Casey, I think your doctor is trying to find out if you have sleep apnea which could be waking you after you fall asleep. And your trouble seems more like having trouble falling asleep. But the sleep studies give you a lot of information about your sleep which is good to have.
I'd like to suggest a stellate ganglion block or blocks. This I have done. It is supposed to reset your autonomic nervous system. It doesn't make your problems disappear, but it makes you feel capable of dealing with them. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10303073/
Casey, I think your doctor is trying to find out if you have sleep apnea which could be waking you after you fall asleep. And your trouble seems more like having trouble falling asleep. But the sleep studies give you a lot of information about your sleep which is good to have.
I'd like to suggest a stellate ganglion block or blocks. This I have done. It is supposed to reset your autonomic nervous system. It doesn't make your problems disappear, but it makes you feel capable of dealing with them. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10303073/
Casey, I've had both kind of sleep studies. I recommend the sleep lab one. It records all the breathing stuff and also your brainwaves to see what's going on in your mind as you sleep and can help them see how long you stay in each stage of sleep and if it's normal, etc. That might give them some indication of your problem. They also can check if you grind your teeth in your sleep and a bunch of other stuff, too. It's true that you will have wires and straps most everywhere, but sleep is possible. Lots of people manage it. I have probably done 6-8 over the years: You can do it!
If you do a lab one it might be a good time for a sleep aid for the night. Maybe a benzodiazepine for anxiety and sleep. Most who try them swear by them. You'll only need one. Check with you healthcare provider to see if they think it's a good idea for you.
To anyone who thinks they may have sleep apnea: My cardiologist says my sleep apnea caused my severely dilated right atrium and ventricle, as well as severely hypertrophic left atrium. My internet research reveals that he might not have that right, but most seem to acknowledge an association between the two.
Casey, I've had both kind of sleep studies. I recommend the sleep lab one. It records all the breathing stuff and also your brainwaves to see what's going on in your mind as you sleep and can help them see how long you stay in each stage of sleep and if it's normal, etc. That might give them some indication of your problem. They also can check if you grind your teeth in your sleep and a bunch of other stuff, too. It's true that you will have wires and straps most everywhere, but sleep is possible. Lots of people manage it. I have probably done 6-8 over the years: You can do it!
If you do a lab one it might be a good time for a sleep aid for the night. Maybe a benzodiazepine for anxiety and sleep. Most who try them swear by them. You'll only need one. Check with you healthcare provider to see if they think it's a good idea for you.
I would think that having a sleep study done at home would be more beneficial as you are in your own environment. Most people sleep better at home even when on vacation and staying at hotels. So it makes more sense to me. I have been getting 4 1/2 - 5 hours sleep per nite for about the past 6 months and it is finally catching up with me and making me crazy! There is a relatively new group of sleepers that are orexin antagonists which seem promising in gettng good quality REM sleep (which is a science within itselft). Benzodiazinpines do not give quality REM sleep, most are short acting and don't allow for more that 4-5 hour sleep. So the DARA's as they are referred to (the Orexin antagonists) hold some promise....but of course they are Schedule IV
Cindisue, I am glad to have a another who can appreciate the challenges insomnia present. They take their sleep for granted. I am sorry for suffering. I know this is hell for you, too.
I have not tried Unison yet and will try it.
My Dr has tried many different meds. I have a cabinet full of his failures.
You are lucky to have gotten the hypnotics (sleeping pills) and benzos. I dream of those, or I would if I could sleep. I think he resists because I am bi polar and is afraid I might and try to commit suicide. I'm not at suicidal, never have been.
I'm on ability and lamotrigine for that and they don't help my sleep. Incidentally, when I am manic I have revved up everything, so ultimate exhaustion is a hint I'm coming down. The last time I had hypnotic drugs was when the emergency room gave me some. I had exhausted myself to the point I was having panic attacks, etc.
I recently was prescribed tizanidine, an antispastic drug by my pain doctor. It is indicated for MS and spinal cord injuries (I don't have those problems). I got it for the nerve pain and muscle pain due to a very messed up back. Pain is another sleep killer.
Tizanidine works for sleep for me. Two of those do it. For now I'll use those till I can't get them.
I have to be careful, as alcohol is another of my issues. It doesn't do well with many meds. It is self medication and not recommended for anyone. It helps calm the occasional mania and with sleep to a point. Always have an excuse, I say. Another reason I can't get the good pills, most likely. If could sleep maybe I could stay quit. Four months sober until last couple months of insomnia...... Another excuse, I know.
I have rambled on enough for now. I didn't I had that many problems until read back through my list. Unfortunately I got me some more problems, too.
Again, I will give the Unisom a try. Thanks for being willing to share your story. It helps to know I'm not alone, yet makes sad to know someone else is in this kind of pain too. I am literally in tears. Don't tell anyone, tough guy thing.
