Insomia: Hi, Has anybody found a solution to... - PMRGCAuk

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Insomia

Orchid47 profile image
14 Replies

Hi,

Has anybody found a solution to sleepless nights from long term intake of Prednisone.

Sleeping pills made me so drowsy and tired that I felt the whole day like a sumby.

Tried Magnesium and Valerian drops, but still woke up every hour and couldn't go back to sleep.

Thanks

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Orchid47 profile image
Orchid47
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14 Replies
NEPatriots12 profile image
NEPatriots12

Hi, I find that if I take one tablet of Tylenol PM that it allows me to drift off to sleep after about a half hour, and I sleep solid without the drowsy after effects.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

I was prescribed 10 mgs of Amitriptylin to be taken an hour before bedtime. It did the trick most nights, making me feel more comfortable I think.

ponai profile image
ponai

Worth trying epsom salts in a hot bath just before bed.

Jillbowles profile image
Jillbowles

I have also been taking 10 mgs Amitryptiline. Rheumatologist and GP both happy to prescribe this. Non addictive, no sluggishness in the morning, wake feeling very refreshed.

piglette profile image
piglette in reply to Jillbowles

I read somewhere that amitryptiline is the most heavily prescribed drug in U.K., so it must be popular and give results. It is a pretty old drug too so people know its reactions. Only problem is you can’t drink!!

Jillbowles profile image
Jillbowles in reply to piglette

Well I must admit I have been taking it after having had a glass of wine and had no ill effects at all. Fingers crossed I am not doing myself any permanent damage!!

piglette profile image
piglette in reply to Jillbowles

The alcohol affects your liver, you may not be aware of it of course. One glass you may get away with on the other hand.

Janstr profile image
Janstr

I find that if I don't stress about it & just accept that's the way it is a present, I do doze. Will look at the clock thinking it's been a few minutes & often an hour has gone by.

Sandy1947 profile image
Sandy1947

One and a half tablets Advil PM. Dog wakes me between 2 and 3 to go out...can’t go back to sleep. Pred. at 5. It’s a very long day!

MamaBeagle profile image
MamaBeagle

3 am when the adrenals come out to play! I have taken Sleepeaze but they are anti histamines and can leave you a bit groggy in the morning. I now take melatonin at 8pm ish- it's intended to help circadian rhythm and I also take valerian at bed time. I find this helps.

maria40 profile image
maria40

Following advice on here, recently I've been taking my second daily AdCal tablet just before bedtime with a tiny snack and am sleeping better and longer, though tend to wake as it gets light but do drift off again.

Mrs-CJ profile image
Mrs-CJ

Once I got to about 3 mgs of prednisone, I found that taking my second calcium pill just before bed seemed to help me sleep better. This pill is calcium/magnesium/D. I wake once to go to the bathroom and seem to get back to sleep better.....tho after about 4 am I awaken a few times.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS

You may need to "reset" your melatonin clock. I think there are some techniques to help which include getting up at an early hour even if you didn't fall asleep until the wee small hours. Exposure to daylight is important, sunlight if you can get it. No caffeine after lunchtime. Avoid exercising too close to bedtime. Online you can find info about foods which contain tryptophan which may help you get sleepy. No screen time within an hour of bedtime. And, like others here, you may find a dose of calcium will help you relax and sleep better. I take mine with a little milk, plus a large tablespoon of plain full cream yoghurt, and this stops me from waking up hungry in the middle of the night as well as making the calcium easier to tolerate.

Telian profile image
Telian

Same as SJ 10mg Amitriptyline before bed works a treat,you'll be able to stop taking it when you get to 4mg without problem I've done it no withdrawals. What dose pred are you on?

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