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        New Message Board Archives >> 2002 Posts >> Sleep?
        
(Message started by: Mark C on Nov 3^rd, 2002, 10:21pm)

Title: Sleep?
Post by Mark C on Nov 3^rd, 2002, 10:21pm

As I understand most of us tend to have sleep problems probably relating to the Hypothalamus. I have not slept well in years (3-4 hours a night) and thought it to be mainly because of the work I have done, ie long haul truck driver. I stopped driving several years back because my Son was born, but I still am having sleep problems. To make it worse I now work in a factory and do shift work so I still dont get much sleep. I am on the last night of 14 nights in a row, due to others vacations here at work. My regular shift is split anyway so sleep may continue to be a problem as long as I am here. Doc has prescribed a few Ambien, which help, but she is reluctant to do this long term, and so am I. I am trying to get to a normal shift, but for the last three years this is it. If it wasn't such a good job (insurance!) I would move on.
What other methods do you Clusterbuds use to sleep?
Thanks,
Mark

http://www.clusterheadaches.org/library/hypothalamus/index.htm

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by paul_b on Nov 3^rd, 2002, 10:53pm

Who sleeps? I call it nightly naps. Would not know what to do if I ever slept 6 hrs of uninterupted zzzz's ; now that I am older, I also require pee breaks ;D ;D ;D. But seriously, the amt. of sleep each of us requires to function effectively differs. The only sure thing I am aware of is to go to bed tired and the rest takes care of itself. Usually, this is when my brain starts thinking about all sorts of things. I don't have a shut off switch like some. Hope you find your answer.

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by cootie on Nov 3^rd, 2002, 10:54pm

Hi...I'm a CH support'r but read your post about Ambien....I don't know if this will be of 'any' help to you or if it is recommended for CH suffer's but I myself have been takeing it for about 2 years every nite and it's worked for me pretty good other wise I'd be a mess cuz I can rarely fall asleep on my own. I don't feel groggy in the mornings which is why I prefer it verses other options and I get decent amount of good quality sleep useing it. Not sure if it's rite for you but thought I'd add my two cents. I think for CH's tho that messing with your BIO clock like the shift changes and odd working hours are bad or can trigger them....I'm no expert by a longshot.....(we've delt with them for about 15 years).....but "I" noticed when hubby changes his eating habits cuz of vacation and sleep schedule and work ect or stress level 'all roled into one' chages he starts them back. He had a stressful vacation and overloaded work schedule before and after he left to deal with this year and sure enuff he got them back with a vengence after a long break !! Good luck to you......cootie

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by Linda_Howell on Nov 4^th, 2002, 12:12am

Sleep??? WTF is that???

If you do any research of the posts on this board I'll bet you almost anything, that if you'll look at the time they posted at the top, most of them posted in the wee hours.

zzzzzzzz eyes wide awake...heading for the 02 zzzzzzz

Linda Howell

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by David Shea on Nov 4^th, 2002, 12:23am

Mark C,
I deal alot with jet lag, and have to work a 6hr, on and '
6hr.off shift at Sea.
I use melatonin and sometimes excedrin Pm.
By the way thanks for all your input here, very helpful post.
I think I remember reading you are PF for now, Right?
David

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by Jarvis on Nov 4^th, 2002, 12:26am

sleep?.... I took a nap today. woke up on the edge of hell............I'm never gonna sleep again!!!!!!!!!!.....wish I could help...mj

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by Mark C on Nov 4^th, 2002, 1:13am

Thanks David,
Havent had a blaster in about 3 weeks now. Went from the first of Aug. till just recently. Bad, 1-4 killers daily for about 40 days, whew. I am going out on a limb and say this cycle is over, even the heavy shadows have lightened up over the last week or so, not gone, but liveable. I have used Melatonin with some success in the past, think I will go get some more. I dont want to become too dependant on any narcotic, my experience has been if used for a long period I suffer more and get relief less. I guess its a balancing act.

Jarvis, I know how you feel. Sleep is the enemy.
Coward of a disease, comes on at night.

I do worry about the other effects of sleep depravtion, depression, weight loss, reduced resisitance, etc taking my resources I may need to fight the beast, or even triggering the beast. I am just now recovering from this last cycle and want to get as much "road fat" as possible, for the next dance.
It will return, it always does.

PFDAN
Mark

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by suzy617 on Nov 4^th, 2002, 5:03am

Sleep has never been a problem for me except of course when in cycle and woken up from the beast but after the attack I would fall back to sleep in exhaustion. During the week I wake at 3am, work 2 jobs so by 9pm I am so dead tired I just fall out. I make up for loss sleep on the weekends when I can sleep for 11 hours no problem. There was one period in my life when I was really stressed out and did use an over the counter sleeping pill when I needed it, worked good for me but wouldnt use it on a daily basis.

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by don on Nov 4^th, 2002, 5:13am

OTC Dramamine.

