Trouble Sleeping

[julies1963]

For the past month, I just can not get to sleep at night.  I toss and turn, my mind just doesn't want my shut down.  Plus I feel my body twitching.  Does anyone else have this problem?  Not sure if this is dialysis related or not.  And if you have any suggestions, please reply.

[Angiepkd]

Hi Julies1963!  I had this same problem on D, and continue to have it post transplant.  I posted here about it, but am not sure how to put a link to that post.  I have tried melatonin as well as some OTC sleep aids.  Nothing really worked.  I was afraid to try Ambien, because of the side effects, but many here do use prescription sleep meds.  I guess you have to weigh the pros and cons yourself.  I make sure I don't have caffeine in the evening, try to have some background noise to quiet my mind and find that wearing socks helps with the twitching/ burning feet. Some nights are better than others.  I know you will probably get more helpful replies, but this has been my experience.  I hope you get some sleep soon! 

[PrimeTimer]

I'm not on dialysis but my husband is. But I'm the one having a terrible time sleeping. I have Fibromyalgia so have been struggling with pain and sleepless nites for years. I use low-dose generic Ambien about 20 minutes before bed. Works fast and lets me wake up in the morning with no residue sleepy side effects. It's also a fairly cheap drug. But even with Ambien I need a little more help so...I use heated rice bags on my lower legs (calves or in-between the knees). I also like to use a firm pillow rolled up under/behind my knees or...rolled up under the ankle areas. For me, wearing socks make me legs ache more. I also sleep better in a cool room maybe slightly chilled, with the right sheets (egyptian cotton thread that allows the cotton to breath) feels good against my skin. I love the feel of fresh-washed crisp clean cotton sheets. Polyester, sateen or flannel seems to trap heat. No coffee or stimulants before bed. Indulging in comfortable sleepwear and sheets/blankets on the bed make me feel pampered and relaxed. Anyway, the Ambien works best because it works fast and yet doesn't leave you feeling groggy the next day. The more quality sleep you can get, the less pain you have. 

[julies1963]

Thanks so much for your input.  I will talk to Dr. at next appointment.  You're advice is much appreciated.

[cassandra]

I swear by Diazepam, and find an electric under-blanket for my 'restless leg/body' syndrom unmissable.

Good luck, Cas

[Speedy1wrc]

Are you PD or HD?

I have the same problem. For the twitching I am taking Gabapentin. It is similar to Lyrica but a generic. It is a nerve agent and for lack of a better description, it dull's everything down. I initially started taking it for cramping but this is another good use for it. It is used for RLS also.

For sleep issues I start with Benadryl. For pain I have Tramadol and for severe sleep issues that with the Benadryl amplifies the effects of both. For the worst cases I add 1 Tylenol and the combination of the three usually will put me out. The only issue is if I take it very late, say 3am, in the morning I am still fuzzy. It's a pretty powerful cocktail.

[Ninanna]

I was on Ambien for a bit, and while it did make me unconcous I hated it. My Dr said Ambien can't provide the true deep rem sleep you need and I tend to believe him now. I would wake up super early in the morning wide awake. Then about 4 hours later I was tired, but unable to sleep because the ambien messes with your cycle so much you can't sleep without it...not even a nap. It took me two weeks to ween myself off and another 2 weeks to be able to fall asleep ok. Not to mention that while on it I started having whole conversations with my bf that I couldn't remember.

I would try other options and only use Ambien as a last result.

[Speedy1wrc]

The med's I use don't cause any other sleep issues. As long as you have around an 8-9 hour window, it works. Once it wears off you're good to go.

The only issue is the Gabapentin. I take 100 mg daily for cramping, which is a pretty low dose. Some people take much more. But being a nerve agent is does dull things down, if you know what I mean.

[Whamo]

I find exercise helps, even if it's only a 15 minute walk.

[julies1963]

Thanks again with your input.  Whenever I say something to the nurses at the dialysis center, they just blow me off.  Thanks again.  I will try some the advice offered.

[kristina]

Hello Julies 1963,

After my diagnosis with ESRF I developed instant problems to go to sleep...
... I was wondering whether or not I had done enough during the day, what else I  could do etc.
All that got me into a terrible state and I could not sleep, and whenever I could sleep, it was only for a short while...
... I then started to develop a programme to get back my sleep:
In the evenings I wind down very slowly. A little walk before going to bed helps, because the walk plus the fresh air make me tired enough...
...and it help me to keep fit all the same...
...  I then listen to my favourite music whilst I prepare for bed...
... and then I read a little in one my favourite books... This helps me to take my mind off my own situation to get a better balance...
... All that helped me to sleep again at nights and keep my strenghts for the challenges of the next day...

Good luck from Kristina.