Hey guys!

I'm new here.

I hit my head 4 weeks ago at a rock concert and now (along with many other symptoms) I seem to have developed sleep maintenance insomnia. I'll get to sleep okay, but around 3-4am I wake up and it will take hours for me to get back to sleep (usually for only another few hours, if that). I wake up and spend a good part of the day groggy, anxious, and disoriented along with my regular symptoms.

Has this been a problem for anyone else? Are there any sleeping pills that are safe and work? I tried 3mgs of melotonin but I still wake up. NyQuil used to help but I've developed a tolerance.

My friend who has depression and anxiety claims that Unisom is pretty great, but idk if it's okay for someone with PCS.

I've asked my neurologist but it could be days before she gets back to me.

Thanks!

Paste,

I had insomnia real bad, to the tune of 1/2 hour twice a day for months.

I sleep much better now 26 months later but still quite susceptible to wrestless sleep when my mind races from headaches, typically the result of rough roads my job requires me to drive on.

I did not want any medicines involved. It wasn't easy but from all I read neither sleep meds.

Bud

Thanks for the tip Bud.
I agree it's better if I figure it out without pills.

I know it's anxiety that's at least partially causing my insomnia.

My anxiety has become amplified in the past few weeks. I'm always thinking "If I don't get enough sleep tonight, all my symptoms will get worse and I'll never get better."

Super calming thoughts. :P

PasteinPlace,

Insomnia is common with PCS. There are many different aspects that can be considered. The injured brain may need more energy to stay asleep. If you are waking at about 7 or 8 hours since your last meal, you may benefit from a small snack before bed. A complex carb or carb and protein can do the trick. Yogurt, cheese and crackers, toast with peanut butter. Most are about 150 to 250 calories.

When you wake up and cannot get back to sleep within 15 minutes, get up and do something boring. Late night TV, read something non-stimulating, do laundry, or anything to take your mind off your sleep anxiety. Then, as soon as you feel sleepy, calmly get back into bed. Tossing in bed anxiously will only make it worse.

Melatonin tends to not help with sustained sleep. It may be helping you get to sleep but does not last. A 25 to 50 mg 5-HTP may help.

You may need a magnesium supplement. Mag threonate or mag citrate are good. There are others, too. Avoid mag oxide except as a last resort. Some are concerned that mag citrate increases free glutamate (not good)

You also may need to consider if your bed stays comfortable after a few hours. The PCS brain does not deal with slight discomforts. Some beds sort of lose their comfort after a few hours. If my insomnia is being a problem, I have a comfy recliner and cozy blanket that helps me get my best sleep.

Some have upper neck issues that cause inflammation after laying in bed with poor head and neck position. Using a pillow that maintains a straight neck posture can help. Many allow they head to get out of a straight position with either too much lift or too little.

If you have stressful dreams that cause you to wake up, this can signify a neck inflammation/blood flow to the brain issue.

It appears you already understand that good sleep in very important to recovery. Good for you.

You are very early in your recovery so you should not let your mind get you anxious.

My best to you and sweet dreams.

Paste,

I think anxiety is a very clever liar and a formidable foe but conquerable.

I remember well being petrified of laying down knowing I would stay awake and never get better.

I had to cling to the truth that I would get better and be very tenacious about reminding myself of such. I was by no means skilled at such but I had to learn.

Bud