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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> How long can you go without sleep?
        
(Message started by: the_old_man on Dec 13^th, 2004, 10:26pm)

Title: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by the_old_man on Dec 13^th, 2004, 10:26pm

This cycle started Nov 3rd. I get 3 hits a nite each lasting 35 minutes. I have had 1 pf nite since then. This lack of sleep is really beginning to get to me. I can't take any meds so I'm fighting the beast on my own. I work a 10 hour day, five days a week. I haven't missed any work yet, but I'm beginning to get a bit irritable and I'm tired much of the time.
If I try to take a nap during the day on my days off and sleep more than 90 minutes, I get a hit. I'm beginning to think someone up there doesn't like me. Any suggestions?

The Old Man

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by vig on Dec 13^th, 2004, 10:59pm

Melatonin is a standard thing to try.
I learned to sleep an hour at a time too.
That way, I don't hit the REM phase.

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by the_old_man on Dec 13^th, 2004, 11:10pm

Unfortunately melatonin hasn't worked for me. I tried it in various doses for 6 days and it had no effect. Maybe this cycle will end soon and then there'll be no problem.
Right now I just hate the thought of going to bed and have the beast have his way with me all nite long. If I can hold off until around midnite, I may only get 2 hits instead of 3. I usually get up around 5.

The Old man

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by vig on Dec 13^th, 2004, 11:15pm

I'd be winding up the alarm clock then.
It took some practice, and there isn't any dreaming, but it's less pain.

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by CC2004 on Dec 16^th, 2004, 10:23pm

You will adjust better I promise - Im into my 7th week this time (28 year history) waking all through the night - 2-3 weeks ago I was a complete wreck, absolutely exhausted and terrified of going to sleep but Im coping better now. However unlike Vig I cant avoid the REM wakes - I nearly always get woken 40-60 minutes after going to sleep - no avoiding it. Any rest triggers an attack - 6-8 times a day. I havent tried melatonin but have just started on magnesium and water treatment and have some hope ...??? Will try melatonin
Good luck - take care & stay strong

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by unsolved1 on Dec 18^th, 2004, 1:51am

During my horrible trial with Keppra ... I had the most terrible nightmares, constantly....over and over. I was a total basketcase! I stayed awake for 7 straight days, Not even a wink of sleep. Ended up hospitalized getting DHE. Never do Keprra again !! :-X

Unsolved

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by Jonny on Dec 19^th, 2004, 3:05am

on 12/13/04 at 22:26:45, the_old_man wrote:

lasting 35 minutes.

Consider your self lucky old dude.

Dancing for 35 is a walk in the park. ;;D

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by BarbaraD on Dec 19^th, 2004, 7:21am

With the Melatonin, it takes a few "weeks" to start working. Or that was my experience. Once it did, I could sleep thru the night until about 4 a.m. I get my wake up call then. I take 3 3mg at night before bed and it's helped me a lot. Not quite so tired anymore.

Have you tried O2 at the first sign?

Also (and you can't do this often because of rebounds) take 3 Extra Stength Excedrin with a strong cup of coffee. Sometimes that will abort mine if I get to them before they hit a 6.

Good luck...

Hugs BD

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by CC2004 on Dec 19^th, 2004, 2:29pm

on 12/19/04 at 03:05:12, Jonny wrote:

Dancing for 35 is a walk in the park. ;;D

Not if you're doing it without meds!

Why cant you take meds old man?

Have you tried heat - works for me to ease and slow onset and I think to keep levels going quite so high.

Have you tried water or magnesium?

Ive been pretty much PF 4 days - have been taking magnesium and been on water treatment I understand the water works for some who arent on preventative meds - I wasnt and it is working. Dont think it could have been the mag to work so fast. I found this site 4 days ago and began drinking heaps of water that evening - slept for 5 hours and only a small hit on waking - didnt dare hope, but Ive had no real attacks since, but still shadows/neck pain and opposite side pain - all a lovely breeze in comparison.

Also, for med-free relief, you might try gulping heaps of water on onset and during attack? I read that but havent needed to try it

Let us know how you're doing
PFDANs
CC

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by the_old_man on Dec 19^th, 2004, 3:31pm

Hey CC

Can't take meds because of heart problems. Working on that though. I've been taking magnesium and potassium for a week now. Water??? What exactly do you mean? I'll drink a bath tub full if it'll help. Melatonin doesn't work. For some reason I had a pf nite last night, but woke with k3 shadows and had them all day long. At least I slept...and you're right. 35 minute hits are no walk in the park without meds. 3 per nite at k7-9 still hurts like hell. Yeah, I'm thankful they don't last longer.

