Comments on: So very tired

By: Sleep Deprivation Effects

Sleep Deprivation Effects — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:27:26 +0000

I have to get up early at least once a week to go to a breakfast club and the sleep deprivation effects seem to wipe me out for the rest of the day! I’ve tried the usual, going to bed early, not eating or drinking after 6pm, having a warm bath but the actual physical act of getting to sleep is hard that one night a week. Whatever time I go to bed, I unfortunately now have convinced myself I won’t actually sleep before midnight! Therefore I make do with about 5 hours that night, which to some would be fine but for me I need at least 7!

However – I don’t have Crohns so feel a little guilty about feeling sorry for myself. I used to have really bad sleep problems; couldn’t get to sleep, couldn’t stay asleep etc. Thankfully, something just clicked and I realised if I just got up when I couldn’t sleep and did something really boring, didn’t put the lights up high etc that I could then go back to bed and sleep. Think my brain had lost the link between bed and sleep up to that point, but I also did all the relaxation things and avoided caffeine and food late at night.

Good luck!

By: Three Cent Stamp

Three Cent Stamp — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:23:28 +0000

The problem with some of the over the counter sleep remedies is that they can dope you up and you feel horrible the next day.

Ambien work for most people, but you must take it on an empty stomach. Most people need only 5mg to fall asleep but if you have your doctor write you a prescription for 10mg it will last you twice as long (good if you’re paying insurance deductibles). For some people, Ambien will only last half the night. In that case you probably need Ambien CR (continued release).

I still think the best approach is to use: 5-HTP or Melatonin. Try the over the counter pills called, “Sleep pretty in Pink.” The name is dumb, but it’s got amino acids in there with melatonin and I swear it worked very well for me (especially if you are trying to get off ambien).

Another trick I’ve used, which may help you, is to drink organic vegetable broth before bed. This has nutrients, including calcium and electrolytes which can help with sleep. It’s cheap, easy and you have nothing to lose.

I really hope you get to the bottom of your sleep issues. I know it’s rough. My heart goes out to you.

By: Tammy at Myrtle Beach Real Estate

Tammy at Myrtle Beach Real Estate — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:36:46 +0000

Good article. My whole life, there is nothing I am more jealous of than a good sleeper. I mean, I can sleep well, just not when I’m supposed to. Always been that way. So, if I have to force myself to go to sleep, it’s always been self-medication in one form or another. Whether it be many beers, wine, melatonin, benedryl, or some combination thereof. People who can just put their heads down and nod off have no idea how freakin’ lucky there are.

By: the three dog blogger

the three dog blogger — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:03:27 +0000

Hi Tricia.
Really sorry to hear about your sleep problems. Man, how can you even function on that little.
I know you don’t want to hear it but I sleep only too well. My secret?
Too much cheap Spanish wine. It’s a nightmare. It’s way to cheap and you can’t find one that tastes bad!
Not a good recommendation I know but when in Rome and all that.
Take care Tricia.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:54:18 +0000

I’ve tried melatonin, it worked for a short time. I currently use an over the counter sleep aid which is just benedryl (25-50mg), I was using tylenol pm…but I don’t need the tylenol everynight….so, anyway-I hope you get some whell deserved rest very soon. Feel better

By: msplumuniq

msplumuniq — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:38:51 +0000

BTW, thanks for the advice on the melatonin from the above poster. I take it once in awhile to supplement the ambien of if I’m out. I give it to my daughter in small doses on occasions when she can’t sleep.

By: msplumuniq

msplumuniq — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:37:13 +0000

I have bi-polar and fibromyalgia, with degenerative disc disease. THAT can cause a person not to sleep. With this all happening, most of the night, I turn from one hip to the other as each takes turns aching.
They used to always put me on anti-depressants to sleep with, but they didn’t do enough good or would hang me over too much.
I started Ambien, and it works. Knocks me out. If MY insurance pays for it -state insurance-I bet anyone’s would. Maybe it would work for you. Talk to your doctor about it.

By: laane

laane — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:08:00 +0000

I feel so sorry for you.

I’m a bad sleeper too. Not crohn’s, but a bad hip.
It feels like never being able to relax properly, like being constantly on guard.

I hope it gets better for you soon, Tricia.

By: Three Cent Stamp

Three Cent Stamp — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:15:42 +0000

I’ve been an insomniac for many, many years. I was on Ambien for a long time. Recently, I’ve taken some over the counter, all natural sleep aid. It’s a goofy name, called Pretty in Pink, but it works. I also will take 3 capsules of 3Mg melatonin, but you have to take the melatonin right before you go to sleep because if you get too much light after you’ve taken the melatonin it does the opposite and can keep you awake. Maybe too, warm baths will help with the cramps. I know it’s rough and the more you don’t sleep the lower your immunity and the cycle continues.

Good luck and take care.