karousel,

I totally understand and have the exact same sleep challenges, but mine are the residual of a near fatal brain stem stroke. 68% of surviving stroke victims experience major sleep disorders, yet you don't hear it from any neurologist. Most find out way after the fact from forum boards like this, their PCP, or sleep disorders doctor.

Regardless of the amount of meds or combination, I will wake up withing 2 1/2 hours and that is after taking meds like Hydrocodone, Tramedol, Tegretol, Clonazepam; pushing the envelope on occasion and including Melatonin, and even an Ambien. Exact same result, awake after a maximum of 2 1/2 hours but with that groggy head feeling.

My sleep disorder doctor has diagnosed interrupted Circadian Rhythm Disorder and said my CPAP results looked like DNA sample or very badly fragmented hard drive. Exhaustion comes quickly, easily, unexpectedly, and with a vengeance. Sometimes when I finally crash, I may sleep for 14 hours straight. The only sleep routine I have is NO routine and no amount of adjusting works.

Very possibly when you fell you did more neurological damage than may have been detected and it may have also exacerbated the MS aspects of that part of the brain. I wish I had a solution or recommendation, but I do not. My post is primarily to let you know you are NOT ALONE!

There is a reason why they use sleep deprivation as a form of torture - it is incredibly cruel.

I had open brain surgery on a brain aneurysm seven years ago and to this day, I find it incredibly hard (more like impossible) to turn my brain off at night.

I lay awake until one or two a.m every night and my head is just full of thoughts and 'internal noise'. It doesn't matter how exhausted I am. I sure pay for it the next day, and then the destructive cycle starts all over. It doesn't help my MS at all !!!

I can't offer any great solutions, but I wanted to tell you that I sympathise and hope that this gets sooo much better for you. Did you hit your head when you fell? Brain injuries are notorious for causing this kind of problem. Have Walmart claimed responsibility? And if not, why not??????

Lyn