A Pain Survivor Community

sleep issues

I am in real need of your help, I have been taking the same medications now for approximately a year and suddenly the last few monthsI have been experiencing ridiculous sleep patterns. Well actually there is no pattern one day I could be up in a reasonable time, for me, about 10 in the morning and stay awake all day until I go to bed at approximately 11:30 PM. The next day no matter how many calls my wife makes to my cell phone which is by my ear or how loud and how many alarms go off I sleep through everything until say two or 3 PM. If for some reason on days like this I have to get up to do something early in the morning then after eating breakfast I could be sitting at my desk I would just fall asleep, unconscious, until either something awakes me or I awake on my own. It really is beginning to drive me crazy that I cannot seem to get into a proper packing for example yesterday was a great day awake all day today I got up at 11 AM because I was going to take my daughter somewhere which ultimately got canceled I started work on my computer for my MBA and within 30 min. I was unconscious and remain that way till 3:30 PM. In that time my middle daughter arrived with her husband and son which I vaguely recall happening. Apparently while I was asleep the small 21 pound dog jumped up on me twice and curled up and slept on my lap I'm still not sure if they are pulling my leg or not on this one because I certainly did not feel him jumping on make. If anybody has any ideas for me I sure would like to hear them because this is becoming so frustrating that I cannot find out a reason or a schedule to get on. Any ideas greatly appreciated thanks

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Permalink Reply by Cyndi McKnight on October 27, 2011 at 5:17am

Hi Julian! Boy can I identify with your struggle! You are definitely not alone with this issue re: sleep. I have been a poor sleeper since before I had chronic pain issues. I also do not have a regular pattern and do not get enough sleep at all. One thing I have had to do in order to stay relatively sane is to learn to at least rest my body and mind even if I do not physically sleep. If that does not work, I do not lay in bed awake for too long as I start to watch the clock too much. Distraction and keeping as regular a routine as possible also can be helpful. One thing that can be used for sleep is melatonin, a natural substance. As a disclaimer though, I am not a Dr. and anyone reading this needs to check with a health care professional before starting any new product. Meds and OTCs can definitely interact. Lastly, when everything else fails, I do my best to adopt an attitude of radical acceptance. None of this is easy so please be as patient with yourself as possible.

Hope this helps!

Cyndi McKnight

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Permalink Reply by Julian Phillips on October 27, 2011 at 8:41pm

Thanks I appreciate the help.

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Permalink Reply by Stacie Cavallaro on October 28, 2011 at 11:27am

Hi Julian,

I am so sorry you are having issues with sleeping. I don't know why this is happening, but maybe you need to speak with your doctor. It may be time for him to change your meds. To me, it seems quite dangerous for you to be in such a deep sleep and not feel your dog jumping on your lap.

Personally, I have absolutely no sleep pattern at all. But my problem is that I am only able to take "cat naps" around the clock. The longest I have slept in years is only for about 2 hours at a time.This makes for very long days and nights. It is so frustrating as I know I would feel better if I could only get into a regular pattern.

I think everyone who suffers with chronic pain also suffers with sleep issues. I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to get a good night's sleep!

sleep issues

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