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by Sweet_Landings on Nov 4^th, 2002, 7:49am

I have forgotten what sleep is. Although I am pain free I am still not sleeping. I really miss my sleep. I have tried Ambien, tylenol PM, other OTC stuff, Melatonin, now taking Trazadone and still sleep aludes me. Trazadone worked real well until I switched over to the Topomax.

Oh well, back to the drawing board. I might try dramamine, good suggestion Don.

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by sueellen83 on Nov 4^th, 2002, 1:46pm

Hey Mark,

Sorry to hear you are still having trouble sleeping. Schedule changes always mess my sleep up. Usually sleep pretty good except when I'm in CH cycle. I have found I can take 50mg of Benadryl and it helps me sleep.

I hope your schedule settles down some. Almost had to quit my job because they started talking about putting us on a rotating shifts. Hours changing every day. Told my boss I couldn't do that. Luckily she changed her mind.

Good luck!!! Hope this helps.
Sue Ellen

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by BobG on Nov 4^th, 2002, 2:18pm

Try sleeping with your head elevated.

During my cycles I spent many, many nights (and days, I've worked a rotating shift for 30+ years) sleeping in the Laz-E-Boy.

Doesn't stop the attacks but I would awaken at a lower kip number and could start the fight sooner.

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by 9erfan on Nov 4^th, 2002, 3:54pm

SLEEP?? What's that? I think I remember something called sleep a few years ago...but that was before I became chronic.
Wish I could help you....I've tried a few OTC sleep aids but they haven't helped and they just make me even more groggy in the morning than I would've been without them. To sleep through the night...what a gift that would be! ???

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by Chuffy on Nov 11^th, 2002, 5:15pm

I'm glad I came across this post as during my latest Cluster I have noticed a definite sleep related pattern.

I am a musician who is normally used to late nights early mornings and generally don't sleep too good anyway. Before the onset of a cluster however I just can't get up in the mornings, then the cluster starts and I sleep like a log (mine don't seem to wake me at night anymore) and still can't get going in the morning.

Now this is the bit that I have noticed recently.

If I get up to go to work in the week my headaches tend to come on late afternoon till late evening. But, if I have a lie-in, a couple of hours after I get up, WALLOP, as did happen saturday when I had to teach guitar with a good KIP 7 at least ( self employed amazing what you do for money!!) which peaked for about 30 mins, shaky hands the lot, and left me with a dull head till I went to bed.
Now that was the worst one so far, most I can abort with Cafergot before thay get going, but this one even with 2 Cafergot and Tylex got me by the danglies and wouldn't let go!!

Mind you having read most peoples posts on here I think I get away pretty lightly.

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by cootie on Nov 11^th, 2002, 6:00pm

I'm a CH supporter but can add to the sleep conversation I suppose. Brad's Ch's started back up when he changed his sleep pattern and gets into his LONG nap sessions...he slept all day the one day before his last attack episode started...started takein longer naps after work too. WHAM BAM....he started the dam attacks back....was draggy all day also. His nero he first went to mentiond to him he has to wind down slowly and is a factor...thought that nite be interesting ? OK....OK....I modify'd my post and took the BS "crap" out....I should know better then join in when I'm sucha rookie here.....I'll sit back and 'read' now not type....

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by Jackie on Nov 11^th, 2002, 6:17pm

Whew........what did she say.. ??? LOL

Jacks 8)

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by jonny on Nov 11^th, 2002, 6:26pm

HUH??

Im still reading......LOL

..................jonny ;D

Modify, Modify, Modify......LOL :o :o :o :o

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by cootie on Nov 11^th, 2002, 6:32pm

Um I think I'll go back to the supporter's corner...I'm outa my league here and you'll all have me fer dinner if I stay......have a good'n......I'm outa here !!!!

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by David Shea on Nov 11^th, 2002, 6:36pm

Jacks, LOL ???

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by Jackie on Nov 11^th, 2002, 6:39pm

Hey Cootie....no problem :)
I'm a supporter too. Just trying to track all that... :o
Hang around.... :P

Jacks 8)

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by cootie on Nov 11^th, 2002, 6:40pm

POOF....I'm not here remember !? :-X

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by cootie on Nov 11^th, 2002, 6:45pm

OK....lill touchy rite now I guess...I ain't had no sleep 'member.....kinda got to ramblin...sorry.....yer a tough bunch........ >:(.......I like that.....keep up the good work !

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by suzy617 on Nov 11^th, 2002, 6:45pm

Hey Cootie,
Dont worry, they dont bite in here. They just nibble, chomp, gnaw on ya, spit ya back out but they really dont bite. ;D

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by celtspirit on Nov 11^th, 2002, 6:52pm

Mark,

Being a driver myself, I know how elusive sleep can be working odd hours. I run local anymore, with a few rare night runs within 200 miles, and that tends to throw me off when I do those.
Even working daytime hours, I can still get sleep habits all screwed up. Tried a lot of different OTC stuff. Dramamine works well to help you sleep, and it also interupts the REM cycle of sleep a little bit, which is the point in sleep where the Hypothalmus trigers CH attacks. Effectiveness wears off after a few weeks of continued use.
50 mg of Benadryl works OK too, but leaves you dried out when you wake up in the morning, especially during the winter months when the humidity is low.
My personal favorite is Valerian Root. Works quite well, doesn't leave you with after effects in the morning. and so far I haven't developed a tolerance to where I need to take more. The one drawback to it is this- the most effective form is whole herb capsules (extract in a soft gell cap doesnt work as well for me) and the smell is something that takes some getting used to. It also releases that smell on your breath just before you fall asleep, you can even taste the smell. Sarah says it reminds her of cat shit.
There's my 2 cents on the subject, hope it helps somebody get some sleep.

