hy all, im a newbie to this site, does anyone have any advice on not sleeping properly .i had a ruptured aneurysm/haemorrhage on boxing day

[jo-2014]

[RogerCMerriman]

It is one of the things they (being NHS) do ask every ask is how is my sleeping, which if anything is better due getting so tired, If I'm not careful. Last Friday I was exhausted and had to sleep in the afternoon, but hadn,t recovered by evening so slept 8pm to 9am.

[SAMBS]

welcome J2014. Same happened to me March last year and yes my sleep patterns have altered, my doc put me on anti-depressants in May because I was also very emotional -I didn't think I was depressed but they zonked me out every day for about 2 weeks.The brain needs rest.

Istill have trouble with a regular pattern though.10 days ago did not sleep for about 36 hours plus then did as Roger said he did - slept for hours and hours. I do always set my alarm in mornings now though because if I go to sleep in early hours of morning don't want to waste the day being asleep - so about 3/4 hours seems to do me. I find having either radio or tv on with talking - not music - helps me drop off once I've laid down. Automatic switch off helps though, cos once I'm asleep there is no problem. I always have small light on now where before I had to sleep totally in dark.

Its too disorienting waking up in pitch black if I have to visit loo.

I wish you well in your recovery. x

[Smilerdi]

Hi JR

I too had a haemorrhage 18 months ago and had difficulty sleeping for many months. For a few months the Dr put me on amitriptiline which is commonly prescribed for sleeplessness or depression. I did find it helpful for a temporary period, but I requested to come off them as they really did zonk me out in the day too.

If I now have periods of sleeplessness, then Personally I use a relaxation CD which works wonders and I drift off to sleep . The time of relation prior to sleep is also a great treat and iI found it really paid dividends and aided my mental fatigue symptoms too. . I recommend you buy yourself a relation CD, I found some that were just music, some were music with someone speaking too . I guess you should try both and see which type suits you best.

I do hope you find some respite, and you go from strength to strength.

Stay positive, it really helps

[jo-2014]

thanks all youv definatly given me hope and ideas. doctors have given me temazepam but im worried about my body getting used to them. and im told there addictive which worries me every time I take one. I have a 9 year son so alarm has to be on for 7am every school day. but I know my brain needs rest to recover aswell. its all very confuseing. trying to do everything right for me and my family. but I seem to go 3 steps forward and 2 back. I just think if I can sort the sleep thing then other good steps forward will follow.

[Cauthery]

Have a green or mint tea in the morning and during the day to wake you up. In the evening have some lavender to sleep. If possible combine some lavender and camomile herbs because that works even better.

Best of luck

[jo-2014 in reply to Cauthery]

iv heard about the lavender and camomile for sleep im using loads of it at moment but will green tea realy wake me up in day because I realy could do with something to get me up and going first thing. if so im getting some tomorrow. and thank you for your help

[Cauthery]

I studied herbs for a while. Green tea, peppermint, ginger, cayenne pepper and cinnamon are all tops to wake. Unfortunately I can't have green tea and peppermint because they seem to trigger seizures. However, I drink some ginger and cinnamon in the morning and I can stay wide awake for the day.

Cayeen Pepper. The course I did said its brilliant for the brain because it 'awakens' it. If you try that, have it with some water. Goodness me its spicy!

[jo-2014 in reply to Cauthery]

iv never been very good with spicy, but will definatly try the others thanks so much.

[RogerCMerriman]

Did they give you any thing to help you sleep? I was given some anti depressants to take at night that did there intended job ie knock me out at night.

[jo-2014 in reply to RogerCMerriman]

no was given 10mg temazepam by doctor when I got home but they only make me sleep for 2 or 3 hours which isent enough I need more then that sleep

[RogerCMerriman in reply to jo-2014]

By doctor I assume mean GP? I had amitriptyline which was prescribed by the hospital when I was discharged from their care.

But to be honest I hardly needed it I was so exhausted that first month I was asleep lot during the day and the night.

I'd return and ask the GP,s advice about either higher or a different familly of medication to help you sleep.

[jo-2014 in reply to RogerCMerriman]

yes I did mean GP iv got an appointment this weak so I will ask her. thanks for your advice.

[headwayuk Partner Headway]

Hi jr2014,

There is a bit of information on sleep, and fatigue in general, in our 'Managing fatigue after brain injury' booklet.

If you would like me to send a copy to you, please send a private message on here (click our username then 'send a message' on the right-hand side). We'll need your full name and address.

Alternative, contact our helpline on 0808 800 2244 or [e-mail] and they can talk things through and post a copy of the booklet out to you.

Best wishes,

Headway

[schumachergirl]

Dear Sufferer, I suggest mediation CDs of whales or the countryside no pop music just gentle musics or sounds. while you shut your eyes and imagine you are there and take in some deep breathes relax your body and try and focus on the noise you hear from the CD.

[Phat01]

I was prescribed 10mg temazapam too, worked quickly but like you they only knocked me out for 4 hours. Then I was prescribed zopiclone which worked the same but with side effects so I stopped using it quickly. I use nytol now but it's losing its effect. How is your sleeping now?

@RogerCMerriman what anti depressant were you prescribed and the dosage? Was it amitryptaline?

[Phat01 in reply to Phat01]

Ah, it was amitryptaline just re read the thread.

[jo-2014]

iv slept good for last weak but I think that's due to sheer exhaustion as iv moved house. and only had 2 days notice to pack up and organise the move. but last night I was back to my 3-4 hours. which I suppose would be fine. But next day I feel tired all day.

[trippedup]

I'd suggest "mindfulness" meditation. It's not always intended to send you to sleep but I find that it tends to do so for me as it's very relaxing. Google Russ Harris and you'll find a lot of info and resources. He also comes recommended by the psychologist who saw my Mum on one occasion a year or so after her stroke. I mentioned I was using his stuff and she says he's the person she recommends to everybody who wants to try this type of meditation.