Can't Sleep - Warning - Venting
 

I'll be 11 months with pcs in a couple weeks and I still cannot sleep! Right now, my main problem is that I cannot stay asleep for longer than @ 2 hrs. I went thru a period of about 1 or 2 months where I could sleep @ 4-5 continuous hours and that was fantastic. Prior to my injury, I slept soundly through the night, getting 7-8 hrs regularly.

I am having a hard time dealing with this. Lack of sleep is debilitating, to say the least. I'm concerned that it's just making my pcs last longer and longer because my brain is not getting proper rest.

Anyone have similar sleep issues and when did things turn around for you? I realize everyone's experience is different, I'm just looking for some hope.

Lagr,
I'm behind you at 8 months...but I have had a sleep dysfunction since the injury and still wake up several times a night.

I have been on Noritriptyline, Propranalol, now on Amitriptyline and none of these have helped me STAY asleep. I've also tried melatonin, herbal teas, nyquil and nothing seems to help.

It's as if my brain has forgotten how to sleep. I have heard it might have something to do with a hyper arousal type thing..... but my doctor told me today that it could be more of an anxiety related issue after the injury. Not sure what I think about that. Like you, I didn't experience any problems with staying asleep before the injury.

You are 100% right about it being debilitating.....it affects everything.

Take Care....hope it improves.

Headstrong - looking at your signature, we have some very similar symptoms. My doctor has not outright said so, but has alluded to anxiety being a cause of my sleep problems also. I'm not buying it, not 100% at least. I feel like there must be more to the issue. Did your doctor mention whether the anxiety issue that affects sleep will just gradually pass? What concerns me is reading stories of ex-NFL players who say they have sleep problems for many yrs after retiring from the sport. The thought of dealing with this problem for an indefinite number of yrs is scary.

I bought a magnesium powder called Calm and gave it a try last night. Started with a small dose. I still woke up probably about 5 or 6 times, but I felt like I was able to fall asleep each time a little bit easier. Crossing my fingers to have a little success with this product.

Lagr,

No my doctor didn't say how long the anxiety could last...at least I don't remember him saying anything about it. I was never an overly anxious person before the injury.... other than wanting to be on time and meet deadlines etc.

Here is a good article that helps explain how brain injury disrupts sleep cycles.
http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/2010...eping-problems

It talks about injured brains not producing enough Melatonin and spending more time in non-REM sleep. Basically brain inury disrupts the functions that regulate sleep.

People with brain injuries have more symptoms of anxiety and depression but
It goes on to state that sleep difficulties may lead to depression rather than depression leading to sleep difficulties.

lack of sleep
 

Yes, this is very common. And, yes, it is very aggravating. I recently saw a specialist and will be having a sleep study done. In my case, since I was hit flush on the face, the doctor suspects I have at least a partial obstruction which is agitating a type of sleep apnea. Try to find the right neurologist, if you can. Most of them have difficulty knowing exactly what to do. For a while, ambien helped me, but then it was a problem...then I tried melatonin, and that also worked only for a while--but there are natural as well as narcotic substances that can offer at least temporary relief.

Good luck!