melatonin does nothing for me.
-------------------- The fibromyalgia I've had for 32 years was an undiagnosed Lyme symptom.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". -Jeremiah 29:11 Posts: 6076 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Nov 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
thanks! it is interesting how something different works for everyone, so complicated!
some nights I actually dont sleep at all,, somehow i'd push myself to work and have no idea how i make it through the day just trying so hard to keep our house I've told my job about the lyme awhile ago but they just think im taking advantage and just try to ignore that subject
you would think the next night you would sleep better, but it does not work that way i'm just getting to the point the body wont function anymore without the sleep
Posts: 187 | From FL | Registered: Nov 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
Have you tried Dalmane? It's much stronger than Restoril.
Also, you mentioned developing resistance to Ativan and another drug. You know that you shouldn't take any of the benzodiazepines daily for any extended period of time? I only take Ativan once in a while and Dalmane even less frequently. I only take Dalmane when I'm seriously short on sleep just to catch up and never take it more than 2 days in a row.
Besides, Dalmane tends to put me back on a more regular sleep rythm.
Posts: 975 | From California | Registered: Apr 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
In over the past 20 years of illness I figure I have tried everything. I was even hypnotized 7 times but was unable to learn how to do it for myself.
Here is what is helping me now: time release Seroquel 100 - 150 mg plus 30 mg Restoril. In the late afternoon I take a small amount of Resperidone to begin relaxing me.
So many times I have tried to live without drugs and failed. I can even do acupuncture on myself. My husband was advised to read to me!
Bottom line is this: our brain is screwed up, the sleep control doesn't work, so we need to take the meds. Period. Don't sweat it. I would like to hear what you work out. Hope this helps.
-------------------- DOCTOR: "I don't think you are sick." PATIENT: "We are all entitled to our opinions. I don't think you are a doctor." Posts: 697 | From Northern California | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
I take ambien. It works well for me and I can sleep. I cannot function and feel awful without sleep.
Posts: 383 | From Ar | Registered: May 2007
| IP: Logged |
ping
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6974
posted
Same problem as you, laceyj. During real bad insomnia bouts, the sleep aids work for a couple of days, then stop working. Seems like after a while, the only sleep aid with promise is a sledge hammer.
Wish I had a definitive answer for you.
ping "We are more than containers for Lyme"
-------------------- ping "We are more than containers for Lyme" Posts: 1302 | From Back in TX again | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Liver support can be a huge help to conquer insomnia. If the liver is overwhelmed, the brain then becomes over stimulated.
Many sleep meds actually stress the liver and create a spin cycle or roller coaster effect.
It's good to check the manufacturer's Rx data sheet to see if liver considerations have been listed. Since nearly all lyme patients have liver stress, if a drug says patients with liver conditions should be cautious, that includes us.
Magnesium can help the liver while also calming nerve tissue. ----------
Topic: NATURAL SLEEP - Links to articles & supplements -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I came upon these articles a while back and saved them. I tried ambien years ago and had terrible reactions. Some do fine. It's good to read all about it first and try other methods that are safer.
There have been many incidents of "ambien accidents" and drivers being charged DUI for ambien in the bloodstream. Having lyme, and the liver being compromised by that, It might take longer for some of us to process this.
posted
anyone take ambien cr?
Posts: 187 | From FL | Registered: Nov 2007
| IP: Logged |
Cass A
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11134
posted
Sorry to not be on the prescription drug bandwagon here, but it doesn't work for me at all!!!
The first thing I would do is to take lots of B VITAMINS (B Complex). Additional B 1 really, really helps if you're constantly thinking about things so your attention on them keeps you awake.
Sometimes, when it would get rough for me, I would get up, write down the things that were bothering me or what I felt I needed to do so I wouldn't forget, take more B 1, and go back to bed!
This would usually do it.
Plus, CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM before bed. These really help relaxing and getting restful sleep.
Psychiatric drugs have too many adverse side effects. And, too many MDs have taken too much $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ from Pharma to promote them.
Hope this helps!
