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Trouble Sleeping !!

Posted , 4 users are following.

Bee70
Bee70

Hi All

I have not had a good night sleep in over 20 years. I am female 45 yeras old. I have had pains in my body and also have night sweats.  Where I have been only just diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in Aug 2014 and also 

I know I am not going through my Menopause, I just can't get a good night sleep.  I don't like to take meds but have tried in the past and also have tried herbal remedies.  I also have tried with having a bath before going to bed, as well as having a milky drink before going to sleep.

I have also had CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) which helps with mindfulness and breathing techniques but just can't get my sleep.

Can anyone please give me advise to get some sleep ?

Thank you in advance.....biggrin x

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • john04685
    john04685 Bee70

    Posted

    CBT and  breathings techniqnes may work for early stage insomnia, but not once it is well established. It gets me annoyed when these ridiculous rememdies are offered. I have got to the stage where i can't sleep unaided. Disbelieving healthly sleepers think it is not possible to go sleepless for days and days. After referal to Papworth Sleep Clinic i was offered Group Councelling on how to get the most out of your sleep...which shows how clueless the so called professionals are. I wrote to a Professor in sleep research at Loughbough University about a year ago...he offered me this advise...have a warm bath and a glass of milk before bed....moron..he should have said..sorry I am clueless. Basically they can measure brainwaves and that's it.

    Do you take a sleeping pill? I have to take Zolpidem every night...i get about 3 1/2hrs on average..never go back to sleep after waking. Insomnia has taken a massive toll on my life. 

    • Bee70
      Bee70 john04685

      Posted

      Hi John

      Thank you for your reply.....

      Totally agree when it comes down to the professionals.....It's common knowledge that gets us by on a day to day basis. wink x

  • marion29181
    marion29181 Bee70

    Posted

    Hi Bee, so sorry to hear about your sleep problems. I'm wondering what tests you had done before getting the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia? Sometimes this problem is linked to low B12 levels and thyroid problems. Did your GP do blood tests for either of these conditions? If not, it may be worth asking for further testing. I am asking because I have been told I have all three conditions, and trying to get re-referred to an endocrinologist. There are some claims that fibromyalgia is purely a symptom of under treated thyroid. This is because so many of the symptoms are similar. Do hope you get some help from others on here, sorry I can't offer more suggestions. Best wishes Marion
    • Bee70
      Bee70 marion29181

      Posted

      Hi Marion

      Thanks for your reply....

      I've had blood tests on a regular basis as I have not been convinced that when my blood test results return that everything is fine.  I have had full blood counts done and the only thing that came back was low iron and vit D. These issues are back on form with tablets. Have had thyroid, menopause, cholestral, everything checked.

      I do take a day at a time and try not to worry too much about things now. But would just like to have a good night sleep.wink x

    • marion29181
      marion29181 Bee70

      Posted

      Hi Bee, the trouble is doctors tell us everything is normal, when maybe it's not. I've begun to ask for printouts of my test results, so I can see what has been tested, and check the levels. B12 is not usually included as a regular check, so you might need to ask for it to be done. It is often found to be low in vegetarians or those with digestive issues (I.e. Celiac disease). Do hope you get some improvement with your sleep soon.  Marion
    • Bee70
      Bee70 marion29181

      Posted

      Hi Marion

      I do get copies of my blood tests too.  My B12 have shown to be normal. I am not a vegetarian and I do hope I have a healthy diet. Also was checked for Celiac disease too.

  • Kath_Hope
    Kath_Hope Bee70

    Posted

    Bee70, with you mentioning Fibromyalgia it would be advisable to check for signs + symptoms of Sleep Apnoea, as 80% of people with fibro also have this.  See this article for a good explanation http://www.sleepdisordersguide.com/fibromyalgia-overview.html ; Night sweats are also a sign of untreated sleep apnoea.
    • Bee70
      Bee70 Kath_Hope

      Posted

      Hi Kath

      Thank you. I will look into the article you have sent me.

    • Kath_Hope
      Kath_Hope Bee70

      Posted

      You're welcome Bee70 and I have severe sleep apnoea myself which went undiagnosed for most of my life cry   You can check my website for signs + symptoms but I can't link to it on here on the admins will take the post down, but the non-profit company is called Hope2Sleep and you can contact me if you need any further advice.
  • exdancer
    exdancer Bee70

    Posted

    I am 76.  I never ever remember sleeoing all night even as a child.  I've tried all kinds of drugs and procedures but nothing ever works.  My final way of dealing with it is to accept it and tell myself I just don't need to sleep like other people.

    If I'm awake I first try to enjoy the sensation of being in a warm comfortable place and resting my body.  This doesn't aways work as I have polymyalgia and soon get pains on my joints .... so I read.  if this doesn't work I try getting up and watching old films on TV (there's something soporific about tv) and if that doesn't work the only remedy is to do something useful.  This is difficult with a husband in the house who really needs his sleep/

    I just tell myself I don't need it, that I'm like Churchill and can get by on 4 hrs sleep a night, and I obviously can.  I am reasonably old, I still have all my faculties although perhaps my body is shutting down, but do't believe the pundits who say you need 8hrs - this is not thr case for everyone.

     

    • Bee70
      Bee70 exdancer

      Posted

      Hi Exdancer

      I have got by with minimal sleep and I am still able to do my daily tasks. I still feel a good night sleep is waiting for me as my eyes just look so tired with my wonderful panda eyes, which I have now got used too.

      I just take a day at a time and like you said not everyone needs a full 8 hrs sleep.

      Thanks for sharing x

  • Bee70
    Bee70

    Posted

    I am hoping to get some sleep one day !! I have panda eyes at the moment and feel like a zombie. I still carry on with my daily life and have tried everything to help me sleep.

    One day I will report back and share with you all of the success of a wonderful sleep.

    With the support from my Fibro Friends I know I will get there.  biggrin xx

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