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is any one else haven really bad problems sleeping

Posted , 10 users are following.

lewis41464
lewis41464

Over the past few weeks I'm finding it harder an harder to get to sleep I try not to sleep in the day time (even though that's when I feel most tired) so I don't mess my sleep pattern up I only got diagnosed with FM in November so I'm new to it an it sucks so far I'm young to it just seems like every thing has gone down hill since an now not being able to sleep is driven me nuts

1 like, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • jimtorry
    jimtorry

    Posted

    Hi lewis, yepi am sitting up as well I have taken to reading the Baghavad gita for some reason, I just immerse myself in that until I am ready to fall asleep again, so you are not alone try to findsomething nice to read when you are awake and try to not beat yourself up about lack of sleep as all that will do is make you grumpy and miserable, I also realised that sitting reading doesn't disturb anyone in the house either, that used tobe a fear of mine disturbing others
  • lewis41464
    lewis41464

    Posted

    Glad to no I'm not the only one my mum got diagnosed with FM over 5 years ago an she seems to sleep all the time but she Also has M.E so that could be why I just seem to be really tried an sleepy between 2,to 4 in the afternoon but come night time thats when I seem to suffer with most pain in my legs is the worst my ankles get really hot an what feels like mild pins an needles in the bottom of my feet but yer I'll give reading ago tonight see if it takes my mind off things thanks
  • JerseyKaz
    JerseyKaz

    Posted

    HI guys, I have had FM and ME for past 4 years. I usually find I'm sleepy around 2.30 and it can suddenly come on. I believe its our bodies natural time for us to take a rest if our lives weren't so busy. I've learned that if you catnap (like I do sometimes), never sleep longer than about 20mins power nap. If you do, you'll have to pull yourself out of a deeper sleep and feel groggier when you wake up. 20mins is just a light nap to keep you going through the day. (I did night shifts for 15 years, so plenty of experience at this!)

    I also have restless leg syndrome so the horrible sensations in my legs keep me from falling asleep....however I'm now on a tiny dose of Ropinerole (think I've spelt it right) which has helped tremendously. Also a hot bath before bed helps to ease the muscle tension.

    Hope that helps cheesygrin JK

  • princessemh89
    princessemh89

    Posted

    You're not on your own. My seep pattern is completely messed up. I'm like you and get very tired in the afternoon. I actually avoid sleeping at night because that is when the pain in my legs is the worst. Sometimes it's almost unbearable and like you I get the hot little pin pricks feeling in the bottom of my feet. You're new to FM so it will take time to figure out a good sleeping pattern, the right medication and ways to deal with it.
  • lewis41464
    lewis41464

    Posted

    Im taken little naps in the day time now feel a little less stressed but I'm in proper pain tonight I hate the uncertainty of FM I'm fed up of feeling fine for a few days an then feeling like iv been hit by a train. Iv been sat here for ages trying to write a comment I have so meny questions and things I want to say its like I no what I want to say but I can't peace it all together its so frustrating.
  • jimtorry
    jimtorry

    Posted

    Hi Lewis, I know this won't sound like some consulation but as time goes by you will get used to the pain and will learn how to manage it on your own, it is not easy but somehow I have managed to pace myself which means I cannot do a lot, I have learned that on good days I do more but this just causes more flare ups, so I have myself at a level now where I try to avoid flare ups and can manage my life a lot better, I just get onwith what I can and that is not a lot, the stuff we used to take for granted is not so easy anymore. Guilt plays a major factor I think. I hope this helps a little.smile
  • adele32338
    adele32338

    Posted

    Hi Lewis,

    Magnesium should do the trick for you. I don't know what your diet is like but most people are magnesium deficient these days because of poor diet (eating too many processed foods)

    I too had a tough time sleeping for a few months last year. I researched how to help myself naturally and learned all about the wonderful health benefits of this essential mineral that is responsible for over 300 chemical reactions in the body. Magnesium is known as the relaxation mineral. It relaxes muscles and soothes the senses. I take epsom salt (magnesium) baths several times a week and I also take a magnesium supplement. Foods highest in magnesium are cooked spinach leaves, almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, wheat bran cereals, oatmeal, quinoa, mackerel fish (fresh or canned) I hope this information helps

  • imelda30718
    imelda30718

    Posted

    Hi Lewis,

    I've had FM for about 4/5 years.Until then I was the greatest sleeper going, Lewis. It was a big adjustment for me, as I work Full Time. I've learned to deal with my pain & also to listen to my body, Lewis. On my days, etc, sometimes, I need to lie down during the the day for another or so, as I don't sleep so good at nite,especially when I have to work. The best about it, Lewis, I work for NHS, & mangerment don't gave a shit, about my

    health, as long as I make it in for my shift. So Lewis, look after number ONE, YOU.

  • neilwaud1969
    neilwaud1969

    Posted

    I sleep really bad, my legs are like I'm funning the London marathon, and my back is in agony, other-than-that, another great-night thanks to FM !>!>!

    Oh this is my second post, but I have been suffering from Fibromyalgia for over 20-years, however diagnosed for less than 6-months.