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by cootie on Nov 11^th, 2002, 6:55pm

I'm a dumb blonde anyhow.....har-har-har....jus jokein (not really...it's the truth)....a real burnt out tired dumb blonde.....did that make sense ???? :-/ Every dog has it's day......ruff ruff.....yawn.............

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by cootie on Nov 11^th, 2002, 7:02pm

Cat shit breathe....gag !! I have noticed certain meds cause nasty breathe or even body odors on people....gag again. I think Paxil is 'nasty' fer all that !! Ambian helps me sleep without drousey mornings but lately nothin works. Can't do benydryl stuff...lowers my blood pressure ect and I freeze and am burnt out for days. Man....Is there a burnt out dumb blonde CH supporter can't sleep area topic on here......I suspect the answer is NO.....sorry !!! :-X

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by Slammy on Nov 12^th, 2002, 2:45pm

Hey cootie, do you happen to have a sister named "Kim" ? ;D

Slammy 8)

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by jonny on Nov 12^th, 2002, 3:04pm

Im climbing out from my cave for this one, Slammy!!!

LMMFYBO!!

TOUCHE'

......................jonny ;D

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by SFChris on Nov 12^th, 2002, 3:12pm

OMG :o

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by suzy617 on Nov 12^th, 2002, 3:46pm

I'm new here, what am i missing? Dont know who Kim is. ???

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by Jackie on Nov 12^th, 2002, 4:09pm

Clones, Slammy......gotta be clones..... ;D

Jacks 8)

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by Slammy on Nov 12^th, 2002, 4:11pm

on 11/12/02 at 15:46:45, suzy617 wrote:

I'm new here, what am i missing? Dont know who Kim is. ???

and to you, suzy... do you have a sister named Cat? ;D

Slammy 8)

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by suzy617 on Nov 12^th, 2002, 4:41pm

Sorry, I'm just clueless tonight.... ;)

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by Slammy on Nov 12^th, 2002, 4:43pm

on 11/12/02 at 16:41:22, suzy617 wrote:

Sorry, I'm just clueless tonight.... ;)

heheheh.. but ya figured THAT one out, didn't ya suzy! :-*

Slammy 8)

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by suzy617 on Nov 12^th, 2002, 4:50pm

I feel priviledged Slammy, I just got my first mini flame since I joined, feeling like family now ;D

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by Slammy on Nov 12^th, 2002, 4:57pm

yeah? well, you haven't lived until you have been told.....

STFU, Suzy! ;D

Now, you can feel like family..... :-*

Slammy 8)

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by echo on Nov 12^th, 2002, 5:00pm

As long as I avoid REM the SOB dances somewhere else most of the time when in cycle.

Out of cycle I survive on a max of 6 per night. I'm always wandering around the house in the middle of the night apparently just for the hell of it. Probably the ghost of all those years of waking up with my eye being yanked from my head.

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by Drk^Angel on Nov 12^th, 2002, 5:00pm

Jonny... I think Slammy is tryin' to take over your responsibilities...

PFDAN................................ Drk^Angel

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by suzy617 on Nov 12^th, 2002, 5:01pm

I told you before I was clueless tonight. Whats the ST mean? I kind of get the rest though. ::)

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by Drk^Angel on Nov 12^th, 2002, 5:05pm

STFU means Up Fuck The Shut in dyslexia.

PFDAN........................................ legnA^krD

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by suzy617 on Nov 12^th, 2002, 5:10pm

[b][/b][size=2][/size]
OH MY! Ok I feel like I've been flamed enough tonight now, LOL. ;D

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by cootie on Nov 12^th, 2002, 6:14pm

Slammy...No...no sisters at all.....notta....so answer bouta a sister in previous post is.....NOPE. Hey is that what happend to me....I got 'flamed'....oh ok....now I understan......Drizzle Drazzle Drozzle Drone...time fer 'dis one to go hom....'r sumthin like dat......I've been called Chatty Kathy in the past....names not Kathy tho either.....wha' ever....... ::)

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by jonny on Nov 12^th, 2002, 6:57pm

I did not know I had responsibilities, DRK.

Could you please explain them to me?

.........................jonny

Title: Re: Sleep?
Post by Drk^Angel on Nov 13^th, 2002, 2:02am

I thought it was your job to welcome ppl to the family by telling them to STFU... Must be mistaken...

PFDAN.......................... Drk^Angel