I've not been sleeping well for quite a while. I'm pretty sure I can count on one hand the number of times i've woken up feeling refreshed in the last 6mo. I've taken sleep aids, so i've been less tired, but i always feel drained. I think walking/exercising helps, but (no pun intended, i PROMISE) i'm tired of this. I've caught myself nodding off/zoning out while driving home from work. Heck, i've even caught myself at work zoning out. Not sure if its medication or what, but its freakin annoying. Is this totally drained feeling normal? any suggestions on what to do? I can normally get 6-7hours of sleep/night, and i've averaged that for the better part of the last 10-12 years.

Hi,

Sorry to hear of your troubles. My main question to you is what meds are you on. This may have something to do with your sleeping issues. I take Zanaflex and I know that sometimes through the day I feel like sleeping while driving.

Victoria

I have been battling the pain with not only TOS but other injuries from a 2000 accident, and recovering also from a 1997 knee surgeries.

I find w/wo meds to contribute I am wasted. I am trying to work just 10 hours during the week and watch grandson, run kids to appointments and treatments, my own appointments and treatments....I cannot do it on 6 hours. Even with 8 I need a nap, a good several hour nap.

I nod off as soon as I get home and hit my recliner. Days I work I have to nap before I get in.
A few things I think are worse, the seasonal onset of less daylight. Less daytime, the days always seem to be cloudy, cold and rainy, I am zonked.

I have recently tried to tan once a week just to get the rays and warmth. My hot tub gets me loose and tired for sleep, but dreams, inability to stay asleep when I fall asleep are a few problems.

My thyroid too. I take synthroid, well the generic, I get vivd dreams with the medication, I still feel whiped. I could get the brand as I have script in my hand, but with the fomulary covering generics, It is pricy, too pricy for me.

That was my primary complaint to the doctor that he did the thyroid work up. It did not show on my regular blood work, but did show with the new testing he did.
My age too at nearly 52, extra pounds, I have cortizol issues and checking with further test to see why I have so many problems.

But, in your situation, I would ask if any medicaltions can contribute, take medications that make you sleepy at night instead of during the day, take a power nap, and go to bed earlier.

I just crawled out of bed from my nap, fee; like a truck hit me and the rain and all, wish I did not have work.
My home is still not near ready for a holiday meal!
No energy! Too much to face all to do, and only enough to get through a regualr day, let alone running.

Bless you for working, that hss to be exhausting in itself!
Di

RIght now i'm taking Keppra 500mg 3x daily (2 at bedtime), either 1mg or 0.5mg Klonopin at bedtime, 2 5/500 lortab daily, and zyrtec for my allergies. My wife and I have a gorgeous 3mo old, and we decided when we 1st talked about kids when we were dating that she would stay at home when we had kids. I have a pretty good job, and (i think) pretty good insurance (thankfully!!!!), so working is a must. again, thank you for the advice.

Dabbo, we were talking about this on the RSD site...and I just started taking provigil for the same reason. I too would zone out and find myself actually ASLEEP at the wheel while driving o the freeway. My doctor agreed that I needed something...and I do have to say its helped tremendously. Please...get int the doctro. If you are sleeping the required number of hours, then it's DANGEROUS for you to be on the road, and going thru your routine like this..especially with you having to commute back and forth to work.

Doc also told me to get the Vitamin B complex from Sundown - the sublingual kind - and take it before meals. Between the provigil and the Vitamin B, I must say that I've felt soooo much better. I haven't fallen asleep while driving, I havr been abe to CONCENTRATE, I dont fall asleep at my desk while working, I dont sit down at home and suddenly fall asleep. It's amazing.

If you DO get on that med though...don't take it after NOON. I found I cannot sleep if I do. I normally take 1/2 of a 200 mg tablet when I wake up at 5 a.m. and then another WHOLE ONE around lunchtime at 11:30 a.m. Then I'm good for the day.

Believe me...I tried EVERYTHING before asking for "another pill" - and nothing worked. I just couldnt take it anymore. It was dangerous to me and to the other ppl on the road. I cojldnt chance it.

Provigil and vit B has been my "lifesaver." I don't think your doc will have a problem rx'ing it for you.