Chronic Pain Support Group
Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...
I've had insomnia since I was 8 years old. I even have proof in my little 5 year diary, the kind they made in the 80's with like 4 short lines for each day and a fake gold lock and key. It says "weird thing happened last night. I couldn't fall asleep AT ALL. Mom said to stay home. I don't know why this is happening but I slept this morning for 2 hours. Dad says I just need to sleep & not think about it."
Well, since then it's been off and on. But lately I'm arguing with hubby over the fact that I need sleep but he doesn't get it. He can fall asleep on the couch! I toss and turn and finally get up and do something. But mostly now my problem is not falling asleep, but staying that way!
As it is Winter and my foot is so bad, I kicked hubby into guest room. I can't take a chance he'll bump my foot and he is used to it. So tonight I was exhausted as my 2 year old had me running all over plus hubby had a meeting after work and was 4 hours later than normal. I ADORE my son- I really do! But after a full day I just had to say goodnight. At 6 or so I went to bed. I woke at 11pm on the dot, so about 5 hours if we forget about my son crying and waking me when he had to go to bed, but that's a phase he is going through. He wants to sleep with us and we're breaking the bad habit hubby started when I was gone. So he cries till he realizes we're making him sleep in his own bed then he goes to bed in the floor, in protest. So I always know I must get up around midnight to lift him into his bed and close the door.
Now that I've done all that, I can NOT get back to sleep! My old doc had me on ambien when needed but I never really needed it after it stopped working. Now I have some but not enough time to take it. Plus I need to talk to new doc about it 1st. It might even be so old it doesn't work, who knows?
So here I am again, sitting in bed with the window cracked in MI in Winter (fresh air helps me so much!) and I just can NOT sleep! It's like I can sleep for a few hours and last night I only got 3 hours, so I guess 5 is am improvement. But tomorrow I have son again all day and till 9 at night. He stopped taking naps months ago, so it'll be a long day.
So I'm SO tired I can fall asleep, just not STAY asleep. WTH is that all about? Insomnia like I used to have meant NO sleep. But now my body just won't stay asleep. I have a VERY dark, cool room, perfect for sleeping, and I can't do it. Sometimes it IS the pain and waking to have to take a pill is a pain in itself. But lately it just seems to be a wake up and stay awake 5-6 hours, then want to go back to sleep. By then, son is up and he and I have to get up.
It's not that I'm not tired b/c I'm literally exhausted! But this old body won't allow me to go back to sleep! I am SO glad the weekend is coming!
Well, since then it's been off and on. But lately I'm arguing with hubby over the fact that I need sleep but he doesn't get it. He can fall asleep on the couch! I toss and turn and finally get up and do something. But mostly now my problem is not falling asleep, but staying that way!
As it is Winter and my foot is so bad, I kicked hubby into guest room. I can't take a chance he'll bump my foot and he is used to it. So tonight I was exhausted as my 2 year old had me running all over plus hubby had a meeting after work and was 4 hours later than normal. I ADORE my son- I really do! But after a full day I just had to say goodnight. At 6 or so I went to bed. I woke at 11pm on the dot, so about 5 hours if we forget about my son crying and waking me when he had to go to bed, but that's a phase he is going through. He wants to sleep with us and we're breaking the bad habit hubby started when I was gone. So he cries till he realizes we're making him sleep in his own bed then he goes to bed in the floor, in protest. So I always know I must get up around midnight to lift him into his bed and close the door.
Now that I've done all that, I can NOT get back to sleep! My old doc had me on ambien when needed but I never really needed it after it stopped working. Now I have some but not enough time to take it. Plus I need to talk to new doc about it 1st. It might even be so old it doesn't work, who knows?
So here I am again, sitting in bed with the window cracked in MI in Winter (fresh air helps me so much!) and I just can NOT sleep! It's like I can sleep for a few hours and last night I only got 3 hours, so I guess 5 is am improvement. But tomorrow I have son again all day and till 9 at night. He stopped taking naps months ago, so it'll be a long day.
So I'm SO tired I can fall asleep, just not STAY asleep. WTH is that all about? Insomnia like I used to have meant NO sleep. But now my body just won't stay asleep. I have a VERY dark, cool room, perfect for sleeping, and I can't do it. Sometimes it IS the pain and waking to have to take a pill is a pain in itself. But lately it just seems to be a wake up and stay awake 5-6 hours, then want to go back to sleep. By then, son is up and he and I have to get up.
It's not that I'm not tired b/c I'm literally exhausted! But this old body won't allow me to go back to sleep! I am SO glad the weekend is coming!
So you are not alone. If I get to a point where I know i can sleep, I do. It is the only way I survive. And yes, I tried for years with insomnia meds and forcing myself to stay up all day and still awoke after 3 hours due to pain. I became so sleep deprived that I literally could not hold a conversation.
So now i sleep whenever i can. It is what is best for me.
I hope something in my story helps or gives insight. Sending hugs, love, and comfort.
Tonna
I went through sleep-deprivation in serious mode just before my son was born. I felt SO weird, and couldn't talk or walk naturally. I believe people when they say severe sleep deprivation can mimic drug/alcohol symptoms. I imagine it is what it is like to be drunk.
