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tired but have insomnia

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Posted 7/27/2008 6:49 AM (GMT 0)
I feel exausted all the time and week, its not that  feel like i have to sleep its just like i feel like i need to rest all the time.  everytime i get up to do anything i end up having to rest.  the problem is that i can't sleep at night.  i have insomnia.  i go to a store and 1/2 way through it i feel like i need to just leave,  i become overwelmed but also feel like i can't go one more step, and then i'll get home and be exausted for the rest of the night just from doing that one thing.  so, i guess this is a 2 parter, do any of you have this problem?  can this be related to lupus?   
Posted 7/27/2008 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
Domanique

I have had that problem in the past, and it always happened when I was in the middle of a flare. I don't know why it happens, though. I usually get a prescription from my rheumy to help me sleep when I go through that. He doesn't give me a sleeping pill, though, but a low dose muscle relaxer that I won't get dependant on. It helps a lot, and when my flare passes I go back to my usual sleeping habits.

Posted 7/27/2008 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
Domanique, do you take prednisone? It can cause insomnia, which can make you feel like you're going crazy. I'd talk to my doctor about what you're going through and see if they can't give you something to help you sleep. I don't know if it's related to lupus or not.
Posted 7/27/2008 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dominique,

 

Oh yes, this is very common in lupus.  Probably one of the most common symptoms we get. I'm dealing with overwhelming fatigue right now too.  I got 12 hours of sleep last night but I know I was waking up a lot trying to get comfortable.  Insomnia with prednisone, like Pat said, is very common.  Make sure you see your rheumy or at least talk to them on the phone about this.  A lack of sleep over a period of time will make your lupus worse.

 

Take care,

Ginny

Posted 7/27/2008 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with the others - prednisone can wind up your brain and make sleep very difficult, if not impossible, but the body is still totally exhausted. Different doctors seem to approach this differently, but usually they prescribe some sort of sleep aid -- there are may things that help one sleep, that are not sleeping pills -- I've noticed they tend to avoid actual sleeping pills. Please talk to your doctor, they can help find something that is effective without being habit forming and that is safe with your other medications. If if you are sleeping, sometimes it is not a deep restorative sleep, and a sleep aid can help you get more quality into your sleep. I know some people have had a bit of luck with benadril until they can see the dr -- but make sure it's safe with your other meds. There is a med checker link in my signature. Take care,
Posted 7/27/2008 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
This is something I experience quite often. I've always had insomnia as long as I can remember (dating back to elementary school.... I'm a bit high strung!). I've been having terrible insomnia lately, and I figure it's related to the high dose prednisone. I am on night shift right now, worked until 7:30 this morning, haven't slept a wink, and I'm back tonight at 7pm for another 12 hour shift. I feel a flare coming on!!! My rheumy prescribed xanax, but I never feel comfortable taking it when I have to work the next day. But I was having that same exact exhaustion as you, would go out to run an errand, then halfway through just feel like a train hit me, come home and not be able to sleep. Maybe you could ask for a xanax or tramadol script...? Hope it gets better for you :-)

MJ
Posted 7/28/2008 4:49 AM (GMT 0)
i'm not on any meds right now as i'm still in limbo.  i can't see a rhumy till sept.  thanks for all the advice though.

Posted 7/28/2008 11:40 AM (GMT 0)
Maybe your PCP can give you something. I take both flexeril (muscle relaxant) and ambien (sleep aid) at night. The ambien really knocks me out, but I don't feel real dopey in the morning and I feel like I've gotten more restful sleep. The only problem is that I sleep so soundly that I end up sleeping on my hands and they hurt so much more in the morning.
Posted 7/28/2008 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
I agree about asking your pcp for something - waiting until you see the rheumy is too long. I have had the worst insomnia I have ever had lately. For some reason my evening meds aren't making me very sleepy anymore.
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