HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Insomnia in Fibromyalgia Patients

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/24/2015 11:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

I know sleep problems and fatigue are one of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia. My doctor explained to me the importance of getting enough sleep if one has fibro. However, I have pretty bad insomnia as well. For the past few years, I'd go to bed around 3 to 4 in the morning. Fortunately, I'd usually be able to sleep until noon or so. However, my sleep patterns have gotten much worse this summer. Now, I can't fall asleep until 6 to 7 AM! I've even laid in bed awake until 10 AM and then get up at 3PM. I'm getting 7 or 8 hours of sleep (although not refreshing, since I'm waking up a lot during sleep) and I can't seem to fall asleep any earlier. Has this happened to anyone? I really don't want to take sleeping pills, but I did used to take melatonin. It helped some in the past, but didn't seem to work this summer. My doctor recommended amitriptyline, but I don't want to take that either. Any suggestions, comments, or advice is greatly appreciated!
Posted 9/24/2015 11:55 AM (GMT 0)
Good morning, Slee!

I have been on sleeping pills since diagnosis, but I do respect that it is a choice. I have continued working, and in order to do that, I need to sleep. However, other non-prescription suggestions are less likely to be helpful. The main issue here is that our brains do not sink into restorative sleep, and therefore our muscles do not get recharged. Some people hereon HW (points at Sherrine) use a muscle relaxer, which I agree does help the body to turn off.

Others suggest good sleep hygiene. Not using the bed except for sleep. No napping. Same time every night. Bedroom-cool. No electronics for an hour before hand. I will often take a hot bath before bed, especially if the day had been difficult.

I hope you find something that works. No sleep at night makes for a rough day.
Posted 9/24/2015 1:04 PM (GMT 0)
Here us a well known pharmaceutical fact - there are no drugs that induce sleep. At best they render the patient unconscious and most alter the normal sleep cycles especially those that restore the body and help heal fibro

_______________________________________________
Even though sleeping pills can induce drowsiness, they don’t actually promote deep sleep or REM sleep. REM sleep, one of five stages of your sleep cycle, is what many experts call "restful sleep." You dream during REM sleep and a reduction in REM sleep leads to a less restorative or less satisfying sleep.

Most sleep medications also reduce the amount of human growth hormone necessary for body and muscle healing. In addition they can have profound effects on the patients cognitive ability that can not be known by the patient.
That's why one may not feel completely rested after taking a sleeping pill, even after 8 hours of sleep.

Abstract
Sleep. 1999 May 1;22 Suppl 2:S359-65. Pharmacy Annuals

Insomnia

Shochat T1, Umphress J, Israel AG, Ancoli-Israel S.
Posted 9/24/2015 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Slee, my doctors tried me on various sleep medications years ago and that might have done some harm to my ability to sleep. They didn't work well for me. Sometimes I only had 5 hrs. of sleep, and the next day I always felt very tired.

I've been on melatonin for years but melatonin didn't work for me unless I took L-theanine with it. And lately I've had to add Benedryl which isn't good for my dry eye condition. L-theanine is suppose help relax the mind, I think it helps my muscles relax too. I also take Advil for the pain.

I've had to up my melatonin as time has gone by, I'm now on 9 mg. I'm considering upping that to 12 mg so I could possibly stop taking the Benedryl. I'm checking with my doctor on that.

I'd like to find another sleep supplement that might work for me rather than taking melatonin. I'll be looking into that soon. I have tried the "Calm" product which is magnesium but that didn't work for me. I too have a lot of trouble falling asleep. I've heard people with chronic pain generally do.

Post Edited (almost medfree) : 9/24/2015 8:26:10 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/24/2015 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
There is a trick to melatonin. I was told to take it about four hours before you go to bed, and do so every night. It takes a while to start working in in your system, kind of like antidepressants. Six to eight weeks. It is a hormone.

I use meditation to fall asleep. It works most nights. When I lay down to go to sleep I do it. It stops me from thinking too much.

I use to not be able to sleep at night, but then couldn't function during the day. I had days and nights mixed up for a good while.

Relaxing the muscles from head to toe works, as well as meditation. Try that and see what happens.

I hope you can get some sleep.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 9/24/2015 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
L-tryptophan and melatonin usually works for me.
Good luck! it's awful not being able to sleep.
Posted 9/24/2015 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
Talk to your doctor as melatonin is harmful for health.
Rx is better and get some sun to fix circadian rhythm issues you might have.
Posted 9/24/2015 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
I'm in the same mixed up sleep pattern, Slee.
I fall asleep about 5 am and sleep until 2 or 3 pm.

I've tried everything from sleep hygiene to benadryl. I can't take melentonin because I have autoimmune diseases. My doctors are gun shy about Rx for my problem. I've decided just to give in and live with it.
Posted 9/25/2015 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
I take amitriptyline (Elavil) every night and it helps a bit. It's the only med I take - other than tylenol for somewhat regular headaches. It doesn't make me groggy in the morning and has no side effects (for me).