  • anne1978
    anne1978

    Posted

    Hi everyone,

    I just have to say I'm so glad I'm not the only one who is awake half of the night, depending how bad my pain is or restless legs/arms I can drop off in about ten minutes on a good night but 95% of the time I am awake most of the time.

    I have had chronic pain for the last five years which the doctors thought due to me having slipped discs in my neck and back that I had replaced but the pain never went away, I was put on a cocktail of pain medication and told there was nothing more they could do. For four years I have taken the medication but my health just deteriorated to the stage where I only leave the house for the school run or to go to doctors appointments. I have to walk with crutches and basically I am just existing not living.

    My doctors practice got a new doctor so I went to see him on one of my many appointments and he was brilliant, he asked a few questions examined me and at the end said to make a double appointment for a week later as he wanted to look into something , I went and he handed me a printout about fibromyalgia.

    It sounds silly but I was so glad I had a name for it after all this time. At least now after four years of thinking I was going mad I can now try to help myself and hopefully others.

    The hardest thing was people not believing I was ill, my husband left and my family didn't understand, I think they all thought I was lazy as all I wants to do is sleep at any opportunity.

    I have an eight year old son who is full of energy and doesn't understand why the doctors can't fix me.

    Having just discovered this forum and my diagnosis I hope to find some answers for myself and maybe give some to others. It is nice just to talk to others who are going through the same as I am and understand how hard this illness can be.

    Stay strong everyone.

    Anne

    • margie66528
      margie66528 anne1978

      Posted

      Hi Anne, I am so sorry to hear of your struggles. It is difficult for people to understand. I am separated from my husband because of the same reasons. I am attaching a note that I have already copied to a half dozen other people on the FM discussion thread. I hope that you will have access to the book I mention as the dr who wrote it is absolutely brilliant and you will feel better just in knowing that everything you feel is not in your head. She has wonderful suggestions as she has Fibromyalia so she knows first-hand! Here goes...  I've had FM for 20 years now. It started after a severe viral lung infection that went undiagnosed for 6 months!! (It can come from any type of trauma, including surgeries.) I have been to all kinds of drs. and have had every test under the sun. It is very frustrating to try to get people/drs to understand what you are going through. I am from the states and I found this book that all FM sufferers should read... it was written by a female DOCTOR who touches on everything you have - and will - experience. She is brilliant and you will feel like you have someone who finally understands and it is great because you can take this to your doctor and show them that this is real and this is how you are feeling and they will listen because a doctor wrote it! The name of the book is "Fribromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain, A Survival Manual" written by Devin Starlanyl and Mary Ellen Copeland. She explains how the myofascial tissues between the muscles becoming tightened (instead of supple) and this has something to do with the nervous system. AND, a good thing that I also found after 20 years of doctoring (15 w/ a rhuematologist that only wanted to give me muscle relaxers and pain pills...) is that a drug for the nervous system called Lamictal (lamoTRIgine), helped with the nerve relays from the brain to the muscles WITHOUT pain meds! It greatly reduced my pain. Not sure if this will work for everyone, but I want to get it out there in hopes that it my help others. Do you have this med available in the UK? I found a neurologist and he helped me in 3 weeks (after 20 yrs. of struggling) with the studies he did and the new med. I am going to copy this note and paste it in other discussions on this site so that it becomes so redundant in hopes everyone can check this book and med out. Best wishes to you and hang in there. 
  • lewis41464
    lewis41464

    Posted

    I am sleeping better than I was not much better but better so that's somthing I'm glad I joined this forum it's good to actually talk to people who can familiarize with me where my friends an family not so much I felt as if they dint believe an they thought I was just being a winging sod it was this time last year I was working for a stuntshow and only being 23 I started to doubt myself that I have fibro because when I had my good days I couldn't imagine the pain I felt witch started stressing me out an maken me depressed witch all in all was maken every thing worse I'm sorta comin to terms that Im stuck with fibro so I'm trying to adjust my life I'm not worrying as much about weather people believe me if I feel tired in the day I'll go sleep for an hour I pace myself with work so I don't end up spending the next few days in bed I try not to take pain killers at least 2 or 3 hours before bed depends on the pain I use voltarol emulgel witch works pretty good I have also started taking calcium magnesium with vitamin d3 tablets and glucosamine sulphate tablets just need to sort my medication out now tried gabapentin an amitriptyline with not much luck but I spose these things take time.

    Thanks for all you comments it's been a big help smile

  • margie66528
    margie66528 lewis41464

    Posted

    Hi Lewis, my dr sent me for a sleep study and it showed that I had sleep apnea. They put me on a bipap machine and I sleep better than with any meds that I have tried. Feel more rested in the morning. Alot of people with fibro have sleep apnea, you may want to consider looking into it. Best wishes.
  • margie66528
    margie66528 lewis41464

    Posted

    Hi Lewis, yes... for many years. Finally went for a sleep study and they found I have sleep apnea. Put me on a bipap and even tho' it is hard to get used to, I found that I can't sleep without it. Helps you to get a deeper sleep and wake feeling more energized as the oxygen gets circulated better thru the body. Have you been this route? Good luck.
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