Sleep problems: I have been on... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

Fibromyalgia Action UK

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Sleep problems

Kingdom1914 profile image
47 Replies

I have been on Antidepressants for years to help me sleep at night. Now giving me other problems so I've come off them. Do painkillers help anyone get off to sleep at night? I need something, last night I took Night Nurse as I was fed up of lying there for hours. Fibromyalgia is known for its problems with sleeping and not having a deep relaxing sleep. Any other ideas. The Doctors don't understand, I've been on every type of Antidepressant and 2 different ones at a time. Help.

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Kingdom1914
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47 Replies
Worz65 profile image
Worz65

Hi kingdom I know how you feel over sleep pain killers just ease pain all I know of are sleeping tablets and some antidepressant sorry not much help try and speak with your GP again see what they say

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914 in reply to Worz65

Been going to Doctors for over 20 years and just stick me on another Antidepressant, which has eventually starts give side effects or stops working altogether. They don't seem to understand Fibromyalgia at all and how disabilatating it is to lack sleep. I would go to the Doctor but I have little faith in them. After 25years of Doctors and Hospitals ( and being told another health problem must all in my mind). Im now awaiting 2 major stomach operations after finding there was actually something wrong all along! Thank you for answering though. X

Worz65 profile image
Worz65 in reply to Kingdom1914

So sorry to hear all this hope the operation goes well have you ever been referred to pain clinic to see if they can help don't give up keep banging on there doors until they listen and help

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914 in reply to Worz65

No not been to pain clinic. Thank you. X

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914

No never had one?

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914

Thanks, will give them a try. Meant to take them 4 times a day but can cope with the pain usually but not without the sleep. X

LadyJoro profile image
LadyJoro

I use a spray with melatonin and lavender in along with a strict bedtime routine and twinnings sleep tea. Works a treat until some one sets off fireworks and scares the puppy

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914 in reply to LadyJoro

Thanks. Didn't know there was a spray, where do you get it from?

LadyJoro profile image
LadyJoro in reply to Kingdom1914

I use iLife sleep spray get it from Amazon.

ednu16 profile image
ednu16

Painkillers don'the help you sleep. They have the same effect as alcohol does with your sleep. Non-replenishing and very interrupted.

You can get sleep teas (they contain lavender etc) it works for my friend.

Other suggestions, relaxing music very quiet, podcasts, books... podcasts help me but not always straight away. I have always struggled with sleep hence being up now 😂.

applesandoranges21 profile image
applesandoranges21 in reply to ednu16

Hi ednu Please can u tell me where to buy the lavender teas from? Many thanks

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914 in reply to ednu16

Thanks, must get back on the teas. Tried all the usual listening to the sea etc. I do get c.d''s now of books to help with my general relaxation as I don't relax enough. We need more investigation into Fibromyalgia and sleep.

Totally agree. It is very important to get your Vit D tested. If Dr refuses can get it done privately finger prick home kit test for around thirty pounds.

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914 in reply to applesandoranges21

Thanks for advice

Thanks. x

Hi Are u in the UK?

ednu16 profile image
ednu16 in reply to applesandoranges21

Yes I'm in the UK. I found mine in Waitrose which is a supermarket (in case you are in the US or elsewhere).

applesandoranges21 profile image
applesandoranges21 in reply to ednu16

Thanks for the info. I am in UK. xxx

oncesunny profile image
oncesunny

Hi Kingdom, TO be honest I'm shocked you would be put on antidepressants for sleep issues .Well maybe I shouldn't say shocked as hear in the US they try to put you on them for alot of things( Here, omg your an addict almost if u ask for pain meds , esp lately with the opiod epidemic that is hurting real pain sufferers) & I've always refused antidepressants for many reasons.Funny how they push those which become addictive but have issues with pain meds ect..Have you ever tryed non drowsy antihistamines? If not they will help. Otherwise, would u ask for sleeping pills like lunesta maybe? I took them briefly yrs ago and they helped.i take anxiety meds and they help but I know how hard it is to get them.For example I use xanax. Not sleeping well is not good for the body so I would just express you do not want to go the antidepressant route again but try one of these other meds .For me pain meds r hit and miss with sleeping, usually a miss .Good luck!

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914 in reply to oncesunny

Thank you for all your information. Doctor has put me on sleeping tablets in the past to get my sleep patterns regular?? Then it's back to my normal pattern, not sleeping properly. They don't understand Fibromyalgia at all. I lived in the U.S.A. for 10 years, when my 13 year old got depression they put her on Prozac. She had even more problems with that. Returned to England and she had to be weaned off it. I'm on free medication here but they seem to be into trial & error. X

oncesunny profile image
oncesunny in reply to Kingdom1914

Shoot I didn't mean non drowsy but ones that r for night like benadryl or the generic, my bad.Glad to hear you got something to help.My sleep patterns r so off due to other meds I'm on and I'm a night owl too by nature..Take care!

applesandoranges21 profile image
applesandoranges21 in reply to oncesunny

Totally agree sallyally. x

60Chrissy profile image
60Chrissy

Hija please read my recent long rely to Huff35 as it may help you with some information you are looking for. Certainly read book "Treating and beating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome." By Dr R Murphree. 5HTP natural plant boosts Serotonin and melatonin helps with sleep and helps reduce pain. Get from Holland and Barret £15.

