Help to get to sleep

[Amelia2010]

I’ve had this tremor fir many years, my main concern is my shaking head which starts as soon as my head touches the pillow and makes it difficult to get to sleep. Any ideas to help this problem

[rtn3421]

try vibrating your whole body, I've done this a few times and after a while I drift off

[Juliafaithmariedaw]

Sounds like you have what I have Amelia. Hypnogogic Cervical Dystonia. So my muscles go in to spasm as I am falling asleep. Causing my head to shoot to the side. I have had this for about 20 years. Before I was diagnosed and prescribed my medication this could happen up to 60/70 times per night. So not falling asleep until around 5/6am every night and had to be up for work. Very tough for 10 years or so.

My neurologist prescribed Clonazepam, which relaxes my muscles and sends me in to a deep sleep, obviously you would need to be prescribed this by your consultant, and there may well be new medications, as have been on this for nearly 10 years.

I have also found that using soft feather pillows help, as they mould in to my neck, and far more comfortable.

[Rkai]

Hello Amelia

I can relate exactly to the situation you are in. I was eventually diagnosed with cervical Dystonia and the symptoms were the same as you .....as soon as I relaxed my muscles, especially when my head touched the pillow my head would shake and push towards the left.

It was impossible to sleep so I had to sit up all night....exhausted. My GP prescribed zopiclone 3.75mg, one each night. They have been a life saver for the last 6 years. Both neurologist and GP seem happy for me to continue. It has also taken away the worry of not being able to sleep.

I hope this might be of some help.