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Posted 2/2/2010 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I continue to read the forum posts daily. It is sad to hear your pain, but reassuring to feel your support. Thank you all for sharing.

I have a question about sleep patterns. My sleep is very erratic. It's been over one month since my diagnosis of cirrhosis and I am trying to adjust to my new normal. Now that I am not working I can rest whenever I need to. While I was working I had to follow a typical 8 to 5:00 pm work schedule and was worn out with fatigue. Will I find some 'new pattern' or is sleep going to be erratic in the foreseeable future?

My thoughts are will all of you.

Kim
Posted 2/3/2010 1:18 AM (GMT 0)

Kemar, I found that I had to establish a routine, although I don't always follow it.  I try to get to sleep at approximately the same time each night (actually wee hours of the AM) and I set my clock so I will not sleep into the afternoon.  Since I can get a long stretch of sleep, I usually don't need naps, unless I've had a bad night.  I do tend to wake up several times during the night as a result of the diuretics.  Sometimes I'm just uncomfortable or not sleeping well.  Try to establish a routine, eat at regular times, etc., and you may find that that helps you.  If you can get some exercise, that will also help with sleep.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 2/3/2010 5:30 AM (GMT 0)
I found that some of the meds may cause sleep (or lack of) problems. My hepatologist prescribed Ambien and it helped somewhat. If I didn't get enough sleep at night, a nap made up for it. As Connie just said, getting up a couple of times at night to visit the bathroom doesn't help. Between diuretics and lactulose, I never had a full 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Good luck! **David**
Posted 2/3/2010 6:17 PM (GMT 0)

Kemar, my PMD suggested Melatonin, which is OTC.  I found that it works to get me to sleep, but that more than  1 1/2 mg gives me odd dreams.  However, I'm only 4'11," so size plays a part.  Speak to your doctor about taking something for sleep.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 2/3/2010 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Funny you should mention melatonin. I tried it and had strange dreams as well. I didn't feel as if my sleep was sound and in the morning was still tired. A friend of mine tried it and had almost the same reaction. **David**
Posted 2/4/2010 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds like I have lots of adjustments to make and new habits to form. Thank you both for providing your advice and experience. My poor husband is having a hard time adjusting to me being home. Everything feels really unsettled, but this forum helps.....I keep in touch.

Kim
Posted 2/4/2010 4:40 AM (GMT 0)

David, I've found a reduced dose of 1 1/2 mg works for me.  I'm always tired, regardless, because of the hep C and cirrhosis.

Hugs,

Connie

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