Steroid Insomnia

[BlueZebra]

hi,

I’ve been on prednisolone now since start of May and we’ve tried to wean twice and both times ended up back at 40mg. I’m now back on a weaning course of pred for the next 4 weeks I think all being well. Anyway, I’m really struggling to sleep between my asthma flaring and the high doses of pred. Is there anything anyone recommends? Is there any point trying to contact my GP on Monday or will they just say wait till the preds finished. I’m only sleeping a few hours a night and I’m exhausted.

Thank you so much

[Oldandgray]

the very first dose of prednisolone is instant insomnia and continues until I finish the course so I try everything else I can so I don’t get into needing prednisolone.

I do find that a full dose of Nytol or Diphenhydramine helps a bit.

[Headoverheels]

Hi BlueZebraYou have my sympathies.

Whilst I was in hospital the consultant increased my steroid dosage to 40mg. He then kindly told me that I wouldn't get any sleep and would be doolally the next day!

I was already suffering from sleep deprivation due to noisy ward etc. I decided to ask for a sleeping pill and it certainly did the trick. Not sure what it was called ..it was very tiny..and I didn't feel tired all the next day. Don't suffer in silence. Go to your GP and ask his advice you can't go on like this. You only need to take sleepers short term. My regret is I didn't ask for them on my first night of hospitalisation.

[BlueZebra in reply to Headoverheels]

I’ve just come out of hospital too so I know how you feel with the noisy ward. I hope you’re feeling better!

[janet65]

Poor you BlueZebra. I could always get off to sleep but would wake around 3am and that became the start of my day! That was 4 painful years.

Thankfully, I've not needed any since July 2020.

Good luck.

[BlueZebra in reply to janet65]

4 years?! And here I am complaining about a few months. That’s amazing that you’ve not needed any since 2020

[janet65 in reply to BlueZebra]

Thanks BlueZebra.I had a lot of testing and was put on biologic injections. I have now had 3 yrs no steroids or abs and controlled asthma.

[BlueZebra in reply to janet65]

I’m so glad they’ve worked for you! I’m waiting for biologics but it’s just a waiting game unfortunately

[janet65 in reply to BlueZebra]

Yes I totally agree the waiting time is a difficult one but once they said they would benefit me I started pushing (phone & emails) until I was approved and started on the programme. I'm on Nucala, no side effects either.

[BlueZebra in reply to janet65]

They’ve said it should be August/September for me so fingers crossed. They’re looking at the new one Tezspire so it’s waiting NHS approval or something. You’ve had no side effects? That’s so good

[janet65 in reply to BlueZebra]

I've not heard of that one but its good to know that new ones are being added to list. Different ones suit different people.

If I'm allowed to say, we have a private group on fb, "Support For Eosinophilic Asthma." Members are all around the world using this treatment and those seeking it too. It makes me grateful that we get free health care in the UK.

[BlueZebra in reply to janet65]

I’ve got non eosinophilic asthma so new treatments are definitely really good. I know the NHS has its issues but I’m definitely very grateful for it!

[Headoverheels in reply to janet65]

I have just seen your message re Nucala. I had a letter this very morning giving me the green light for biologics! It will take time to set up but it will be Nucala. I am so relieved. I really don't know how I would have got through the last month without the NHS.

[janet65 in reply to Headoverheels]

That's very good news for you. I've had great success with it. I was started on Xolair, it swelled and was itchy at the injection site (nothing worse than a mosquito bite) but the Brompton said, no more of it. So Nucala is my 2nd biologic. Good luck when you get started.

[Headoverheels in reply to janet65]

Thanks Janet65 your texts are very encouraging . It can be a scary time..will it ...won't it ...work

[Headoverheels in reply to janet65]

Wow....that sounds amazing! X

[peege]

I very much sympathise BZ. I'm fortunate that I dont have to use them often however, in the past I found that taking them at 5am really helped with the awful nights . I'd have the pred, water and an oatcake at bedside ready to take. I found that the effects hit during the day and worn off a lot by bedtime. It was no hardship to set alarm for 4.30 or 5am as it was far better than the pred palpitations for me. Might be worth a try to see if it helps you too. Good luck

[BlueZebra in reply to peege]

I’ll give that a try, thank you!

[Kniterbug]

I suffer too when on steroids but I have a sleeping tablet for the worse nights prescribed by my doctor zoplicon or something similar probably spelt wrong sorry. But this does work

[BlueZebra in reply to Kniterbug]

thank you!

[Homely2 Administrator]

I just take them as early as possible in the day, my family get up at 5.45am. I then go to bed late for me at 11 pm, as opposed to my normal 10pm, so I am properly tired.

That seems to work.

[BlueZebra in reply to Homely2]

I think I’m going to have to try taking them earlier in the morning

[Chip_y2kuk]

I find *making* myself go to bed and get settled ... eyes closed and forcing a rest eventually works when your exhausted .... some of the best and worst sleep I've ever had