Sleep problems- PMD side effects?

[Silver-Babe]

Hello again,

I can’t stop walking up early . Usually about 5.00 am. It used to be difficulty in getting to sleep, but now it’s the other problem. Did I read somewhere that it could be side effects of PMR? I’m on 15mg per day.

[MaritimeMags]

Dear Silver-Babe. I am going to say “yes, highly likely” in answer to your question if I go by my own experience.

I was diagnosed with PMR three years ago, when I used to have a really good sleep pattern. After starting on Prednisolone, I began getting the odd sleepless night but this past year it has developed into a regular three or four nights a week. I am not conscious of worrying about anything, and am not in pain, to keep me awake but, although tired, just cannot get to sleep. I am absolutely sure it is the Pred. but we have all had our routines upset by Covid and Lockdowns. I do not take any other drug and drink decaff tea.

That said, I suppose it’s impractical to blame Pred for every condition we develop.

[Silver-Babe in reply to MaritimeMags]

Thanks MM,Thought there must be a link to it. It’s awful to wake up tired isn’t it?

[Horizon12 in reply to MaritimeMags]

I found at the beginning when I was on a high dose I could not get to sleep. Normaly took 2 hours which was very unusual as I was nodding off just getting undressed! I found the lower the dose the easier it became. Never suffered like that before and in my opinion it was definitely the prednisolone. I'm sure someone with more knowledge can explain scientificly why this is. X

[Silver-Babe in reply to Horizon12]

Thanks for this. My main problem now is waking up early and lying there hoping sleeep will take me, but it seldom does....

[SnazzyD]

Pred can do this and it happens to scores of people. I found the effect wore off as the dose went down.

[Silver-Babe in reply to SnazzyD]

Ok Snazzy,Something to look forward to then!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The daily batch of inflammatory substances is shed in the body at about 4.30am - many people find that wakes them up then or soon after, especially if that is also enough to cause hip and/or shoulder pain making them uncomfortable. For me it causes a tingling in my leg nerves/muscles for a short time.

[Silver-Babe in reply to PMRpro]

Oh that is very interesting - thank you - it eplains everything, but how do you know that?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Silver-Babe]

Because it is the scientific basis for the symptoms. I'm a medical scientist and have been studying PMR for the last 12 years or so.

[Silver-Babe in reply to PMRpro]

Gosh! No wonder you’re an ambassador! I’ll always come to you now!

[Agavegirl in reply to PMRpro]

Respect!

[AdoptMeow]

Hi Silver-Babe. Have you tried splitting the 15 mg dose to take 5 mg after dinner or at bedtime. I slept much better when taking 1/4 -1/3 of my dose before going to bed. I read that when getting down below 10 mg it was better to take it once per day. But my rheumatologist said to continue splitting, so I currently do 5 and 2.5.

[Silver-Babe in reply to AdoptMeow]

Thanks Adopt. That’s interesting. Thanks. I’m due to speak to my doctor on Tuesday so I’ll talk to her about this.