Perchance to dream? No chance

[DNE92]

So awake most the night again. Would love to say I would like to dream of sleeping but since I need to be asleep to dream...well hello Catch 22. 😪

[M3rry]

I don't remember any dreams. It'd be nice.

I don't sleep well - but I know why and that helps (two sleep disorders). The best advice I can give is don't stress about it (yeh easily said). Honestly just enjoy lounging in bed, there's no pressure to do anything at that moment.

All that advice given on sleep hygiene does not necessarily apply to the chronically ill, it assumes that standing up and walking from another room back to your bed doesn't trigger so much pain that you are suddenly AWAKE and not going to sleep by the time you get back to bed.

Get comfy and enjoy the personal time - there is no one asking you to do anything, there is nothing you should be doing (no washing up or vacuuming that has to be done at 3am).

And when you fall asleep in the armchair - who cares? You are ill and when you get the sleep you need you will feel better for it.

And over the next few days keep as cool as you can, it will help your sleep.

[DNE92 in reply to M3rry]

Thanks. I'm trying some "Headspace" meditation - although I am not a spiritual person. But I'm open-minded and willing to give anything a try. Totally get your views on sleep hygiene - we don't deliberately screw up our sleep habits. Our lovely FND brains do that for us. I also suffer from my sleep apnoea (mild) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, so I basically constantly move all night which doesn't help. Cheers Lou.

[Junebeatle in reply to DNE92]

Interesting I have those 2 sleep issues along FND. I use Valium to sleep (I know it's not a good thing, but I shook all night last year) Still wasn't sleeping well, so did TMS and it helped tremendously. It balances out the neurotransmitter levels in the brain, I can't recommend it enough.

[DNE92 in reply to Junebeatle]

Must look into TMS. Cheers Lou

[AjaStar]

I listen to thunderstorms sleep sounds. I also inhale peppermint essential oils. When I have a headache I use Vick’s vaporub and when I’m feeling real bad I use bengay along my temples and neck and behind the ears. The heat and scent of it distracts me from the pain. I also use half a dose of NyQuil to help me sleep since a full dose gives me palpitations.