I'm sorry your pain is keeping you up. If it was my pain (this week) I could at least know to set my alarm so I don't miss a pill or take one late. But for now, my pain is under control. I just can't stay asleep. I sure hope this isn't a sign of an upcoming flare up.
I used to do the same thing you did- making myself stay awake then sleeping. But it stopped working. I would fall asleep but wake up. And then my schedule would be all off. I wonder- do you take long-acting pain meds? Because things like MSContin and others are supposed to last 8-12 hours. IMO that is a joke and they never last more than 6 for me, but 6 is better than nothing. Maybe you could ask to try a long-acting?
Sigh....guess I will just watch Grey's Anatomy and see if I get sleepy again. I really just need some time to myself with no one bothering me, but my husband, who has gone to his Mom's every year for 14 years for Super Bowl, has decided to stay and bowl. Which means instead of a weekend of sleep and relaxation, I have to be up to watch our son so he can bowl. And I was SOOO looking forward to it!
That's life, I guess. I have had a truly rotten month and now am starting out a new one on a bad note. I don't like to be negative so here's hoping that this is a one night deal. Well, 2 as I must count last night, too. UGH!
I am on ambien cr and it has helped a lot. I have had insomnia issues for about the last six weeks and have an appt with the sleep specialist on the 14th to re evaluate the pressure of my cpap. I have lost forty pounds since July 1st.
I feel for you especially with a two year old. I do hope that I helped you. All the best to get some help in managing insomnia.
Take good care,
Melinda
Its a pain in the keister when all you want is one good night of sleep. I have gotten to the point where I fall asleep or nod off while I am driving. I am so tired I feel "punch drunk." I feel like I am losing my mind.
My dad is like your dad, once he puts on his sleep apnea mask and his head hits the pillow he's out. He keeps telling me to "go back to bed" when I get up in the middle of the night. When your in as much pain as we are, alot of the times there is no going back to bed. Or if I do, I never fall back asleep.
So I have started taking naps to help. I am fortunate that I don't have kids so I am able to do this. I would not survive if it wasn't for naps. Unfortunately for you, you said your son stopped taking naps.
I understand your frustration. People tell me to just go back to bed, it will be alright. Well, I don't sleep like normal people. I have been an insomiac for a very long time. I was under control for awhile but then the daggone pain started and it just plain sucks.
I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I can really relate to how you feel. Its like you are going crazy and the only thing you want to do is sleep. I hope you got a little more tonight.
Wishing you luck and sending the sandman your direction
Gentle hugs,
Jenna
have you tried melatonin? there is time-released. does your son nap during the day? can you get a little nap in with him? that must be tough. hope you can find a solution.
I think part of the reason is that my husband bowls in a league 2 nights a week and that throws my schedule off. In summer he doesn't bowl so it's not so much of a problem. I'm angry at him for signing up for 2 leagues and angrier on those days. I know he should have something for himself, but the fact that I can't sleep b/c he has to go "play" pisses me off.
Part of me knows that he deserves to get out and part if me says he shouldn't be gone TWO nights a week- one is enough! He knew i had RSD when he met me and that it would be worse as I aged. So now that we have a child and I really need to rest more to be able to watch him during the day, my hubby decides to go out 2 nights a week. I just get so angry b/c today, I was SO ready to fall asleep AND as tomorrow is Saturday I could've taken a phenergan to help me sleep. I've been sick to my stomach all day and wanted to take one but couldn't b/c I knew he'd be gone and I can't stay awake taking one.
I don't know. I'm SO tired and I DID get back to sleep last night for a few hours, but I'm starting to feel tired and sick a lot. I'm worried there's more to it. Then again it could be just lack of sleep!
When hubby gets home tonight I am SO going to sleep and staying that way. I truly am so tired and hope my son will be easy tonight. The pain is up, I'm sick to my stomach, and just want to go to bed. And even THAT bugs me b/c my son is only this age once and I don't want to sleep my life away or SIT my life away.
Thanks for all the advice- I'm sure I'll sleep well tonight and possibly tomorrow night, but then we start all over again. TGIF!
oh...I read where cp'ers can get high cortosol from pain....that can lower your resistance just like no sleep can. I hope you can get some help with this. I'm struggling right now because I only have 4 pills of trazodone and can't refill for 4 days. I need a slight increase I think....but it's not addicting as I've been on it for years and haven't had to take more to sleep....just lately I've been anxious. I guess I have cabin fever. And my pain is worse. But usually this med works for me. If your problem isn't that bad...melatonin helps. Valerian root does too but oooo the after taste stays for days! ick!
Take care.
Anne
My father had terrible insomnia and couldn't' stay in bed when he woke. He would be up playing computer games half the night then nap during the day. I have a hard time to sleep in the daytime unless I am dead tired. I need pitch dark to sleep so I sleep with a mask during the summer months when it gets bright so early in the morning. Its dark for so long now that I don't need it. I have some trazadone for sleep but if I take it every night I get terribly anxious and paranoid. I take one once in a while if I need to get up early in the morning for an appointment or something but I took one tonight and here I am awake anyway.
I hope you find something that works for you. I had a noise machine for a while, that helped some for awhile. Hugs,
Lisa