Over the last 3 weeks I haven't been able to sleep. Reluctantly doctor gave me 7 daays supply of sleeping pills which when taken only allow max 4 hours sleep per night. Our surgery is extremely busy and I have approached them and was told the doctor will telephone me on March 12th. Ive tried breathing techniques, divertion therapy and all the things I can think of . I am pretty desparate for a good nights sleep. Any thoughts regarding this would be most helpful
Sue
Try taking magnesium glycinate a few hours before bed time, that can sometimes help.
I spent years not able to sleep and know how dreadful it can make you feel. My GP has prescribed low strength sleeping pills for me for many years now.
Just thinking back to how I managed to sleep years ago and Nytol tablets (not the herbal ones) can help too but don't get hooked on them as they only work short term.
Try the magnesium glycinate and when you go to bed listen to your breathing. Imagine that you're sharing your room with a very boring person, they've just come in and if they know that you're awake, they are going to tell you all the details of their evening out.
Jean
Many thanks Jean. Good wishes and kind regards Sue
Jean, your last paragraph gave me a good chuckle!
I've been in that position many times. It's not so much that the person is boring but you have gone to bed to sleep and you don't feel like talking at that time of night. I do all the deep breathing I'm asleep act, just doing that sends me to sleep.
It possibly could be your medication, I empathise with you as I have periods of limited sleep, it’s so frustrating. Try sleeping whenever you can no matter what time of day. I have found splitting my sleep helps me relax and feeling less anxious allows me to sleep longer.
Thank you I would just be glad of any sleep as I'm running on empty.. GP does seem to be interested..
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I listen to "sleep stories" or guided meditations through earbuds from a couple of apps on my cellphone. I find this is very effective to distract my mind from focusing on anxiety producing thoughts. Also, when I am feeling wound up, I will listen to some binaural beats from one of the same applications for 20-30 minutes before switching to the sleep stories.
Leicestershire - I second this! When my afib started with a vengeance and was pounding in my chest every night, I couldn’t sleep, despite all attempts at slow deep breathing and visualization that were recommended by my cardiac clinic. But I found a free sleep meditation app and within a day or two I was able to sleep through the night. It worked for me and hopefully it can work for you, Leicestershire. Take care, hope you find the rest you need soon.
for a few nights a week try taking the low strength Nytol. Not the herbal start off taking one and then take 2 if one doesn’t work well enough. If you only get to sleep taking two of the low strength then buy the full sttength and take 1 but only for a few days a week just to make sure you get some sleep, until you can get some help from your GP.
I found that any sleep aid that contained an antihistamine such as Benadryl gave me palpitations, even when I didn’t have atrial fibrillation in the past. This also happened with the long lasting allergy tablets that were supposed to be nonsedating.
I’m the same, sadly, with all the common allergy mediation. Including salbutamol inhalers as well as sedating meds such as Piriton.
Salbutamol is apparently notorious for increased HR among other things. I am mildly asthmatic and used it. As soon as I was diagnosed with AF, the Cardio removed all the Asthma meds with the exception of Symbicord (budesonide/formateral.)
Oh that’s interesting! No one has ever made any suggestion like that for me, despite me saying I don’t like taking my salbutamol because of the effect it has. I might ask about alternatives. Thanks!
Benadryl is also thought to be associated with dementia. 
I wonder how they worked that one out.
Do an internet search for: "Anticholinergic Drug Exposure and the Risk of Dementia
A Nested Case-Control Study"
Benadryl is an anticholinergic drug
Thanks, will do.
Yes this can sometimes happen. I can’t take any of the herbal ones. On Sleep aid or Boots own. Nytol seems ok. Just don’t take them without advice from your pharmacist as they know what else you are taking (remember to tell them if you are taking any supplements too) and make an appointment to see your GP about this as I think these are best taken for only a short while until you see your GP.
Nytol contains Benadryl - an antihistamine. These are not recommended for seniors as antihistamines have been implicated in dementias. Actually Tylenol can help me sleep sometimes.
I had similar taken into a and e, doc recommended Ablation for Atrial Flutter, hospital didn't know when this would happen so I paid on credit card to see Cardiologist, Electrophisasis, which was 1 day later cost 280 but had Ablation 3 months later , my advice , if you can pay pay it ,but I am against paying but needs must , good luck, keep us informed please
Your not alone ,I don't think I've had a decent night's sleep since the 90s,but I wouldn't go down the sleeping pill route that has to be the last last resort.Worrying maybe is causing you sleep problems,and there's a lot to worry about these days,when trying to sleep think nice things think positive things.Somethings I bung the radio on that can send you off.