Cass A
Posts: 1245 | From Thousand Oaks, CA | Registered: Feb 2007
| IP: Logged |
I take Ambien CR.... Don't like being on too many meds, but I don't sleep, still don't sleep but the doctors sure think I need it.
I have tried to stop taking the sleep meds, but I have a really bad withdrawls.
Shalome
Posts: 893 | From Florida | Registered: Dec 2008
| IP: Logged |
Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
posted
If you are looking for a Rx...
"Google" these words:
Gabitril sleep
Read what others say about it.
Posts: 9481 | From Sunshine State | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged |
ping
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6974
posted
laceyj, I should have posted this yesterday, as I've been writing to another thread about this. Try transdermal Mg. I slept like a baby last night after applying it; I had forgotten how well it relaxed me.
posted
Cass.. I thought B vitamins could keep you awake?
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
Dekrator48
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18239
posted
It was almost 2 years ago, when I tried Ambien CR, that I got much worse.
At the time I only had a fibromyalgia diagnosis.
It is my theory that since the Ambien CR affects the neurological system, it stirred up the lyme and I developed a horrendous headache/neckache that was continuous for 4 months...and disabling.
I was sleeping better for the first time so I didn't want to believe that the pain was due to the Ambien CR.
At that point I had very little quality of life due to the overwhelming pain in my head and neck.
It felt like a 4 inch diameter drill bit was drilling through the base of my skull and coming out my mouth.
I stopped the Ambien CR and it took 1 week for the horrendous headache to get better.
I am still living with neck and head pain since that time that feels like a vise grip on the back of my neck and skull 24/7.
I also had loss of memory on Ambien CR. My husband would ask me later about things we had talked about after taking my evening dose, and I had no memory of it.
-------------------- The fibromyalgia I've had for 32 years was an undiagnosed Lyme symptom.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". -Jeremiah 29:11 Posts: 6076 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Nov 2008
| IP: Logged |
blaze
Unregistered
posted
Believe it or not, I've been using magnets, though it's too early to tell yet if the magnets are helping or if I just had a good night the last couple, which happens on its own occasionally.
Most of my symptoms seem to be concentrated in my head, especially the lower jaw area. I feel a magnetic tugging constantly in my lower teeth and jaw, day and night. It feels as if I am clenching my teeth constantly (and I am), and as though it is not my decision to do so, but rather some reflex I can't control in the sense that unless I'm thinking about not clenching, I seem to clench.
For this reason I have been placing 2 neodymium disc magnets under my lower jawline at night, where I imagine my salivary glands are located. I also placed one on my chin last night so that my jaw would really get hit with a negative healing field, as well as one in the dead center of my forehead.
I have to say that I felt an immediate change in the 'jaw pull' I always feel in my lower jaw. Specifically, instead of a gnawing, pulsing sensation, it became one steady 'pull' that was much less annoying somehow and seemed to change direction.
I also should add that I felt almost etherial with the magnet on my forehead. My anxiety diminished quite a bit. Placebo effect?
I slept great for 2 hours, did wake up a couple of times after that, but I was able to fall back to sleep pretty quickly. I also noticed that with these magnets on, I could sleep on both sides, and not just my right.
Again though, it's too early to tell if it's the magnets, because once in a while I sleep a little better even without the magnets.
I also bought 2 block magnets, but they're too painful to sleep on and too heavy and bulky to wear. Plus, I have to be careful not to expose my cat to the positive field of any of these magnets I'm wearing, and he likes to sleep with me. In fact, he likes to burrow into my neck/jawline at bedtime and knead.
What's weird though with the larger block magnets is that if I hold one over my abdomen, I feel the 'pull' in my jaw intensify.
Any ideas what this might mean? I feel this same sensation in my lower jaw just prior to a bowel movement. Is my bowel electrically connected to my jaw somehow?
IP: Logged |
posted
Dekrator.. thanks for posting that about Ambien CR. I will try to remember that so I never take it!!!!!
Blaze.. It's refreshing to see you post about something else for a change. I don't have any answers for you though. I do believe magnets could help. I've seen them work for pain.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| 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!
![[lol]](graemlins/lol.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[bonk]](graemlins/bonk.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic