Trouble with sleep

[Karen1970]

Does anyone else have nights where you just can't sleep or switch off or have terrible dreams ? What advice would you give to manage this or is it a trip to the GP for help in the form of pills ? I get quite anxious as well. I am newly diagnosed with both PV and ET which is the cause of it.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi Karen1970, I am sorry to hear that you are having this problem with sleeping and feeling anxious. As you are newly diagnosed it is understandable that you are feeling this way, it is a lot to take in when you are told you have a MPN. Perhaps you should talk to your GP about your anxiety and bad dreams, he/she might be able to help by suggesting some relaxation therapies rather than taking pills, but it is best to speak to him/her about it and get some proper advice. I would also suggest that perhaps having a buddy might help, having someone to talk to who has the same MPD as you can help as you will be getting advice from someone who really understands what you are feeling, if you would like a buddy then email me at [e-mail] and I can send you the details. Kind regards, Maz

[Tinkerbell13]

Hi Karen, so understandable. Best thing is to talk it out with others and excellent site this, as can have a Buddy and 'talk' with people who have similar problems. I find best thing is to get out of bed and just go and wipe my face with a cool cloth if can't get back to sleep. Like you, have v vivid dreams but over time, they do get better. Good not to watch t.v. or read anything that would give you disturbing thoughts, listen to tranquil music and read something relaxing. If you are able, go for walks/swim/garden - and eat well. But above all, know you aren't alone, lots of others like you and you will be o.k. If you possibly can, do avoid sleeping pills. Lavender oil on pillow good. Best regards Tinkerbell

[Armanimick]

Karen, hubby is relatively newly diagnosed and sleeps like a log, I on the other hand do not, I do all the information seeking....it's really to do with how you are handling your new discovery...it is understandable everything is muddling over in your head and once you have read and learnt as much as possible about everything, you will settle down....they say count sheep, well this only works on a few.., don't watch Tv in bed or work on or read your mobile, this only stimulates you, take a good book to bed, or simply shut everything out and take deep breaths, free everything from your mind if possible, refuse to let thoughts enter..this is a yoga practice and often works....easier said than done....all I can say is MPD Voice has some great advice for you but don't let it all worry you. Write everything down, a to do list, keep a pen and paper by your bed and if something pops into your head you need to remember, write it down. In other words, please try and clear your head....those who worry wether it's health or money etc... don't sleep ! I wish you the very best...there is so much support out there...lots of people are in your situation although you must feel very alone at this point in time...I assure you though, you are not ! Keep well.....

[ElsieR]

Hi Karen, I now accept that I don't sleep well - used to be like a babe! Have a TV in the room when I am too tired to read, mindless rubbish is good for putting me out although I come unstuck if I find an interesting programme. I find the strange dreams I have quite amusing, I seem to do very funny things - I found my bedside lamp on the floor a couple weeks ago, luckily I obviously did it gently as it has a glass base. It wasn't the lamp I was moving in the dream but can't now remember what it was. Wonder what I will do next, I have stripped the bed on occasion and woke up frozen!!! Happy nights full of fun!!!! Good luck, sheep are boring, count cows instead. Elsie xx

[Karen1970 in reply to ElsieR]

Thank you ElsieR xx

[Aime]

Hi Karen, every sympathy. I have had PV since 2012 and go through spells I sleep like a log and then weeks of vivid dreams, restless legs, poor sleep, night sweats! When the night sweats are worse that definitely makes a night's sleep worse. I find the phase passes and then I go back to it again. I try not to worry about/fight it. I think if you are more worried about your condition like others have said, then you won't sleep as well If you can, going out for a short walk before bed helps but not easy if you are fatigued. Best wishes Aime

[Karen1970 in reply to Aime]

Thank you Aime