I cannot sleep.

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  • artsee
    artsee Member Posts: 1,576
    edited March 2009

    Hi all.....just wanted to report that I've been drinking decaf every day and the palpitations have lessened  a lot but they have to show up a few times yet just to let me know all is NOT perfect. GRRR! I can't seem to be wide awake in the mornings though. Always needed that little 'jump start' from caffeine.

    I think I sleep a little better too.

    Artsee

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    Twirlgirl, I haven't tried the Natural Calm or melatonin yet, but I wanted to thank you for your response.  I will be near the vitamin shop early next week and plan to stop in and look for the Natural Calm.  Still undecided about the melatonin because of the nightmares.  I'm sure you're right and that after a week or so my body would adjust.  

    Over the last few weeks I've been enrolled in a meditation class and try to meditate daily.  After an initial increase in anxiety -- I knew I was anxious but became even more aware of it during the first two weeks of meditating -- I seem to be calming down somewhat.  My goal is to establish a regular sleep cycle.  I've noticed I resist going to bed because I fear feeling anxious over not being able to sleep.  Instead, I stay up, figuring I can avoid the stress.  It always backfires since in the end I'm still sleep deprived each morning.  Duh!  So, I'm going to work on getting in bed and waking at the same times.  I've come to the conclusion I'd rather cope with the anxiety since I have a greater opportunity for sleep if I'm actually in bed.  

    Tina 

  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited March 2009

    Tina..After my surgery, I was the same, feeling anxious and fearful for not being able to sleep etc.. it got better. Taking 3 melatonin tabs and it seems to be working now.

    Hope all is well in sleepville with all. Wishing you all sleepy nights.!!Donna

  • priz47
    priz47 Member Posts: 470
    edited March 2009

    I am also trying to get into a sleep pattern. i have been trying to go to bed at 9:30pm and am up at 6:00am. I am stil taking the Ambien, 5mg. I will get the Clam's Forte and the melatonin once I get to the store. i am so tired of taking alll these pills! I never had sleep prolems before BC, but definitely do now! I hope to get bakc to normal once I start working a regular schedule.

    D

  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited March 2009

    Priz... I know!!Before all of this, i did not take anything other than some customized creme for melatonin and was told to not take it by my oncologist. But sleep was ok and now it seems to FINALLY be getting bettter after 6 weeks of post op.BUT, chemo is next and wonder how much more screwed up it can be for sleep?!!!!

    Good luck with trying the new stuff . A regular schedule is slowly coming back too here?!Good thoughts!

    Donna

  • BustersMom
    BustersMom Member Posts: 495
    edited March 2009

    Susan - I hear ya! Where's the doggone Spring weather ?  We are ready here in IL as well. 

    tea42 - please be sure to report on your experience with the Calms Forte, I hope it works for you. 

    I took Lunesta last night, I was super anxious at bedtime & gave in.   I've only got about 15  of them left & my doctor isn't a fan of prescribing them...  so I better learn to live without them.

    Anyway - hope this message finds all of you lovely ladies well-rested!!  Take care & have a good day... Juliet

  • BustersMom
    BustersMom Member Posts: 495
    edited March 2009

    Susan, yes, where is Spring?  I'm ready too!!

    Artsee, I'm glad your palps have lessened.. now we just need to figure out how we can get rid of the darn things once & for all!  I hate them too.

    Tea42, wondering how the Calm's Forte worked for you ?

    Donna, my fellow IL gal - thinking of you.  When does chemo begin?  Lets hope it doesn't create more sleep problems for you.  My fingers are crossed!

    I took Lunesta last night, my anxiety was pretty high - it knocked me out & I loved it.   My goal is to get on the strictly natural stuff - therefore I must get myself to Walgreens (or I may go to Fruitful Yield) & get the Calms & some Melatonin. 

    Hope this message finds you all well-rested....   juliet

  • tea42
    tea42 Member Posts: 17
    edited March 2009

    HI BustersMom thanks for asking............and I'm not sure.  I did sleep a little better.  About 5 hours and that's good for me.  I know you can't judge anything based on one day so I'm going to keep taking it.  After reading everyone's posts I think I need to get some melatonin too.  It's going to be below zero here tonight in Ohio.  So I'm turning on the fireplace and curling up with a good book.  Hope everyone has a good night!!

