Hi,

Prednisone does affect sleep. I assume you are taking your dose in morning with food before about 9am as that's the best time to have it due to how our adrenal gland functions. I have had big problems sleeping on Prednisone higher doses of 20 - 60mg & went without any real sleep for about a month. I have been on Pred 5mg for a couple of months & my sleep is okay.

Sorry to hear you were in ER. Are the Drs calling your inflammation around your heart 'pericarditis'? If so, I had that in August & was in hospital for 3 weeks. If it is pericarditis, the pain increases when laying down so maybe elevate your chest on pillows if this is a problem.

Also, I was initially sent home from ER with pericarditis BUT without an increase in med's as I was on Pred 4mg & Celebrex 200mg at the time. I was readmitted next day as that dose was not high enough to hit the inflammation.

Hope you are feeling better soon.

Take care, Anna

Y

Yikes- I did not have sleep troubles on 5 mgs of prednisone but on a high dose it was horrible. I would sit straight up in bed "Time to make the donuts!" at like 2 or 3 AM.
Here's what I did. I put one small light on and read for about an hour and then I could go back to bed. I picked out things that were enjoyable for me to read so it wouldn't feel so awful to be up when I ought not be. Then I found a station on TV that showed old movies at that hr. and watched those. Again- making it enjoyable instead of torturous. I don't know your situation- I was on medical leave so I didn't have to be worried about not having enough rest to put in a full day. I just told myself if need be I would nap during the day. All the best to you!

Prednisone can make you hypo, as you've found out but 5mg is a pretty small dose.
Would taking it in the morning help with the sleep problem? Or, maybe half in the moning and half in the evening?
These are only my suggestions. Can you ring your PCP or Rheumy to check first because inflammation around the heart is not to be trifled with?
Hope you are feeling better
Hugs

Thanks for the support! My Rheumy did put me on the Prednisone for the inflammation around my heart. I have to keep an eye on it. I know 5mg is a low dose but medications always affect me in weird ways. I get sleepy if I take Aleve! I guess I'm just sensitive to meds. You should see me when I'm on high doses!!!

Ambien

Imovane a Canadian sleep med. If that doesn't work, I add stuff like antihistamines, valium, whatever it takes. Be careful to get enough sleep. It will affect your mind and your body.

Good luck. Although you on a low dose of prednisone it can and does often interfere with sleep. I no longer take prednisone for those very reasons.

I wish had a suggestion for you. I referred to myself as the "energizer bunny on crack" when taking prednisone. Hopefully you won't have to be on it too long.

Maybe a warm bath and a cup of tea before bed? Sounds comforting even if it doesn't work. lol