Some have found Matt Walkers sleep podcast to be very helpful, good luck 😉
Perhaps a relaxing soak in a warm bath before bed might help.
And if it's an epsom salts bath, then you've got a magnesium boost, as recommended by jeanjeannie50 above, as well. 🤔
Agree 100% with this. I’m not a bath taker and prefer showers and I know if I don’t have a shower before bed my sleep never seems as good.
I used to find showers waking up things! Associated with after swimming to get rid of the chlorine added to the water in the swimming pools of my youth!
I’ve suffered from chronic insomnia for years; it varies of course depending on what’s going on in your life during the day. If things are stressful or you eat or drink the wrong stuff or don’t move around a lot it’ll be worse. I take bisoprolol which apparently prevents the release of melatonin which is what makes you drowsy so is well known for causing insomnia. So eventually, after much persuasion, my GP agreed to prescribe melatonin tablets. I take half a 1mg tablet when i go to bed and incredibly will sleep through the night.
Great highlight of Beta blockers (most of them) inhibiting melatonin. I believe some other heart meds do also.
1mg? That dose seems incredibly low. You sure it's the melatonin that's putting you to sleep?
Yep. I seem to react to a small dose of any meds, only ever need half dose. But I am quite small….and even if it is a placebo effect, does it matter so long as I sleep well
OK, fair point.
What medication are you taking for your Afib? It sounds poorly controlled. Or it might be a side effect of the medication.. Are you under a Cardiologist or preferably an EP?.I used to need a few pillows so wasn't laying flat. If that works a wedge is worth purchasing.
Also playing gentle music helped to soothe and take my mind of a) not sleeping and b) away from my heart beating erratically..
I downloaded an app called ‘Breethe’ from the App Store and it guides you through different tapping meditations for sleep, relaxation, etc…
Some of the guidelines cost money, but I only use the ones that are free. One particular meditation that’s called ‘Fall asleep faster’ is very effective for me. I use it whenever I have anxiety about falling asleep. Perhaps you could give that a try? Take care.
As a chronic insomniac the one thing that helps me is to just accept it. Just look on it as part of your life now. I never lie in bed once awake as this teaches your body that bed is the place to lie awake. Just get up, leave the room. and read something relaxing. There should be no tech in the bedroom and that includes tv. In fact no tech for at least two hours before bedtime. Seeing daylight as early as possible resets the circadian clock and exercise in the fresh air is a good way of doing that. Some people find caffeine is a no no and the same with alcohol. It is worth talking to your doctor because medication can sometimes be helpful to just reset your sleep rhythm.
Dear Sue. I am so sorry you are suffering this much. I too suffer from Insomnia and go two to three days every week with no sleep. Then the next days I sleep because my body can't take it any more.
I take chamomile and lavender tea, magnesium glycinate tablets(Pure Encapsulation is the brand I use), I also bought the Better You Magnesium Body Spray though sometimes I experience headaches the following day after using it.
I do gentle exercise for about 30 minutes in the evening after my meal. I tend to eat Porridge oats as my dinner most evenings at about 6:30, 7pm. I tend to have better sleep when I do that as opposed to eating salad.
You can follow Dr Mandell - MotivationalDoc on YouTube as I have learnt a lot from him on how to manage and reverse several health challenges.
I wish you light, love and healing in every circumstance of your life.
Best Wishes
Joy
Thank you Joy very helpful post didn't realise it was the bisoprolol. Obviously though it was one of the tablets. Sue xx
I too was on Bisoprolol but it lowered my heartbeat too much so I have come off it.
Same here. Mine started as a result of taking bisoprolol. Apparently it significantly reduces melatonin which can cause sleep problems. I'm still dealing with the insomnia now but I found a few tricks that help. Happy to share if you want to message me? Probably too long to reply in full here. X
Melatonin works for me, 1 mg, not every night, just if unable to sleep. I took 3 mg recently, and woke up from a nightmare in afib. Apparently, intense dreams are a known side effect of Melatonin. I also sleep on my side to prevent snoring. I had to get a thicker, firmer pillow to hold my head level. If I sleep face down, my nose plugs up. I hear Breathe-right strips help too.
