Originally Posted by Erika

Does anyone have some suggestions for a sleep medication that doesn't have one waking up to a brain that has turned into three bean salad? I am a having cognitive and coordination problems, which are relatively new for me, so would prefer something that doesn't make these things too much worse.

I have only been sleeping for an hour or two at a time for the past several years, but was able to go back to sleep within a few minutes. These more recent symptoms have made me feeling exhausted; yet I seem to be unable to get back to sleep. Sometimes pain or spasms wake me up but mostly I just wake up like it is morning and then can't get back to sleep for an hour or more. Meditation used to work well at getting me back to sleep but for the last month or so, I wake up again within less than an hour if I try that tactic. I have been trying melatonin for the past few days without success.

I'm not taking any meds at this point as I prefer to hold out as long as possible with out them. Had nasty reactions to some that were tried years ago so have avoided all medication since then.

I think that the lack of sleep is making the cognitive and coordination symptoms worse. Will be seeing my GP in a couple of days but he generally deals with me like I'm from another planet and hasn't been very helpful in the past. With a doctor shortage in these parts, there's not much chance of switching to another GP either and my neuro appointment isn't for another month (doctor shortage again).
It would be great if I could maybe suggest something to them but I have no experience with this type of medication and its potential effects on MS. Would appreciate any insight in this regard.

Erika