  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited March 2009

    Juliet....we need to get away from this cold IL weather!!!! Chemo not assigned yet as they are still checking my fluid level, which is tommorrow. Sleep will probably be an issue if steroids are in the chemo and will deal as i have to. Have no choice!!!

    Tea...sleep is getting better for you..see!!! We all have to have the faith, this will get better !!!

    Sweet Dreams,

    Donna

  • priz47
    priz47 Member Posts: 470
    edited March 2009

    Does anyone else start to get tired around 8:30 and watch the clock??? Then when i do go to bed about 9:30, I cannot fall asleep! I am working on relaxation techniques. I know that I am stressed over my son, over school and work. I just want 12 hours of uninterupted sleep! (I know, i'm being greedy!) I need to go get the natural stuff and keep to a schedule. Unfortunately, it was 2am when my Husky wanted to go out! If only they would wake up my husband! I had my port out on Thursday and the site is sore when I turn over. It is in an awkward spot and pulls when I move my arm.

    D

  • shelloz1
    shelloz1 Member Posts: 405
    edited March 2009

    Hi D,

    I find that by 8:30, I can hardly keep my eyes open, especially if I'm sitting and watching the television.  Before DX, I was full of energy, could go to bed in the wee hours, and get up feeling like I had a full nights sleep.  I'm not sure if the tiredness is because of age (I'm only 50), from all the treatments, from menopause or from depression (maybe a combination).  I wake up several times a night (although most of the time it doesn't take me that long to fall back asleep), sometimes, I find it hard to fall back asleep.

    It's incredible how this disease can make so many changes in your life!  I am constantly worried and stressed, and until I started taking Effexor, I was depressed all the time as well.

    I hope that the relaxation techniques work for you, maybe you might consider a sleeping aid.

    Best of luck to you.

    Shelley

  • LisaSDCA
    LisaSDCA Member Posts: 2,230
    edited March 2009

    Well - here I am at just after 3am PST and I haven't been to sleep yet. I took my 10mg of melatonin and my Ativan over 4 hours ago. I guess I have no choice but to take another Ativan. I awaken by 7am because I have two dogs. They've been asleep since about 9pm. Undecided

    This is so frustrating!

    Lisa

  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited March 2009

    Sorry Lisa!!!  I know my three golden's sleep better than me too!!! Just have no idea of the best way to sleep thruout the night! IT is just frustrating as ever!!!! Wish i had THE answer!

    Sleeping and Dreaming Wishes,

    Donna

  • taraleec
    taraleec Member Posts: 236
    edited March 2009

    Hi All, I'm 39 & have a 3year old son. I have trouble sleeping too. Just wanted to give some info,I had a lumpectomy; Lt breast, dx LCIS, radial scar, intraductal hyperplasia and sclerosing adenosis.  My ONC said I was at 40% risk of it becoming invasive. She recommended tamox. & rads, YES RADS.  Alot of people comment on that but she is the Dr.  Anyway I wanted another child and my GYN said if I took Tamox. I would go into menopause. So I did rads. Then I discovered a lump in my Rt. at 3 o'clock, had lumpectomy; adenosis.  Shortly afterwards I noticed another lump in my Rt at 6 o'clock. I brought it up to my surgeon, he said 'it's scar tissue'. TRIED not to think about it, & I let another menstrual cycle go by, still there but bigger.  Then in December, another lump at about 1 o'clock. Went to GYN she can feel them, sends me back to surgeon. He can't feel them. Had mammo & ultras. they don't show them. MRI, report said to retest at 7-14 day of menstrual cycle. Now INS won't cover another.  Went back to ONC she can feel them and recommends mastectomy.  Went to another surgeon for 2nd 3rd or whatever # opinion.  She says WHY on earth would u have had radiation for what you had. These lumps are nothing. But she did a FNA on one.  It came back inconclusive. Went back to ONC she still recommends mastectomy.  I have a small claims issue next week, with my ex(father of my son) regarding money I loaned him. And he's taking me to court for custody of our son and is trying to get me to pay him child support. The 1st hearing on that is in 5 weeks. TALK ABOUT CAN"T SLEEP.  I'm up every hour at least. I can't make a decision for anything, I can't think straight. Sorry to go ON AND ON AND ON.  But I'm really having trouble with sleep too. Take care all.