Ancient Minerals do a rub on magnesium and melatonin lotion. Probably worth a shortish term trial.
Sleep is such a personal thing; quite often when I wake I listen to Radio4 Extra and go off again.
I expect there are several causes of a poor sleep pattern, age being just one contributory factor. Others could be mild sleep apnoea, AF, anxiety (don't listen to any national news or look at electronic devizes after 6pm.
Try taking 2 magnesium taurate tablets at bedtime. ( I sometimes take 3) Another suggestion is melatonin which you can buy of piping rock. Finally try taking up meditation and remember that resting is almost as good as sleeping
Yes i think its the meds that interfere with sleeping. I had AV node ablation and a pacemaker so no dreadfull drugs anymoe. Colin.
My cardiologist told me to do some vigorous leg movements while in bed as this gets the blood pumping when u r lying down and can help with afib. I wasn’t convinced…but he was right.
When I first fibrillated my heart was a thumpin' and I couldn't get any sleep. Over the years I've come to learn it's because it needs more electrolytes. After all, hearts are an electrical organ, and it's just their way of getting your attention. I found by taking Pharma Nord Bio Magnesium and potassium (400mg) daily, it's as calm as calm can be. I don't notice it any more. Quiet as a mouse. Worth a try.
I just wanted to add, if you think about it, a fibrillating heart is working much harder than one in sinus rhythm. Which is why, I suspect, it may need more electrolytes. I've been put on Apixaban and Bisoprolol Fumarate, however the Bisoprolol was giving me oedema (my feet swelled up like balloons) but by reducing the dosage they went back to normal. I hope you find your good nights sleep soon!🙂
I suspect we are talking about Zolpidem. I have been prescribed them, and they are on repeat.
I have found that if you take them for over 4 weeks, you get hooked, and they become less effective, and they have several side effects.
I have weaned myself off them.
I am trying melatonin but early days yet
try the Sleepio app, it is CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) it is available on the NHS if your doctors have signed up, just download app it will ask for GP details. I also find acupuncture helps and I love the sleep stories on the Calm app.
Hi, Do not take the sleeping pill until you feel a bit sleepy.
Items that make you sleepy are reading with bedside light on, eat banana, war cup cocoa with a shale of cinnamon, listen to lullaby type music, like Enya.
Have your meal 4 hours before bed. No alcohol.
Keep well hydrated. At least 2.5L water with lemon or lime.
During day take Almonds, walnuts and 2 brazil nuts. For regularity and T3 selenium. (for thyroid).
Make sure B12 s up 700-800. You may be deficient like many of us.
Havr your thyroid checked TSH. T3. T4. and thyrogluben serum and antibodies.
No exercise before bed like working out and using cell or computer.
My eyes are drooping.
What meds are you on. Your H/rate and BP.
cheri JOY. 76. (NZ)
I took a pill some years ago and it kept me asleep past 2am. I told the Dr I would go to sleep but awake at 2.-- and I couldn't go back to sleep.
You, take care.
Cheri JOY. 76. (NZ)
I have the same problem I can lay awake from I get into bed to the alarm goes off next morning and not bat a eye lid this can happen 2 times a wink the rest of the week I can get maybe 4 to 5 hrs sleep but get it very hard to go over to sleep may lie for 4 hrs before actually fallen asleep and then I waken up to use the bathroom maybe x2 time in that 4 hrs. It drives me around the bend specially when I have to get up and start work at 9.00am I work from home which is a good thing and a bad thing. But the nights I get no sleep is so hard to concentrate next day and I am like a witch I will explode at the slightest wee thing which doesn’t help cause I just over ride all the meds and my heart is going like the clappers for ever .. I’m in AF permanently and on meds cardioversion worked for 24 hrs and cardiologist said nothing more to be done just treat with meds . I feel your pain with the GP. I’ve had the same results, supply 5 to get me into routine it’s a laugh. They don’t understand and don’t care .. they try and scare u off saying the sleeping meds give u dementia., Make you fall etc I’ve even took my pain relieve when I didn’t need it to see if it would help me to go to sleep. I have started taking the magnesium it’s the capsule that has the 5 different magnesium in it. I’m not sure if it helps greatly but I take it anyway . I didn’t know it was safe to take Nytol. Does any one know if it save to use or take CBD ? Does anyone else have the problem when your laying down in bed on your right side you can hear your heart beating in your ear and head it’s so off putting drives me insane I have to lie on my back but then I can feel slightly in my chest .. 🤦♀️🤷♀️
Hello Sue,
My mother used to find paracetamol good for a night’s sleep. I have tried this and find that it helps. I sometimes find it difficult to breathe at night, or am sometimes anxious about something. I find that Benadryl antihistamine Once a Day is very good, though I use it at night. If you are worried about palpitations which, according to Karenjaninaz it can cause, paracetamol is a good alternative. I don’t take either of these all the time as after a few nights of taking them my normal sleep pattern is usually restored for a little while. I can’t comment on palpitations as I have had these for a long time, thus would not notice the difference.
