Just finding it very difficult to sleep.

[Gooner1947]

Long story. I am awaiting a TAVI(hopefully)but have recently been diagnosed with Myeloma. I get very breathless and Cardiologist put me on Dapagliflozin in lieu of metformin daily to help with breathlessness. Am awaiting results of Full skeletal CT scan to see if Myeloma has spread which could effect TAVI being done. That's the background. For past 2 months I have been struggling to sleep. I slept in armchair for that time. Never really slept. I have tried bed again with no success.

The Haematologist has suggested I see my GP.

I don't want to start counting sheep. Tried all those.

Is there anything he can prescribe to help me sleep?

[Poppy451]

Have you tried taking magnesium supplements? I was recommended magnesium citrate by my GP to help me to sleep and also with constipation. Also there is Yoga Nidra videos on you tube which is a relaxation technique you can listen to which might help you fall asleep. I recommend Ally Boothroyd. I listen to her everyday both in the daytime when I need a non sleep deep relaxation and at night when I cant sleep.

[Ageingfast]

Dear Gooner

A couple of things that have worked for me:

1. Sit up in bed. Five pillows in a semicircle behind me, then a teddy under my knees.

2. Buy or borrow a tinnitus relaxer. This is simply a machine that plays a choice of soothing sounds. I like the noise of waves on a beach. The little machine switches itself off after, say 30 minutes.

Might help a little. And good luck getting to see your GP.

Sooty

[sandandkev]

Have you tried sleep aid-- you can get herbal one or a slightly stronger one from over pharmacy counter

[maggie80]

When you get in bed at night. Try deep breathing. Breath in hold your breath on a count of three hold for three breath out for three. Then crunch your toes count to ten relax crunch your calves hold count to ten, same with your thighs and the ball your fists count to ten. With a bit of luck you'll drift off. 😀

[Raft]

I have similar problem and last night tried a Mindfulness approach and it worked!

Any relaxation method will be helpful, the aim being to clear the mind of unnecessary thoughts.

Spraying your pillow with lavender oil sometimes helps.

[Keyb1]

Your mention of an armchair prompts me to suggest an electric recliner chair. I've used one since my CABG and it's been a godsend. Bought it off eBay for less than £50. Also, really good relaxation exercises on a free app called "Insight Timer". Not nice not sleeping, so wishing you all the best.

[Bikafella]

There are plenty of aids to relax and sleep available on line - apps for gentle sounds etc. But if you're not doing much during the day then it will be hard. I found a Singaporean medicated balm (similar to white Tiger Balm but more menthol than pungent) called Electric Balm. It's like those balms you can rub on your forehead to relieve headaches. Recommended to rub gently into your temples amd grestly helps you relax. That and upto ten slow deep breaths is very effective for me. (I often fall asleep before getting to ten). Worth a try..

[Gooner1947 in reply to Bikafella]

Thanks.Yes, I hardly do anything during the day due to my breathlessness.

I can manage to drive shortish easy distances. My wife and I sometimes go up to chat overlooking a mountain pond..