  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited March 2009

    taraleec...Sorry you are having such a confusing and uncertain time here. What you need to know is, was there a cancer diagnosed and did you have a biopsy? That way, you can get educated on what you are dealing with and get some of this understood so you can make a sound and sane decision. Which doctor do you feel most comfortable with in talking to would help also. This what gave me the peace, when i was diagosed. I got the info i needed and then told the DR:s this is what I wanted. Your heart will give you the answer, once you know what you are dealing with.

    Hope this helps some?! You are not alone here!!!

  • skippyrcis
    skippyrcis Member Posts: 186
    edited March 2009

    I take Xanaz every night to sleep.  Works great for me.  If I don't it takes forever to fall asleep and I wake up every couple of hours.  I hope you find what works for you!

  • tami48
    tami48 Member Posts: 533
    edited March 2009

    I am sooo awake!  I went to bed, laid there for almost 2 hours, but couldn't sleep so here I am. 

    I finally took a Lunesta a few minutes ago...hope it helps.  I usually don't have many problems going to sleep, it's the staying asleep. 

    Here's hoping that we all catch some z's tonight!

  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited March 2009

    Sleeping better but wake up still. Have the Melatonin timed release and doin that each night. Do alot of breathing excercises and try to just not let the awake time get to me as much as saying.. i am goin to be asleep soon. Some nights better than others.

    Be well All!@!

    Donna

  • firstmate
    firstmate Member Posts: 410
    edited March 2009

    I have been able to sleep only with Melatonin, Calm's Forte, Ambien 10 mg and Ambien CR.  It is ridiculous!  And I am feeling shaky and horrible during the day. So, I am trying to get off everything to see if I feel better during the day.  I tried just Calm's Forte and Ambien 10 mg.  No sleep!  I tried just Melatonin. No luck!   So, last night I didn't take anything and rested during the night, but don't think I slept at all.  It is amazing though.  I feel much better this morning than I have in weeks.  Maybe I will get so tired that I will sleep.  I just don't know what the answer is and I am tired of taking all these drugs.

  • twirlgirl
    twirlgirl Member Posts: 212
    edited March 2009

    Firstmate...my expreicne going off Ambien took me a week...of "resting" like you describe and eventually, I did fall asleep after a few nights because your body takes over from your mind. I just used the Meletonian and a 1/2 Flexeril (muscle relaxer) the first few nights at bedtime. Made me sleep and I think tricked my brain. It is still not perfect, but much, much better. And in the morning I am not foggy.

    Hang in there...I hope it all comes together soon.

  • DonnaDio
    DonnaDio Member Posts: 905
    edited March 2009

    Firstmate.. YES, I am beginning to think i feel kind of druggy if itake more melatonin than i should, but ok on just 3 mg. I could not function well after Ambien or Calm's Forte either.Twirlgirl.. i did get the melatonin timed release and it works. but still wake up.. i think as i heal more, my natural rythm will come back. But chemo will be coming and it will all go back to zero again!!!

    Sweet Dreams hopefully!!'

    Donna

  • Burkiworks
    Burkiworks Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2009

    I'm a new member, but this caught my eye right off. I have sleep problems, too. Like many here, I take some supplements. My met cancer (now peritoneal) has caused me much constipation to go along with not sleeping, aargh!

    At bedtime, I take two tbsp. Blue Bonnet liquid cal/mag/D3. It helps with both, but if the insomnia is particularly bad, I take a Restoril tab or a Tylenol PM if I'm having bone pain (which is a side effect of my recent chemo and the Femara I am now on).

    My daughter owns a health food/supplement store and has turned me on to many things that help and this is one of my favorites.

    Here I am still up at close to midnight, but I hope you are all getting some sleep tonight.

