Really scared of going to sleep, things are bad in the morning
 

Really scared of going to sleep, things are bad in the morning and it's been that way since last "episode" (muscle lock, can't walk, can't talk, headache out of this world) happened at work 4/30/15

Any knowledge of getting out of the "fog" in the morning would be GREATLY appreciated

4/2/15 - Fell head first onto my left side of head, slip and fall... puddles of wax on the floor and no "Wet Floor" signs in motion activated light area...I was on ground for 10 - 20 mins before being found and or EMTs came. Concussion symptoms started showing days later with

So its not only hard to sleep in the first place (really bad insomnia) but after waking up I'm in a total fog for nearly 2 - 3 hours... low tolerance for anything ... hard to filter out any noises... can't talk (think it's called word hunting)... sense of time is REALLY bad, putting on my shoes can take 10 mins...

... not me at all, so WANTING to go to sleep isn't on top of the NO stress list

In the evening there's 180 degree contrast but that's after gorging myself with food and being woke. Things get worse if I don't eat a lot of food even during the day but I've lost the sense of feeling hungry or even full ... that's VERY acute...so I end up shading on the side of eating more so I don't fall into the fog again..

I'm Type 2 diabetic, I don't think that helps anything

I hate the fog feeling, before the fall I was a sr level computer architect... REALLY scared to go back to work...

Thx in advance for any input

NotTHIS,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

You don't say what diagnostics you have undergone so I'll just take some general shots.

Is your neck stiff in the morning ? Inflammation in the upper neck can cause blood flow problems that can lead to the symptoms you mention. Whiplash is common in injuries like yours. Posture during sleep can exacerbate this inflammation.

Are you breathing properly during sleep ? Do you ever wake up gasping for air ? Are you sleepy during the day ?

What is your glucose level first thing in the morning ? Hypoglycemia is common in Type 2. Extreme hypoglycemia can cause muscle lock.

From my experience, all of your morning issues point to poor sleep with poor blood flow or poor breathing.

My best to you.

You aren't alone! I had a hard time with mornings, too, although that is improving. My mom came and stayed and she got up and got my kids to school and daycare for me because I couldn't do it.

I also had whiplash, and as that got better, my sleep and mornings improved. Hopefully what a Mark had to say helps you.

Not this,

I experienced several months of real fear about falling asleep, even though I wanted to sleep. Never before has this happened.

I am much better about it now. I don't go to sleep worried about it any longer but I still wake up in a bit of fear.

I have found getting a piece of fruit when I wake around 2 or 3 am helps with the waking for good part...I usually get a small easy to peel tangerine.

As mentioned above by Aelfaba you aren't alone.

Only diagnostics I've gone through is to talk to my pcp and a neurologist both said I've suffered a bad concussion and the neurologist says it's a TBI .. that was last Friday

I've still got a stiff neck from the fall ... opposite side of the head injury..

Could it be brought on by the TBI, even on my worst mornings before the fall I wouldn't be this bad...

I'll make sure to check blood sugar in the morning

I suggest you seek treatment for your neck. Some gentle PT or chiro can help your neck settle down. Then, you will need to be disciplined at maintaining good head and neck posture while you rest or sleep. It will also help to ice your neck when possible to help reduce inflammation.

Check out the Vitamins sticky at the top. It has info about how to make crushable ice packs and Upper Cervical chiropractic referral links.

Some of us, me included, need to ease ourselves into the day. I would try and take your time getting up, have a breakfast with some protein and walk around a bit to get the blood flowing. Knowing that it will pass after a couple of hours makes it a little easier to accept. Also I would try and keep your eating times regular, even if you don't feel hungry because I think it's important to train your brain back into regular eating and sleeping habits. Sleeping is a good thing for healing, suffering from PCS insomnia myself I know how frustrating it can be, I know it's held my recovery back.

Super E,

How is your sleep now? Mine was a half hour to 2 at the most for months and is finally making a come back but I still have nights where I will sleep for a half hour and be wide awake for the next 5.

Anxiety is getting better as well but it doesn't seem to want to leave completely. This anxiety is brutal stuff at times. Never really experienced it before.

Bud

NotTHIS, are you taking any medications at all?

Hi Bud, my sleep is still pretty random, last night I got about 3 hours total, previous night about 5 1/2 (a good one). I can't really predict it. Main issue is not being to get back to sleep when I wake after 4am, my mind won't switch off, it's not like it's racing it just wants to stay awake. Sometimes I manage to get another hour as it gets light. I wish I could say there was a pattern but I can't fathom it - it's certainly a stubborn issue, it's 14 months now.

I don't feel anxious any more, feel quite chilled. I've come off all supplements including vitamins, I think the high dose of fish oil was making my mind a bit cloudy because I feel more alert since. I'm eating lots of good food like sweet potato, spinich, cranberries, etc. Going to see how I get on.