I can't have coffee after 3 or 4, even decaf. I can't have too big a supper or bedtime snack either.

What it seems to do is help me get back to sleep right away. I bought a Fitbit One and wear it on my wrist at night. Last night it says I was in bed for 8 hours and 50 minutes but actually slept an hour less, and that I was "restless" 15x. Not sure how it tracks that but I do know I feel a bit more rested with the amitriptyline than I would without it. I was very sore last night - took awhile for my joints to settle down as I lay in bed....though I didn't press sleep cycle on my Fitbit until AFTER I had been lying there awhile letting things settle. Ugh.
Posted 9/25/2015 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I have been doing some research on sleep supplements and came across Amazon's top seller: Luna.

Has anyone tried it?
Posted 9/25/2015 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
How about using Bright Light therapy? It can help to readjust your circadian rhythm problems.

Might you benefit from a sleep study?
Posted 9/25/2015 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
Sleep has been an issue on and off for me as well. Have you tried any natural remedies? Soft music or nature sounds may help? I have a cd of Buddhist monk chanting and music called the cry of the snow lion that helps me. Some people find the sounds of storms or enya very soothing. Chamomile tea can be helpful though it can cause heart problems in some people especially if used regularly. My doctors keep suggesting meditation to me and may be helpful to you as well. I know it sounds like hippy new agey nonsense, but we should all try anything we can to keep medications as far from us as possible.
Posted 10/8/2015 3:56 AM (GMT 0)

Myself 09 said...
Good morning, Slee!

I have been on sleeping pills since diagnosis, but I do respect that it is a choice. I have continued working, and in order to do that, I need to sleep. However, other non-prescription suggestions are less likely to be helpful. The main issue here is that our brains do not sink into restorative sleep, and therefore our muscles do not get recharged. Some people hereon HW (points at Sherrine) use a muscle relaxer, which I agree does help the body to turn off.

Others suggest good sleep hygiene. Not using the bed except for sleep. No napping. Same time every night. Bedroom-cool. No electronics for an hour before hand. I will often take a hot bath before bed, especially if the day had been difficult.

I hope you find something that works. No sleep at night makes for a rough day.

Thank you for responding to my post! I apologize for getting back to everyone so late; I've had a lot going on the past couple weeks. Anyway, I might have to take sleeping medication if I can't get my sleep schedule on track any other way. It is becoming pretty bad; I know that sleeping pills can help many people. Honestly, I'm just scared to take them because of the potential side effects. Regarding good sleep hygiene, I have tried all of it, but it doesn't seem to help. I'm seeing a sleep specialist in one month, so hopefully I will know more then!
Posted 10/8/2015 4:01 AM (GMT 0)

AndreM said...
Here us a well known pharmaceutical fact - there are no drugs that induce sleep. At best they render the patient unconscious and most alter the normal sleep cycles especially those that restore the body and help heal fibro

_______________________________________________
Even though sleeping pills can induce drowsiness, they don’t actually promote deep sleep or REM sleep. REM sleep, one of five stages of your sleep cycle, is what many experts call "restful sleep." You dream during REM sleep and a reduction in REM sleep leads to a less restorative or less satisfying sleep.

Most sleep medications also reduce the amount of human growth hormone necessary for body and muscle healing. In addition they can have profound effects on the patients cognitive ability that can not be known by the patient.
That's why one may not feel completely rested after taking a sleeping pill, even after 8 hours of sleep.

Abstract
Sleep. 1999 May 1;22 Suppl 2:S359-65. Pharmacy Annuals

Insomnia

Shochat T1, Umphress J, Israel AG, Ancoli-Israel S.

Thank you for the information!
Posted 10/8/2015 4:06 AM (GMT 0)

almost medfree said...
Hi Slee, my doctors tried me on various sleep medications years ago and that might have done some harm to my ability to sleep. They didn't work well for me. Sometimes I only had 5 hrs. of sleep, and the next day I always felt very tired.

I've been on melatonin for years but melatonin didn't work for me unless I took L-theanine with it. And lately I've had to add Benedryl which isn't good for my dry eye condition. L-theanine is suppose help relax the mind, I think it helps my muscles relax too. I also take Advil for the pain.

I've had to up my melatonin as time has gone by, I'm now on 9 mg. I'm considering upping that to 12 mg so I could possibly stop taking the Benedryl. I'm checking with my doctor on that.

I'd like to find another sleep supplement that might work for me rather than taking melatonin. I'll be looking into that soon. I have tried the "Calm" product which is magnesium but that didn't work for me. I too have a lot of trouble falling asleep. I've heard people with chronic pain generally do.

Thank you for the reply and I apologize for responding so late! I used to take melatonin (just 3mg) and it may have helped some (at least with the quality of my sleep). I will look into L-theanine! Yes, I believe many people with chronic pain conditions generally have trouble sleeping. I will keep searching for something that works :)
Posted 10/8/2015 5:18 AM (GMT 0)

getting by said...
There is a trick to melatonin. I was told to take it about four hours before you go to bed, and do so every night. It takes a while to start working in in your system, kind of like antidepressants. Six to eight weeks. It is a hormone.

