Sleep
Lets talk sleep and how precious it is, especially when you're not getting much of it!
Despite trying to follow good sleep hygiene practices (cool dark room, comfortable bed, no blue lights an hour before bed) and taking pain killers and amitriptyline at bedtime, I still can't manage to sleep much past 5am, with frequent waking before this point as well. This inevitably leaves me exhausted and after a few very bad nights I feel like I'm running on basic functions only sometimes. Now I don't feel this is fair to my family and it sure as hell isn't much fun for me either. I do nap once or twice a week but I just feel like I'm catching fumes. I would love to wake up in the morning and feel well rested!
I'm sure I'm not alone here.
Does anyone feel up to sharing anything that might help?
Do you have or have you been tested for sleep apnea? That is one common thing that will wake you up frequently in the night. I was diagnosed with it 15 years ago along with restless leg syndrome. I've been on CPAP for the apnea and Klonopin for the restless legs the bulk of that time which helps me sleep through the night. I also used to smoke marijuana, which is legal where I live, but have figured out it doesn't really help. I've quit smoking it now and am sleeping through the night and able to sleep in a little later.
To be honest I've never thought about sleep apnoea. Wouldn't I have a sore throat on waking? I don't really get sinus problems at night thankfully. Last night's issues for my 5am start this morning were painful hips and being very hot. Also needing the loo a couple of times in the night! Ended up on the sofa in the lounge with the cats. Unfortunately the thought of my 10 hour shift followed by a few hours of restless children when I get home is overwhelming right now. Every day feels like I have an elephant to eat. One bite at a time. 😢
hello I take trazodone along with pain medication, Lyrica and Diclofenac/Misoprostol
However I still get hit with what I call painsomnia which I got this term from a PsA site. Experiencing pain throughout the night causing insomnia.
I keep Kirkland sleeping pills on hand as well Benadryl which I take only when I am on the verge of watching the sun rise.
I wouldn’t know what to do if I was still working (I retired in 2016) I would end up with a lot of time off due to all that I experience compliments of PsA
Hi
. Many people with sleep apnea have no idea they have it. Often, fatigue is what sends them to a doctor or a partner who is awakened through out the night by their gasping. Regardless, you might benefit from a sleep study, especially if pain or discomfort is not the cause of your sleep issues. You no longer have to go to the hospital to do it. They can set you up with monitors at home. I hope this helps and that you find some relief. Best wishes! - Lori (Team Member)
I understand how you feel. I had to do all those prep things too, I took it a step further and bought a new bed. Just keep in mind I am no doctor and do not recommend anything that your doctor might not, please check with them first... but I started having blood pressure spikes due to pain, I was on every single biologic at one time or another, some worked briefly, some did not work at all. I tried real hard with taking pain meds since I was taking a beta blocker, but on days that I could skirt the pain meds, I would try melatonin or valerian root (all natural) relaxer, it helped me get some much needed sleep. I toss and turn a lot and every time I do, I come into a lighter sleep and grip with pain in my lower back. When I do get up, my feet and ankles are so stiff trying to walk to the bathroom. Sometimes I ask my husband for help just getting some TP off of the spool.