Dear Leicestershire
I sympathise being a poor sleeper myself and also having a recent diagnosis of AFib. I have not and will not take a prescription drug for sleep! I have found a ‘cocktail’ of over the counter sleep aids that helps me. At bedtime I take: half a Nytol one a night tablet + one Bach Rescue Night gummy. I also take a Magnesium supplement (which I first heard of on this site and it really worked for me) - I empty half a MAG 1200 Glycinate capsule into a small glass of whole milk. Should I wake in the night I use Bach Rescue Night spray.
You don’t say what drugs you are on for your AFib, but, I take my Bisoprolol, Digoxin and Apixaban at about 10pm ready for bed at about 11pm and 😴! Good luck.
Lying in bed on my left side does same thing to me!! When working, used to take half a sleeping tablet every 2nd or 3rd night. Now retired so less stress but instead A/F became permanent. Cardiologist says my body will get used to it! Not in a thousand years!
When my AFIB got really bad, I was not sleeping at all. I think I went 2 weeks where I may have averaged 2 hours a day if that. At that point you become more worried about not sleeping which in itself caused me not to sleep. I tried everything mentioned here including stronger and stronger doctor prescribed sleeping pills but the only thing that worked for me and allowed me to calm down enough to actually get some sleep was Ativan. I was worried about taking it because of the risk of becoming dependent on it but once I got enough sleep several days in a row, I was able to reset and able to sleep again without it.
Maybe try looking into your cortisol levels as apparently high levels can effect sleep.
I have lived with this problem for over a decade. You will cope for certain but it can seem otherwise.
Do you have Zolpidem (5 or 10mg) ir Zopiclone, Sue.
Steve
Well I can spend half the night laid awake thinking and I have my own way of dealing with it.
I have made a couple of playlists of my favourite songs from over the years on Spotify, and when I need to I put on my headphones and let the music relax me. Nothing too lively, but nothing chosen for it's peaceful quality, they have to be something I love or it wouldn't work, they'd be like background music and I'd keep on thinking about all the things keeping me awake.
They're a mix of Motown, pop, etc, just songs I love and I get carried away with them until I drift off to sleep.
What Meds are you on? A lot of them mess up sleep if you look at their lists of side effects. I take Bisoprolol and that has messed my sleep up for years in that I can drop off to sleep well but cant stay asleep and have a lot of disruptive dreams.
What stops you sleeping? I have problems when my heart is out of rhythm or just being particularly loud so have been getting off to sleep better by falling asleep to an audio book or music.
I feel for every one of you who have trouble sleeping. I’m often asked how I sleep so well - I average 9.25hrs a night and this can go as high as almost 10!
I’m a routine person and this apparently helps. But otherwise - I don’t know why I sleep so well. I only know if I get less than 8 hours I feel poorly so I can’t imagine what it must be like for some of you. I hope you can get it sorted.
Ohhh how lucky you are Forensic Fairy I used to be a great sleeper I started to be a bad sleeper before AF. Probably worrying and annoying myself. About. Family I’m too emotional and that’s a big part of my problem.
Prayer
The Bible says that sleep is a gift from God, a time for restoration, and a way to trust in God. However, it can also be used to symbolize laziness or spiritual indifference.
Sleep as a gift
Psalm 127:2: "He gives to his beloved sleep"
Psalm 4:8: "In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety"
1 Timothy 4:3: Sleep is one of the "good gifts" that God provides
Mirtazepine at bedtime has helped me very much
I have Problems with sleeping a full night
Not sleeping with AF
Light sleeping
