Without sleep, my brain is becoming like a popcorn maker, with distractions. Gosh I'm irritable! I'm going to get to sleep, and look for to the daylight savings time.
Thanks all. Just a quick update to let you know that I have managed at least 6 hrs sleep for the last couple of nights which at the moment is good enough.
Do you take your medication at night or in the morning? Could that be causing some of your sleep problems?
Do you have a pre-bedtime/"sleep" routine that helps let your body know it's time to start unwinding/going to sleep? Turn off the computer/tv at least 60 minutes before going to bed, have a hot bath, drink a soothing hot drink, read, ect. I also find it helpful to write in a journal before going to bed to help rid my mind of the nagging thoughts from the day, and I use some guided meditation and soothing music/nature sounds to help me relax when I get into bed.
Finally, if I'm really having trouble falling asleep I will occasionally take some melatonin. It helps me fall asleep and doesn't leave me feeling groggy in the morning.
As you can see I'm still making this journey with you. And I'm happy that you are better than half way. I'm sad you can't sleep. I wonder if you have tried Camomile or Sleepy Time tea. Or my favourite, Tetley's Ginger Mint. Lemon Balm tea is doctor recommended but hard to find. Valerian root works too. I know two people using valerian root tea. I will be growing it for one of them. There is the old stand by. Hot milk, even if you put chocolate in it. Heating milk releases tryptophan which helps with sleep.
Please keep me posted and if the side effects are making you angry don't hold it in, vent here.
Beating the piss out of a pillow till you laugh works too. Absurd but it works. In hospital they gave me a nerf ball to throw at the walls till I was relaxed. It is hard to sleep in a hospital.
I had just 1.30 hours sleep last night. I was sweating buckets and felt terrible all night long. I have managed the whole day at work and I now feel absolutely shattered. However because of my just starting meds, I am worried I am going to have yet another terrible night. I would love to stay in bed all day tomorrow but I just practically cannot do that. I do feel it is a little unfair that I have to make the effort to come into work whilst my treatment is tiring too. One of my colleagues is having gruelling treatment for a physical illness and is allowed as much time off as they like. I certainly don't wish any illness on anyone but I am finding these early days very hard. Please only give me encouragement today or practical help on getting to sleep. I don't think I can cope with negatives. It has now been 8 long days!