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914 in reply to 60Chrissy

Thank you. It's a pity that Doctors don't look at some of the natural remedies, then we wouldn't be struggling with all the effects of medication.

60Chrissy profile image
60Chrissy in reply to Kingdom1914

Pharmaceutical profit!! Why offer alternative when there is no money to be made!!

Less stress, walks in the fresh air plenty of daylight, less sugar good healthy diet, plenty of water and laughter! That's my new plan to a healthy less pain me!!

applesandoranges21 profile image
applesandoranges21 in reply to 60Chrissy

Also check Vit D and B12 levels FIRST before supplementing.

My vit D was severely deficient at 7 nngs.

Statins made my core muscles ratty as a rheumy tolsd me. Advised to have Pilates to strengthen core muscles but just saying what happened to me. Always seel medical advice and insist on scans. Had to go privately to get scan of spine but found several abnormalities. Sorry if sound negative just trying to say that NHS does not diagnose early enough thus in my humble opinion causing more and more ill health etc xBest wishes x

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914 in reply to applesandoranges21

Thanks. I think Fibromyalgia leaves you with B12 level problems. It's such a complex condition. Ive had a bone scan of body because of Osteoporosis Arthitus in my hands but was clear. I am on Statins though because my Cholesterol was 9.6. No doubt they give other problems. I'm sure they checked my liver years ago because of tablets but never rechecked since?

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914 in reply to 60Chrissy

Trying those. Be glad when the weather improves though to get out walking more.

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914 in reply to 60Chrissy

Thanks

hi. ive been thinking of you. what has helped me is magnesium and vitamin B6. try it and i hope it works. amitriptyline helps. i take it at tea time not just before bed as it may take a while to work. i know its a first generation antidepressant but in small doses it helps with pain and sleep. take care.. xx

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914 in reply to

Hi You get up earlier than me on a Sunday. Thanks for advice. I have the same tablets but they sent my weight all over the place, still 1 1/2 stone over my usual weight! Will write down the other remedy though. Come off most of my medication except for the vital 2t that are left. Enjoy today. Xx

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914

Thanks

Hi mydexter Did u find the mag oil caused a burning sensation ?

Chrisbel profile image
Chrisbel

try taking vitamin D3 along with magnesium bis-glycinate and vitamin K2 in the evening an hour or so before going to bed, I find this helps, but it took a while, also no carbs or sugar or caffeine after 4.00pm.

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914 in reply to Chrisbel

Thank you.

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914

Thank you. I'm writing down all these ideas to try for my lack of sleep.

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914

That's a lot of problems. Will ask about tests when I see the Doctor. Thanks.

Hi In March it was 70 still sub optimal. I take 5,000 iu three times a week. Need calcium level checking though. If u start feeling thirstier than usual may be over doing it with the Vit D. If you check the signs and symptoms of vitamin D toxicity you will get more info, please discuss with your dr . U need the regular checks. If u request a link to anything pls let me know. It is against HU rules to send any links by PM unless the recipient requests them !!!!Also not allowed to refer to other forums .

JANNH profile image
JANNH

Have you tried 5 HTP supplement - works for me with a 'This Works' pillow spary to help. have tried most other things and this is the best so far.

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914 in reply to JANNH

Thanks. I will write those down. I'm trying different things at the moment..x

60Chrissy profile image
60Chrissy in reply to Kingdom1914

I found so much helpful information in Dr Murphree's book "Treating and beating Fibromyalgia and chrinic fatigue syndrome". It is the only book I have ever read that offered hope. Lots of information to help you understand why you feel so much pain and how to help yourself improve. 🌈

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914 in reply to 60Chrissy

Thanks. I will have a look at that book.

60Chrissy profile image
60Chrissy in reply to Kingdom1914

Hi check out Dr Peter Glidden - Finromyalgia. You tube. Can send link if you would like it. Dr quite outspoken but get past that he makes a lot of sense. 😀

jebus3rd profile image
jebus3rd

hi, normally I only give advice about something I have personally experienced, so please bear that in mind - I have never had issues sleeping, so, although I am using this stuff, I cant personally vouch for it in this area - CBD oil

My friend recommended it to me for pain, but they themselves are using it for sleep, which is why I mention it.

is it something you might consider?

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914 in reply to jebus3rd

Thanks but what is CBD oil? I don'the have a deep sleep with Fibromyalgia but do need to get off to sleep instead of just lying there.

jebus3rd profile image
jebus3rd in reply to Kingdom1914

It's a cannabis extract. Legal in the UK. Doesn't get you high or any other drug like effects associated with cannabis proper.

Could be a fad. You should do research before trying but the claims are never ending. Helping fibro, depressions, sleep deprivation even people claiming it helps parkinsonism symptoms and cancer.

For me. I seriously doubt the higher end claims but think there might be something to it. But honestly, I don't know. Only just got some and tryin it out.

Kingdom1914 profile image
Kingdom1914 in reply to jebus3rd

Thank you, yes I've heard of it.

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