    Big hugs,

    Joanne

  • tami48
    tami48 Member Posts: 533
    edited March 2009

    Hey Joanne - So sorry your not sleeping well, but am glad you found this thread. 

    firstmate - I get tired of the drugs also (mine mainly being seizure meds).  I get that drugged feeling and tired alot, but cutting back on the Lunesta has helped with that....I just don't get as much sleep which sucks. 

    I did finally got some sleep last night (6 hours),,,,Yeah!    It seems like after about 3 nights straight of not sleeping well that I'll finally get a decent nights sleep. 

    tami 

  • firstmate
    firstmate Member Posts: 410
    edited March 2009

    I have gone 5 nights without taking anything for sleep, and I don't think I have slept more than 2 hours any of the nights.  I am resting, so I don't feel too tired during the day; and I am not as anxious.   I think all the meds were making my anxiety worse.  I'll let you all know how I progress. I am hoping I'll start sleeping again spontaneously.  Wishful thinking!

  • Burkiworks
    Burkiworks Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2009

    Tami, thanks for the welcome.

    Sometimes I can lay off the sleep stuff and after several sleepless nights, I'll finally get a good night. I think  one of our big problems (at least for me) is that  I am fully aware of how hard it is sometimes for me to get any sleep, so of course, I obsess over it even before my head touches the pillow. Maybe I set myself up for it as once I start obsessing, it just gets worse and worse. For every 15 minutes of no sleep, I get myself worked up more and more. I don't know. Maybe.

  • mzmiller99
    mzmiller99 Member Posts: 894
    edited March 2009
    Joanne - Isn't that the truth??!!  And getting stressed about not being able to go to sleep makes getting to sleep so much harder!  Frown
  • firstmate
    firstmate Member Posts: 410
    edited March 2009

    My therapist says it has name.  It is called "sleep anxiety".

  • artsee
    artsee Member Posts: 1,576
    edited March 2009

    I have never had night mares from Melatonin. I've only taken the 3 mg pill and haven't ventured on to hight mgs. I usually take it right before bed along with a cup of chamomile tea. That is calming as well.

    Has anyone got a remedy for the palpitations? The other day I think I had a skipped beat every 9th beat. That's an anxious feeling. It's hard to sleep while they are going on.

    Pleasant dreams is my hope for you, Artsee

  • vivre
    vivre Member Posts: 2,167
    edited March 2009

    Here are some articles that may help some of you with sleep issues:

    http://www.naturalnews.com/insomnia.html

    I only use melatonin. My radiologist told me that most of the drugs like Ambien have the same kind of antihistimine effect, that is why they make you groggy or fuzzy the next day.

    Sleeplessness is a common side effect of hormone inbalance, notably low progesterone. If you are taking any hormone blockers, it would make sense that they would inhibit sleep.

    I find a warm relaxing bath really helps me to sleep and since I have taken melatonin regularly now for almost a year, I get in 7-8 hours again. I still wake up sometimes, but if I put my lavender scented eye mask on, I usually fall back asleep quickly. Remember, the room needs to be totally dark for melatonin to work.

  • ccarter48818
    ccarter48818 Member Posts: 92
    edited March 2009

    Hey FirstMate, I first suffered from sleep anxiety more than 13 years ago after I had my last son.  It bacame a vicious cycle and I didn't get better until I found an anti-depressant that worked and I started "positive self-talk"  I used to panic that I would never sleep normal again, but I would tell myself over and over that I used to have the ability to sleep and I would again.  Once I could get the anxiety under control slowly I started sleeping better.   It wasn't an easy or quick process and then 3 years ago when I was hit with this stage 4 BC, the sleep problems came back.  I don't really have the issues with the "sleep anxiety" it's more breast cancer anxiety.  

    Usually, I take an ativan every night and it does the trick, but there was a time when I could take Ambien, klonipin, and elavil and still not sleep.  Anxiety is a powerful emotion, and most of will have some anxiety more often than not especially dealing with this disease.

     Just realize and remind yourself that you WILL sleep again.  I learned from my own experiences that while anxiety is powerful so is the ability of our own mind to conquer anxiety.

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