Cindisue, first thanks for the hug. I appreciate that. Secondly my sleep is better, not great but better finally. I think the Abilify for my bipolar issues is helping and the tizanidine the muscle relaxer is also. I got eight hours yesterday between night and naps. Most I have had for a long time.
Oh, I remember now trying the doxylamine succinate, it is unfortunately also a antihistamine, but I used it occasionally, as the first few times I use it I'm OK as far as restless legs go. It is the most effective for sleep of most all of the OTC aids for me, indeed. I need to remember to take my reading glasses to the store, so I can see if I find the cheaper store brand again.
The best of the "easier to get" prescription meds is hydroyzine or Atarax. It has antihistaminic and anticholenergic properties and is very, very effective. Longer than a few nights may not work for me, the Restless leg thing, but I may have the PNP I am working with let me give it a try for occasional use. It is indicated for anxiety and preoperative sedation. They also use it to calm unruly patients in hospital and nursing homes, as it is well tolerated and effective. They have an injectable form for those uses.
I had it as a young lad for a case of head to toe poison oak. After taking one of those babies I would sleep for about 6-8 hours, get up for a bit and take another and sleep again. When the pills ran out the poison oak was gone! Slept through it all. You reminded me of it and I got out my old Davis's Drug Guide (highly recommended if your into books versus internet) and the doxylamine section reminded me.
hi, Ginnysnow. I've been reading that when we get older (You may not be older. I'm older), we need less sleep.
Probably better not to take meds. When I can't sleep, I just get up.
Connect
Connect
Like
Helpful
Hug
A stellate ganglion block or blocks? What is that?
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17507-stellate-ganglion-block
Casey, I've had both kind of sleep studies. I recommend the sleep lab one. It records all the breathing stuff and also your brainwaves to see what's going on in your mind as you sleep and can help them see how long you stay in each stage of sleep and if it's normal, etc. That might give them some indication of your problem. They also can check if you grind your teeth in your sleep and a bunch of other stuff, too. It's true that you will have wires and straps most everywhere, but sleep is possible. Lots of people manage it. I have probably done 6-8 over the years: You can do it!
If you do a lab one it might be a good time for a sleep aid for the night. Maybe a benzodiazepine for anxiety and sleep. Most who try them swear by them. You'll only need one. Check with you healthcare provider to see if they think it's a good idea for you.
Good luck and sweet dreams
To anyone who thinks they may have sleep apnea: My cardiologist says my sleep apnea caused my severely dilated right atrium and ventricle, as well as severely hypertrophic left atrium. My internet research reveals that he might not have that right, but most seem to acknowledge an association between the two.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHey, Blackersheep!
Long time no talk.
Can you send me a private message, I need to talk to you.
Thanks,
Ginny.
I would think that having a sleep study done at home would be more beneficial as you are in your own environment. Most people sleep better at home even when on vacation and staying at hotels. So it makes more sense to me. I have been getting 4 1/2 - 5 hours sleep per nite for about the past 6 months and it is finally catching up with me and making me crazy! There is a relatively new group of sleepers that are orexin antagonists which seem promising in gettng good quality REM sleep (which is a science within itselft). Benzodiazinpines do not give quality REM sleep, most are short acting and don't allow for more that 4-5 hour sleep. So the DARA's as they are referred to (the Orexin antagonists) hold some promise....but of course they are Schedule IV
Cindisue, first thanks for the hug. I appreciate that. Secondly my sleep is better, not great but better finally. I think the Abilify for my bipolar issues is helping and the tizanidine the muscle relaxer is also. I got eight hours yesterday between night and naps. Most I have had for a long time.
Oh, I remember now trying the doxylamine succinate, it is unfortunately also a antihistamine, but I used it occasionally, as the first few times I use it I'm OK as far as restless legs go. It is the most effective for sleep of most all of the OTC aids for me, indeed. I need to remember to take my reading glasses to the store, so I can see if I find the cheaper store brand again.
The best of the "easier to get" prescription meds is hydroyzine or Atarax. It has antihistaminic and anticholenergic properties and is very, very effective. Longer than a few nights may not work for me, the Restless leg thing, but I may have the PNP I am working with let me give it a try for occasional use. It is indicated for anxiety and preoperative sedation. They also use it to calm unruly patients in hospital and nursing homes, as it is well tolerated and effective. They have an injectable form for those uses.
I had it as a young lad for a case of head to toe poison oak. After taking one of those babies I would sleep for about 6-8 hours, get up for a bit and take another and sleep again. When the pills ran out the poison oak was gone! Slept through it all. You reminded me of it and I got out my old Davis's Drug Guide (highly recommended if your into books versus internet) and the doxylamine section reminded me.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionGently,
send me a private message.