I use meditation to fall asleep. It works most nights. When I lay down to go to sleep I do it. It stops me from thinking too much.

I use to not be able to sleep at night, but then couldn't function during the day. I had days and nights mixed up for a good while.

Relaxing the muscles from head to toe works, as well as meditation. Try that and see what happens.

I hope you can get some sleep.

Hugs, Karen...

Thank you for the tip regarding melatonin; I have never heard that before. It makes sense to me because I never seemed tired 30 minutes to an hour after taking it! I am going to try meditation, as I know it has many benefits. Hopefully that will work :) Thanks again for the reply!
Posted 10/8/2015 5:22 AM (GMT 0)

Ratoncitta said...
L-tryptophan and melatonin usually works for me.
Good luck! it's awful not being able to sleep.

Thank you for the tip! I will think about taking the L-tryptophan :)
Posted 10/8/2015 5:26 AM (GMT 0)

cilly said...
Talk to your doctor as melatonin is harmful for health.
Rx is better and get some sun to fix circadian rhythm issues you might have.

Thank you for the response! I have never heard that melatonin is harmful; do you know why this is so?
Posted 10/8/2015 11:36 AM (GMT 0)
I hope you find answers, Slee!

One of the effects of fibro is sleep interruptions and the inability to stay in deep sleep, which is what re-powers the body. This is why, even after a night's rest, many of us can feel as if we haven't actually rested.

Some are willing to forego sleep aids in the interest of reducing medication intake. Others,like me, need to have their brain sharp and so use medication. There is no one way to approach the issue!

Hopefully you can find a way that works with you in order to improve your sleep quality.
Posted 10/8/2015 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
I am still working so I HAVE to sleep. I take Melatonin (per my doctor's orders) and Gabapentin at night to help with pain and sleep. I take them about an hour before I am ready to go to bed. I have also started dimming the lights and turning down the sound on my TV about an hour before bed as well. I know some people who cannot watch TV at all, but that actually helps me get sleepy. I have taken Z-Quill before and really like it as well. My doctor is fine with me taking it as long as it is only once or twice a week.

My sister-in-law (who also had Fibro) used to be on the same sleep cycle you are in. She didn't work outside of her home, so it worked for her. She would take the kids to school and then sleep all day and be up with them in the evening.

I guess what ever works for your schedule.

Hope you are having a less-pain day. :)
Posted 10/8/2015 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
I started 5 mg of ambian every night. It reset my sleep schedule right away. I asked the doctor for the lowest dose. It's really helped me.
Posted 10/9/2015 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
My rheumy put me on cyclobenzaprine. It hasn't helped much with falling asleep, but I have a toddler who wakes me up at night a lot, and the meds help me fall back asleep quickly. Before I would be awake for half an hour at least each time my toddler got up. Now I just fall right back to sleep.
Posted 10/9/2015 9:21 AM (GMT 0)

couchtater said...
I'm in the same mixed up sleep pattern, Slee.
I fall asleep about 5 am and sleep until 2 or 3 pm.

I've tried everything from sleep hygiene to benadryl. I can't take melentonin because I have autoimmune diseases. My doctors are gun shy about Rx for my problem. I've decided just to give in and live with it.

I have tried the same things. Hopefully we will find something that works for us!
Posted 10/9/2015 9:48 AM (GMT 0)

Northernelf said...
I take amitriptyline (Elavil) every night and it helps a bit. It's the only med I take - other than tylenol for somewhat regular headaches. It doesn't make me groggy in the morning and has no side effects (for me).

I can't have coffee after 3 or 4, even decaf. I can't have too big a supper or bedtime snack either.

What it seems to do is help me get back to sleep right away. I bought a Fitbit One and wear it on my wrist at night. Last night it says I was in bed for 8 hours and 50 minutes but actually slept an hour less, and that I was "restless" 15x. Not sure how it tracks that but I do know I feel a bit more rested with the amitriptyline than I would without it. I was very sore last night - took awhile for my joints to settle down as I lay in bed....though I didn't press sleep cycle on my Fitbit until AFTER I had been lying there awhile letting things settle. Ugh.

Thank you for the response! My doctor wanted me to take amitriptyline, but I decided against it. I have heard it works well for some people though, and perhaps I should consider it. I'm going to look into the FitBit, as I know many people who have one. Being able to track my sleep would be helpful! Thanks for bringing that to light.
Posted 10/9/2015 9:54 AM (GMT 0)

CathyA said...
How about using Bright Light therapy? It can help to readjust your circadian rhythm problems.

Might you benefit from a sleep study?

I have never tried Bright Light therapy, but I will look into it. At this point, I'm willing to try almost anything (but I'd rather stay away from medications, if possible). Also, I am seeing a sleep specialist next month :)
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12