The Old Man

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by thebbz on Dec 19^th, 2004, 11:37pm

Aw man 10minutes 30minites 60minites it all sucks. I have at times had the meds tank on me and not work. Take all I can and pass out. That sucks CH sucks. Thats what makes us special. Hang in there old man. You can do it. Having to work puts the extra pressure on when you been bangin the head all night. O2 maybe....the melatonin..don't hurt to try it all ....beats the alternative.
BB

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by RichardN on Dec 20^th, 2004, 1:54am

Old Man, bbz & CC

You owe it to yourself to try 02 at the first opportunity. There is plenty of information here to copy and take to your doc supporting oxygen as an abortive for CH. For those of us it works for (70% ? - might be off here, but those that know will let you know) it's truly wonderful. Have knocked the bastard out three times this evening within 10-15 min.. If I can wake quick enough during the night, I can kill him without getting out of bed (02 within reach). If he gets a good grip, it takes longer and I frequently have to do 2-3 "treatments" before I get relief ("dancing" during the breaks) . . . . . . but sooooo much better than before.
Besides heat, exercise and coffee, 02 is my only abortive.
My preventative is Verapamil 120mg morning and evening. Melatonin 6mg before retiring. Water/water/water.

Be safe,

PFDANs

Richard

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by CC2004 on Dec 20^th, 2004, 1:17pm

on 12/19/04 at 15:31:21, the_old_man wrote:

Hey CC

Water??? What exactly do you mean? I'll drink a bath tub full if it'll help.

The Old Man

Water water water! Drink a glass every half hour, at least hourly. Apparently there can be some issues with too much (depleting salts, not sure what else) so talk to doctor, but I dont imagine hourly could hurt. Ive been doing 1 glass per hour from waking, then half hourly from 6pm until bed - had 4 days & nights PF.
BUT last night they're back - got hit 1 hour after bed, then 2 more, and another after getting up that Ive just got over.
So I dont know shit!
But - I had 4 relatively PF days & nights with it, I dont think it could have been coincidence
So I will continue with water water water, and yes thanks Richard, will be in touch with my doctor today to get OXYGEN

(only thing different yesterday was that I worked, Im fortunate I am an artist and work for myself)

Try the water old man, it cant hurt and if you just get a night or two relief that will be good for you, just wish I could report more positively on it!

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by the_old_man on Dec 20^th, 2004, 1:33pm

I've tried the 02 and it doesn't work for me. I'm just one of those strange ones where nothing seems to work...and yet...last nite was my second PF nite in a row. Cycle over? I hope so. I'll try the water. Can't hurt.

The Old Man

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by thebbz on Dec 21^st, 2004, 12:04am

Hey old man!! Glad you got some rest. Nothing works is not strange. The O2 is a blessing but it has to be administered properly. I had to read the O2 link and it worked better for a while . The demon has a way of getting around therapies. I have to switch up and change alot. Again glad you got some rest.
BB
Hey RichardN...been there done that. Thanks anyway.
BB

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by the_old_man on Dec 21^st, 2004, 7:43am

Rest...blessed rest. Those 2 pf nites were it I guess. Got 3 really heavy hits last nite.

The Old Man

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by TxBasslady on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 1:05am

For the nightime hits, you really should try the Melatonin. It's a sleep aid....and I do believe that it changes your sleep pattern. I have had very good results with the Melatonin. I also take Magnesium.

Nothing is fool proof....the beast is too damn smart. However, Melatonin has given me some PF time, that I wouldn't have had without it. Sometimes, the CH breaks thru, but even 2 or 3 nites PF is good.

Lots of luck,

PF vibes,

Jean

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by CC2004 on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 1:58pm

on 12/22/04 at 01:05:27, TxBasslady wrote:

I have had very good results with the Melatonin. I also take Magnesium.
Jean

hi Jean - what are your thoughts on magnesium?
I had 4 PF days & nights, then hit 2 nights, then PF last night and this feels different, better. Ive been on mag & water for 6 days, maybe the mag is kicking in?

