Sleep Issues
 

I wake up at wierd times then can't get back to sleep. It'd be ok if I felt normal but I don't. At these times when after only a few hours of sleep I experience the worst of my health problems, stomach ache and headache, blurred vision and dizziness and a feeling of fear so overwhelming that I have to get up, eat something, have a little coffee and toast and take medications for my stomach and head. I wish I could sleep, just a few more hours. I know I'd feel better if I could.

Does anybody else feel this way? This just isn't once in a while this happens but everyday. I am so tired of this. :o

What can I do to break this cycle? I've tried staying up later but still wake early in the morning, like 4:00 AM. :( I do nap later in the day but inbetween the time I first wake up and then it's torture. Usually 4 or 5 hours worth. and this is everyday.

Hi again, when I first arrived here, I had posted a Sleep thread on the Sleep Disorder group here...the title is That Elusive Sleep. SLEEP is so important and so many really really struggle to get good sleep AS WE AGE more than ever. Just today another person on an OA group posted about her horrible sleep.....

One thing I found early in my search to get good sleep after my 60's, was preparing the body for sleep earlier in the evening....I start preparing my body for sleep at about 7:30PM.....this in the thread I posted. Check it out if you have not already.

I still get 8+ hours pretty good sleep and use the combo I've used for years now.

Sleep is so necessary for any healing we can get and I still wake up stiff as a board and in pain and it starts all over but I do sleep. And dream, so I know I'm getting restorative sleep.

I don't have the stomach issues as you do. I know we've talked about this on the other thread. C

Hi Wiix,

I am sorry your challenges continue. :hug:

Continue sticking with a regular sleeping schedule. If you don't absolutely have to get up at 4 am, don't. If you have to get up, make it brief, just long enough to take meds, if needed and a very quick bite to eat, if needed. Go back to bed and stay there, see if you fall back to sleep. Retrain your body to sleep through until a later hour.

mrsD had mentioned the possibility of low blood sugar awakening you at 4 am, in a different thread.

We've discussed maybe using a food diary for awhile.

We've discussed the possibility of anxiety and/or depression adding to your challenges. Are you being treated for anxiety/depression?

We've also discussed the chronic GI challenges.
Have you made an appointment with your doctor for an updated GI evaluation?

I hope you find helpful solutions soon.

I hope you can get out today and enjoy the weather.
Any parks around where you can enjoy nature?

:hug:
DejaVu

P.S. A link to suggestions for practicing good sleep hygiene: http://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-hygiene

My stomach is on high alert. It's very hot here and that makes it worse. Going out is not advisable.

Oh, that's too bad.
I understand. I cannot be out in the warmest weather.

Maybe go to an indoor mall and walk?

I did that today and had fun! It wasn't too crowded.
I ran into many old friends. :)

I hope you have a peaceful night.

:hug:
DejaVu

Hi Wiix

I used to have insomnia with no underlying pathology.

Sleep hygiene (which both Caroline and DejaVu have mentioned) works for me.

Another approach is Progressive Muscle Relaxation, which you can do lying in bed. Essentially it involves tensing and then relaxing each set of muscles in your body. I do it moving "up" - toes, feet, calves, thighs....neck and facial muscles, but the order does not matter.

Yes, I do progressive relaxation when this happens. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. It's my stomach that starts hurting shortly after I wake up. It's a gripping pain that gets worse until I just can't stand it. I take a Zantac, have some tea and cereal, eat some Tums an TRY to relax but it takes so long to settle down. And if and when I fall back to sleep my stomach wakes me up again with that gripping, nagging pain. It lasts most of the day too. Until late at night it stops and I fall asleep for the night. Then it wakes me up again and it starts all over again. :(

I can't go to a mall and walk. The closest mall is 20 miles away and I have to lay down by the time I get there.

(((( Wiix )))) :hug:

Sounds very uncomfortable.

I hope you can get a full evaluation soon.
Do you have an appointment scheduled with anyone -- primary care or gastroenterologist?

I feel you suffer daily/nightly. :(
I'd like to see you feeling better and enjoying daily life more.

I am at a loss for suggestions. Members have made suggestions in another thread, including the need for a full, updated evaluation.

Is there something holding you back from asking for more help from your doctor(s)? Lack of insurance coverage? Concern as to what a doctor may find? Something else?

Sometimes, when trying to get an appointment and/or when in an appointment, I have to very clearly state: "I need your help with this please, it cannot wait any longer." Doctors are usually compassionate. Sometimes they are very busy and/or a bit distracted. We have to be clear about our needs/concerns.

I am saddened you continue to suffer. I hope you will find adequate assistance soon.

:hug:

DejaVu

I ask and ask for help. No results. I'm going down the rabbithole. :(

Enlisting the help of primary care
 

I hope you are not going down the rabbit hole!

when did you last see your primary care doctor?

How often do you see your primary care doctor?

Maybe call your primary care doctor's office, speak to a nurse there and tell her you need a gastroenterology consult as soon as possible?

The nurse will ask about your symptoms. Have a complete list ready. Also tell her you have not had a GI follow-up since your last pictures, which had shown your stomach was _________ (You fill in the blank).

Also explain which stomach symptoms interrupt your sleep every night.
Tell her what you do to try to feel better and tell her how the current regimen is not helping you.

The nurse may ask what makes it feel worse and what makes it feel better?
Be prepared to respond with accurate answers.

Settle for nothing less than seeing a doctor. If you have to see your primary care doctor first, do so. Be prepared. Bring your list of symptoms, interventions you have tried, any other concerns. Be prepared to explain how severely GI symptoms affect your quality of life.

Keep these lists/notes for when you see a gastroenterologist.
it's often easy to forget information when in an appointment. Start creating a file or notebook of symptoms, interventions tried, interrupted sleep, etc.

Set a goal for making the first call. Set a date. Today. (It's a weekend.)
Start getting your list/notes together. prepare to advocate for yourself.

Make sure your list and/or notes are complete and clear.
follow them as you talk. Check off anything you have covered as you go, incase something throws the conversation off-track. You can then refer to your notes and be sure all info is covered before the conversation or appointment ends.

Maybe helpful?

I hope you can have some fun this weekend.

:hug:
DejaVu