Could bedtime meds be causing insomnia with spasms and cramps

Anything is possible.

Tylenol has a bad effect on me. My liver isn't the greatest, however.

Melatonin has never done me any good except to make me groggy and grouchy (and I don't need any help there).

Gabapentin was like taking M&Ms.

I also take 1 capsule of magnesium before bed -- said to help prevent leg cramps. Bottle says take with food, so i take it with a little butter ball bite. Should I aslso take the second capsule (of the daily dose) earlier in the day to get the full effects, or would that not help through the night?

Hi, I don’t know all the factors involved with your insomnia, but I can share something that actually helped me. I went to Walmart and bought a vibration mat for sleeping. It has three vibration patterns with three levels of intensity and also a heating option. I used it to fall asleep and set it again if I woke up. Sometimes it took twice with the 15 minute timer, but not always.

Neurofeedback has been the ultimate solution. Following the first two sessions of neurofeedback, I sleep 6-8 hours at night. The therapist is able to target the parts of the brain that have been affected by the stroke.

As a side note, I’m not using the vibration mat anymore, but my husband has been known to go to the guest bedroom and use it when he can’t sleep! 😀
It was about $70 ands completely worth it.

@ionashepherd - will you share more about how the vibration mat works (if you're familiar) and how it helps fall asleep? How did you learn about vibration mats to know to go purchase one?

This is the one I bought. (Below) It’s not something that I was told about, but because I was having such a hard time sleeping, I just felt like vibration would be soothing. I didn’t want kneading or any kind of massage. The controller, which looks and feels like a remote control—but it’s connected, has the different options to choose. I usually choose heavy intensity, steady vibration (there are a variety of vibration patterns), and I chose the full length of the mat. You can target four different segments of the body. I add the heat in the winter! Even the sound of the vibration is soothing to my brain. I had trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking too early. Once I got to sleep with it, and then woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep, I’d just turn it on again.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Comfier-Vibration-Massage-Mat-with-Heat-Pad-Full-Body-Massage-Mat-Back-Massage-Chair-Pad-Gift/963678701