Posted by Bennie Sue (63.11.65.163) on September 24, 2000 at 07:34:47:
In Reply to: Sleeping pills posted by Ryan on September 24, 2000 at 06:04:46:
Good method, Ryan. We have discussed some of this in the past - the fact that the REM sleep is to be avoided because CH often sneaks in at that time. Some people have reported terrifying nightmares in addition to the awful head pain.
Some have written that they sleep in a reclining chair as I do to void pressure on the back of my head. An area there remains sore during a cycle and pressure there will definitely bring on an attack in my case.
I sleep in 2-hour increments even out of cycle. It is certainly not as resting as a good 6-8 hours of continuous sleep, but it is better than getting no sleep at all.
Some have successfully tried the alarm clock alert. If you know how often the attacks will come you can plan a little and maybe be able to relax enough to sleep a little bit between them.
Most people say, and I agree, that it is much better to use your abortive immediately. If I am awake and apply heat at the very first sign of an attack I can sometimes keep it a little shorter.
But if I manage to sleep until the pain awakens me I am in for at least 30-45 minutes of agony.
I have never had a sleeping pill. I do not want to feel the after effects of sleep aids, and I do fear mixing any OTC with prescriptions.
It is best to check with your doctor or at least with a pharmacist before mixing medications. Good luck.