I am the same, Curious. I walk to the bathroom with my eyes closed cause if I open them, I can't go back to sleep.

Erin, you don't have to suffer with this, and there are plenty of things to try. When my kids are like this, I join them into every sport there is. I've even taught them self-hypnosis and yoga breathing exercises.

There IS a solution, you just have to try everything till you find it.

Cherie

I dont feel anxious that I can tell. it's just that my brain doesnt want me to sleep. I dont drink caffeine but occasionally. (when we go out to eat or something) It just feels like my brain doesnt want to miss anything. Even if there's nothing happening.

I'm going to see if my dad or my aunt want to take a walk around the block later today if it's not raining then. Maybe I can tire myself out that way and hopefully sleep normally for at least one night.

Erin, I've battled insomnia for a few years. Some nights are better than others, but most nights I'm lucky to sleep 2 hours then catnap for the rest of the night.

I don't like how the sleep aids...prescription and over the counter make me feel the next day. One thing I found that has helped was to use a sleep mask. I read something recently about how even the smallest amount of light in your room can stimulate the eye at night. If my eyes opened just a tiny bit while asleep even a single red LED light can be enough to "wake" the brain .

I used the mask for about 4 weeks every night. So far I have been sleeping at least 6 hours straight. This week the mask bothers my eyes so I haven't used it, but I try to get my room as dark as I can. Even my 12 year old son uses one. We have an air cleaner running in his room that has red LEDs and the light was just enough to keep him from staying in a deep sleep.

I have had insomnia a lot, I asked my PCP for something to help, he gave me temazepam 30MG, it knocked me OUT and I slept all night without waking once..........the next day I was SO groggy I didn't like it...... I put a hole in the capsule and took out about 1/4 of it and it worked great.....I told the doc and he lowered the dose to 15MG but now I sleep but wake a few times during the night but I go right back to sleep............the next day I feel fine.....20 MG would be PERFECT for me but they don't make it in 20's so for now I am taking the 15's and I am slill ok with getting my much needed rest..........:-)

Joe

I have a sleep mask around here somewhere. My aunt gave it to me in an easter basket earlier this year. She's a nurse and gets the freebie crap that the drug companies hand out. It was a freebie for Ambien I think (no Ambien in the box, just coupons if I were to get a Rx)

I have to dig thru all the debris on my other computer desk and see if I can find the sleep mask.

I'm not napping today at all, to see if I can be tired enough to sleep once it's time for bed.

When I can't sleep because my brain won't stop, I tune to talk radio and hit the sleep timer on the clock radio. I know this might sound like too simple a solution but it's worked for MANY people I've suggested it to and for me over 90% of the time. Your mind gets engulfed in the conversation of others and not the ones in your own head!

I also think the melatonin might be a good suggestion. I just looked it up because I remember someone on another board posting that it is not advised for MS patients but the first hits that were returned all cited at least one study that concluded that nocturnal melatonin levels are reduced in a subgroup of patients with multiple sclerosis. Interesting!

From my own experience, and from your description, it sounds like your brain waves are out of whack. There are several different kinds of brain waves - Alpha, Beta, and Delta, Gamma, and Theta. The brain shows different types which correspond to states of arousal - Alpha corresponds to relaxed alertness, Beta to active concentration or anxiousness, Delta and Theta are associated with drowsiness and deep sleep. These waves are produced by different areas of the brain, so MS brain lesions can interfere with normal brain waves. For instance, you may be experiencing excess Beta waves, which could result in insomnia.

I went to a neuropsychologist and had neurofeedback therapy. They attach EEG electrodes to your scalp and ears and positively reinforce the desired type of brainwaves. Your brain can form new pathways, and the results can be quite dramatic. I'm hoping after my Medicare kicks in, I may be able to do some more treatments. My insomnia actually resulted from a perpetual state of Theta and Delta waves. My brain was confused about when it was supposed to sleep!

You can look this stuff up on the internet, it's for real!

Ok, tonight, I still cant sleep, but the reason is because I keep having to run into the bathroom to go potty every half hour. (apparently my body hates me this past few weeks)

Now I'm stressed!

Maybe your bladder needs medicating Erin.

I remember my Continence nurse asking if my bladder got me up overnight, and she said if it did she could give me something to prevent those night visits.

I didn't need it at the time, but I'm thinking that I might soon if my number of toilet breaks overnight doesn't diminish soon.

I dont think it's the bladder. I've been having weird annoying problems with a different kind of infection in that area. I need to go see someone about that. I think I had too many antibiotics last year, and that made me susceptible to another type of infection in that area. (at least that type of infection doesnt cause the MS to act weird, at least according to my neuro)

It calmed down on me after a bit last night, so I actually was able to fall asleep around 330 or 4am...slept till 1pm tho... At least I got some sleep!