Strange nightime happenings

[TheMoaningViolet]

This only happened a couple of times when I was particularly stressed and since I stopped Prednisolone completely three months ago. I found I could not settle at night (or I woke up after a short sleep) and I felt like I could not breathe or get comfortable. I was only able to go to sleep when I propped myself upright. Is this my adrenals grumbling at the time of excessive stress? It's weird that this only happens at night and I don't usually have trouble sleeping.

[SheffieldJane]

This does need to be reported to your doctor. I had this distressing symptom while I was on Prednisalone, just as you describe. I was sent for a range of cardiac examinations - nothing was found at that stage but later Large Vessel Vasculitis ( dose put up tom40 mgs) was diagnosed and a small leak in my Aorta that doesn’t need treatment as yet. Yours could be related to Adrenal struggles and this ought to be investigated as a matter of priority too. I was found to have an under performing Adrenal system but I was still on 5 mgs. I bought a finger clip to measure my oxygen levels which always seemed normal too. I think this was my most alarming symptom throughout this disease, but it was never really explained. The GP was keen to explain it as sleep Apnea. I do seem to have a tendency to a blocked nose that is permanent these days. The Jury is still out but it rarely happens now.

[TheMoaningViolet in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you Jane, it's quite peculiar. I keep thinking that no one will be interested in investigating it given the state of the NHS.

[HeronNS]

This is an interesting article, and like SheffieldJane suggests important to consult doctor.

sleepfoundation.org/physica...

[TheMoaningViolet in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you for this.

[SheffieldJane]

My GP son in law, here in Australia, was pretty shocked at the medical neglect here. Apparently my BP meds are all wrong. I am going to have to steel myself for an GP appointment. We must push a bit, others do. It’s difficult with our multi- various symptoms, you feel such a nuisance.

[SnazzyD]

I agree with the others, it needs to be investigated and don’t be fobbed off or feel there are worse off than you. Nighttime symptoms are always worth a look.

[Gimme]

Agree, get it checked out. Feeling breathless or breathing difficulties can be indicative of other conditions and they need to be ruled out. For most people there will be a simple explanation, but do look after your health. You have as much right to access the NHS as anyone else experiencing symptoms that concern them.

[Menno1525]

Were you previously on Omeprazole as well as steroids? And did you stop them at the same time? Reason I ask is that I have had that sort of experience in the past due to acid reflux and so was already on a regular dose of Omeprazole before I began steroids. Usually my maintenance dose of Omeprazole is 20mg daily, but I’ve been on 40mg (20mg morning and evening) since being on Pred and been fine but still sleep propped up and can’t lay completely flat for any length of time. If you came off Omeprazole at the same time as pred you may be having some reflux issues as your body readjusts to not being on steroids. Also, if, like me, you’ve put on weight whist on Pred you may find that that is putting extra pressure on your lungs and heart and affecting breathing, snoring etc. Definitely worth getting checked out

[TheMoaningViolet in reply to Menno1525]

Hi, I took Omeprazole for a few months and have tapered them off in September 2021. My weight fluctuates, but I eat a healthy diet and have been heavier that I am now. I could lose a few pounds though.

I am convinced that the experience I've had was stress-related and I was wondering about the adrenals.

[tangocharlie]

Could be sleep apnea, or could be other things. Defo get checked out