sleeping problems

[ldgb4]

hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has had any problems like I have. I can't sleep at night it seems that if I don't go to bed when I feel the need to then I can't sleep,but even if I do get to sleep I still am tired no matter how much sleep I have had its really interupting my life its like all my life revolves around is needing sleep I feel like I can't function. Does anyone know what I can do to get some energy where I can have a life and feel like doing things. Its no fun to be like this at home or at work it really affects my speed at work I am very slow due to being tired all the time. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Lisa

[Dixiefireball]

i know the feeling all to well.
i take klonopins at night before i go to bed to help me rest plus it helps calm down my bladder in order for me to rest better at night and normally i can wake up in the morning with just mild pain, but if i forget to take it oh heaven help me if i do get to sleep by morning time i'm in so much pain i can't stand it.

Talk to your doctor about getting you a sleeping aide or a nerve pill to help you rest.

Also klonopins helps pain medicine stay in your system longer.
any nerve pill should do the same thing.
sending you hugs and prayers
Rhonda

[ldgb4]

Thanks for the information Rhonda I appreciate it.

Lisa

[sunshine_77us]

I have the same problem. I go to bed and just lay there and watch the clock. I did not sleep at all Thursday night and it was so hard to be at work Thursday. I've had problems the last 3 years but seems like it's getting worse. I hate to take another pill but I guess I will talk to my dr. about it. I take ativan at night and it doesn't help much.

[tiggersorensen]

When you're looking for something to help you sleep, really talk to your Dr. There are a number of sleep aids out there that are also highly addictive. The Benzodiazapene family is one (Xanax, Klonopin, Valium) and I had problems with Nortriptyline too. I'm taking Seroquel right now and it works really well for me, but I'm honestly not sure what this drug is REALLY for. I'm bipolar and it has something to do with cutting off the highs, so I don't know if non-bipolar people can take it or not...

[Katrina]

Ambien I find helpful
There are non prescriptions herbs that can helps you sleep….please talk to your doc before adding any herb or vitamin but since many of us struggle with sleeping having some remedies on hand can help. Herb list: catnip, Melontin, Valerian, Chamomile, Hops, Lemon Balm, Peppermint, Self help: warm milk, chamomile tea, Exercise regularly, but not within two hours of going to bed. Sleep in a well-ventilated room. A relaxful warm bath is helpful. Avoid things too stimulating close to bedtime. Sex is always helpful. Full body message really helps but in doing to yourself ears and forehead…facial area message is the most efficient. Self hypnosis can help. I enjoy trying to remember a peaceful dream I have had and focus on the picture as I breathe deeply and in rhythm in and out…

[Portia17]

I just started taking elavil and I sleep the whole night without getting up to pee or anything ; )

[Franny]

I was wondering about I.C. safe over the counter or natural meds to take for things like colds, headache etc. Is Acetaminephine and Benedryl ok? Has anyone tried anything from the health food store? I think I read somewhere that aspirin and ibuprophin and pseudophedrine are no-nos. I am planning for a trip and want to take some items along just in case..

[Mayragua]

Hello!
I take something natural called Formula 303, made from the root valerian where "valium" comes from. You can get it from chiropractors. It is good for muscle relaxation and cramps also. A hot foot bath with salts before bed helps me as does a good foot rub using reflexology points. I also listen to a physiological "quieting" tape and am usually snoring halfway thru. If I wake up in the night I keep two of the Formula 303 pills and water by the bed so I can knock myself out again, no side effects either. Good Luck!
Mayra

[desolationangel]

i had this problem when i first got diagnosed. i think i was so afraid that i wouldn't be able to get through the night (flaring) that anxiety kicked in and i couldn't get to sleep at all. chamomile helped, as did meditation. i'm not a big fan of extra meds either. elmiron and bc pills are it for me. i don't even use pyridium, i use cornsilk. hippie chick, maybe.

[sacausa]

Just a note: VALERIAN ROOT is not safe to use for people with thyroid problems....

[DanaW]

Since I have had FM (16 years now) and now IC, I take something to help me sleep and to stay asleep. I used to be on Elavil years ago but, didn't like some of the side effects....I now take Hydroxizine and Flexeril. I sleep all night.
Hydroxizine 25 mgs. 2 before bedtime
Flexeril 10 mgs. 2 before bedtime

My mom takes Ambien. It works great for her......

Dana W.

[ICNDonna]

I tried valerian and it literally knocked me out overnight and most of the following day --- it scared my husband because he couldn't wake me up --- never again!

Be extremely cautious taking herbal sleep aids --- and discuss it with your doctor first. Remember that herbal medications are medications and can interact with prescription drugs, as well as with other herbals.

Donna

[kim mondro]

i too have had problems with sleeping. if it wasn't cuz i was peeing all night, it was cuz i was in pain and if it wasnt either of those it was my anxiety. it really affected my life its like i wasnt tired ever so i was just going and going and going of fof no sleep but then the mood swings started kicking in and i got the worst migraines so i decided id talk to my doc about a sleeping aid but first i tried an herb called valerian root and it didnt work so you might want to do some research. i tried ambien and all the sleep aids but none of them seem to work. right now im on nortriptyline which is a sleep aid and helps with some pain. it seems to be working for me but all i have to say is go see your dr. and you can discuss your options and i hope you get some well deserved rest soon.
kim

[ICLori]

I used to use melatonin, the stuff you can buy at grocery stores and drugstores, for sleep.

But then I read about how they say you shouldn't take it if you are prone to or have an autoimmune disease, because it can make it worse or even start the autoimmune disease up. So then that made me scared, because I don't know if we know for sure yet that IC isn't autoimmune in some way.

So anyway that made me stop taking it.

Blessings, Lori