[Debbie V]

well, once again here it is 2am and Im awake. hurting, cant get comfortable even my sleeping meds which I HATE taking didn't do any good. I am so tired of this. had such a good week last week, heck ddin't even use my sleeping meds just my meditation tapes. but did that work tonight? nope, nothing did. I'm so tired but just cant sleep. have to wonder how much of it is the physical stuff and how much is the mental stuff. feels like my brain just wont, no cant shut down. soon as try, it gets bombarded with every emotion can feel with. I want so bad to go into the room that my hubby has started to sleep in and climb in just to curl up maybe then could sleep. but at same time, do not want to push things with him not there yet. I guess the discord between us is getting to be too much for me to deal with, but what am I supost to do?
Sorry for this kind of a rant fest, just really needed to get out how I was feeling and being about at the end of my rope, well I just dont know how mch more of this stupid disease, RSD I can take nor my marriage can take.

Blessed Be
Deb

[Rhapsody]

No Apologies needed.... many of use know how you feel and we are right there with you in your suffering and sleepless nights.

I have RA & Fibro and I hate that I cannot even lay my head down on the softest pillow in the house with out experiencing severe head pain from the pressure.... this makes sleeping almost impossible.

Thank God for giving mankind the knowledge of Benadryl - at least I can get 3 to 4 hours of sleep at night after taking the maximum dose allowed.

[Debbie V]

Thanks, wish that worked for me but anything less than 150mg of Elivil and some sonata forget it which I hate taking. ONly other thing that works is hydroxyz but dont like taking that unless am really iching cause if do worrie will stop working on the itcing and only for a few hours slee.
just would lov one full night sleep.

[(JD)]

Debbie, I know it's tough. One of the worst things you can do to yourself is become upset by this. Think of how it (probably) used to be every night that you struggled, and now it's much less. It will continue to happen from time to time, no matter how well you have things managed.

You can get that "full" night's sleep... But you may have to redefine what that is. The idea of staying sound asleep for 8 hours is probably gone forever. Besides, as we age, that doesn't happen anyway.

My "good" night's sleep is 3-4 hours of decent sleep/restfulness, a short break (I'm working on making it really short!) and another 3 hours of sleep. Pain wakes me once the meds wear off, and then there's the bladder because of the back... so I will always need to wake up by 4 hours (and then it's excruciating for 15 minutes until the pain meds begins again) but with help, I do go back to sleep. It wasn't always this way... or this good.

My pain management psychologist had to help me first realize to stop fighting with myself over not having a full night's sleep. That change of attitude, though difficult, was tremendously helpful. Even now, when there are night's I just "know" I'm not going to sleep until maybe dawn, I can consciously think that, and realize it happens, it's not my fault, it won't happen forever... etc.. and then act on "allowing" it to be. By not becoming worrisome or angry at myself, and keeping the peace with my body, I find I do go to sleep faster.

I had to adjust my nighttime "meds" too (really an herb, Valerian) and am doing some non-normal things with it. I take a large dose capsule an hour before bed, then valerian drops in water at bedtime, and also put drops in the middle of the night pill taking water... too!

If I have an active day, well, I just "write off" a quick night's falling asleep. It isn't going to happen. That's where I reminded myself about "trade offs." If I purposely have a busy day, it's knowing that I need to do that the day before a day I can "sleep in" or lounge around, because I'm not going to sleep well that night.

Write things down, about your body and your wishes, and see if you can come to an agreement for yourself. It can be worked out, I'm sure. But, like I said, the definition of a full night's sleep is going to have to change I think.

[jeremiahgirl]

Hello, I'm sorry to hear you deal with "sleeplessness". I too understand the struggle. I recently began going through "menapause" and this added with insomnia is at times difficult. I too take Benadrly to assist me; it does help to some degree; however, the fequent "hot flashes" are more "disgusting". My doctor said this will pass and I seriouly await this day.
Have you tried any herbs?? I know of a herb which may help. Its Called "KA Va Kava. It does relax one and just takes the "edge off" anxiety". Its sold at most herbal stores. It may help relax your mind from the tensions or worries of the day. Give it a try; might help. I hope this small advice will help you or anyone who deals with "sleepless nights" in the world. JG.

[(JD)]

OT Jeremiahgirl, since you mentioned herbs, try black or blue cohosh and evening primrose oil for those hot flashes etc. There are many others too. These totally removed symptoms for me most of the time.