"Rest...blessed rest. Those 2 pf nites were it I guess. Got 3 really heavy hits last nite.
The Old Man"

Dont lose hope old man - are you on the water?

take care & wishing us all PFDANs
CC

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by sailpappy on Dec 27^th, 2004, 5:34pm

;;DThis has been my basic pattern for 35 years, after the 3rd attack I just stay up, average 1 1/2 to 2 hours sleep a night, for some reason laying down and putting pressure on the neck sets off my attacks almost faster than anything.
As far as total sleep depravation, I stayed awake for 8 days straight when I was in the Hospital back in April, out of concern they put me on a high dose of Trazadone, which helped me shut down for a few hours, I stayed in for only 10 days and left the staff scratching their heads as to how I could function with no sleep.
quit all meds except verapamil for BP and back to 8 to 10 hits a day now. Pappy

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by Mr.YL on Feb 8^th, 2005, 1:00am

Shucks................................
OK so the wethier was not good at Davcon...
Back to the sbject... SLEEP...is the utmost importance in survival, along with the 357 ok... ok how long can one go with out it , well that depends on the individual. I myself have been tested a few times, if you take 4 weeks of this sleep thing,and close your eyes and finally get into that sweet spot , the internal timer over here goes off within 28 to 32 minutes ... eyes become wide open, the piercing knife through the right side of the skull and suffers know the rest of the story...And then the Dr. ask (could you tell me again what it feels like)
So how do others do it ? beats me . 4 weeks awake and when I dare shut the ole eyes and knowing that in 28-32 min whats gonna happen...YUK...
I go for the water thing and it helps as long as it is good clean watter . LOW ON NITRATES>>>look it up//
Blasted Beast...take care ....all of you... Mr.YL

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by sandie99 on Feb 8^th, 2005, 4:24am

I don't fuction that well without sleep... I am okay, if I even at least 2 hours... Sure, I am irritated and tired, but I can do what I have to. But with no sleep whatsoever, I turn into this zombie, who really has to watch out as my reactions are very slow and I forget things. My motoristics are gone...

Wishing you PFnights,
Sandie

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by Gator on Feb 8^th, 2005, 4:52am

My last stretch of insomnia, and my longest yet, lasted 5 days. I was actually functioning fairly well, taking care of a sick wife and a sick grand baby.

It's now almost 4:00am, soooo...

Hope I'm not working on setting a new personal record.

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by Langa on Feb 8^th, 2005, 9:01am

I can't function and am a complete zombie after 48 hours straight of no sleep...and I need at least 5 hours a night of sleep to feel normal (oh wait, what's normal again?) ;;D

Langa

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by Frank_W on Feb 8^th, 2005, 9:24am

If I can snatch 4 hours of sleep every 48 hours, I am somewhat functional. The longest I've ever been without ANY sleep, is 94 hours, (in combat) and that got downright surreal. I would blink, and literally, have a dream.

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by Night_Zombie on Feb 8^th, 2005, 11:40am

I just try and get a bit of sleep when I can, but not much :( As my name says. I dont find much works that helps but still looking, sucks that you cant take meds and that 02 dont work,you should try ice packs also,may help??? Hope u have a pain-free sleep soon.

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by debs on Feb 8^th, 2005, 8:51pm

Frank_W wrote

Quote:

Therein lies the problem with not sleeping --I am the same way, no sleep, instant REM with a blink of an eye. Makes for some interesting conversations... :)

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by Sean_C on Feb 9^th, 2005, 11:34pm

I'm the same way too, that last blizzard I was up for 4 and a half days plowing and removing snow.

On the forth day I was loading a dump trailer and while approaching the truck I blinked and went to sleep. Truck driver woke me up a minute later laughing because I was snoring ;;D

Sleep deprivation is not good.

Sen........................

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by Mr. Happy on Feb 10^th, 2005, 12:10am

on 02/09/05 at 23:34:28, Sean_C wrote:

Sleep deprivation is not good.

No, it's not. That's why CH has been so devastating to me when it comes to work. I need at least 8 hours of sleep every day. And another 10 hours every night.

My problem is........I use the info I gleaned here, take as directed, and Damn if all of this hasn't turned into a minor annoyance.

So, I'm supposed to feel guilty?
RJ

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by Edu_Martins on Feb 10^th, 2005, 3:24pm

Im having my crisis since 3rd December, almost every nite, but i have some intervals on that. Somedays i dont have crisis, so i can sleep weel.

When i have 5 days or more with crisis in sequence, i barelly can work, i have some headaches during all the day, due to the restless run.

I have some lucky, cause my crisis is a weak one, as my doc said. :(

Title: Re: How long can you go without sleep?
Post by davidj35 on Feb 10^th, 2005, 4:01pm

Old man are you taking the O2 at high enough levels? A lot of Doc's don't have a clue and prescribe 2LPM with those nose things. If you weren't at 10 to 12 LPM script with a mask it wasn't going to work anyway.
I am trying the Melatonoin with no results...yet. Last night was horrible every hour on the hour from 12:30am till 5:30am, almost used up a full M tank, but the O2 knocked out each one within 15 Minutes and none got above 6KIP. Good luck and I hope you have a PF night.