I have been going through a phase of seriously broken sleep, attributable to my stuttering adrenals I think. Restless legs, general discomfort etc.
I have bought myself a long ( 4 ft 6 ins) pillow with a bolster pillowcase. I am finding it comfortable to cuddle and throw my leg over it. I managed 8 hours last night. Husband too hot for the task. I thought it might help someone else. You are welcome 🤗.
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SheffieldJane
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It's good you've found something that works. There's nothing worse than not being able to sleep.
Last year I went through a period of approximately 6mths when at least 3 nights every week, I'd be awake the whole night. Like you, I feel it was probably adrenal related.
Thankfully that's passed now and although I still never really sleep through the night, I do sleep!
Keeping the bedroom at a cool temperature really works for me now.
If it's too warm I also experience restless legs, sweats and feel more agitated. I always have my windows open a little. It's also nice to hear the 'night noises'.
The adrenals still leave me incredibly fatigued though at times...varies from day to day. (Morning cortisol test booked for Mon!)
Yes I always have my windows open too. Good luck with your Morning Cortisol test! I see my Endocrinologist next week. Lord knows what he will do with me, but I am stuck and will try it. Hydrocortisone I bet, I refused it before, when I just had PMR and thought I was winning on 3 mgs, then GCA / LVV happened. Stuck between 4.5 and 5 mgs now.
I am glad you have found a solution. I am still suffering major chronic insomnia and am just beginning to work with a sleep consultant. She is confident she can sort me out. 🙏
I’ve used a third pillow for a long time and love it. Generally sleep well now I’m on very low dose of prednisolone but temperature is still out of control! Windows open all night unless it’s a howling game….. which is too often in Edinburgh unfortunately.
Good luck with the pillow and bad luck for hubby 😘
Edinburgh can pleasantly surprise with its weather though do admit ! My son spent some of the Pandemic in Edinburgh University Halls, by Edinburgh Castle walls. Spooky silence. Another reason for him to shut the windows. 👻
Oh Jane, so glad you've found a temporary solution. I can't be too close to hubby either, these blokes can generate some heat 🔥. When you make the move, you'll find that most houses have air-conditioning which really is a godsend at night. Keep battling on, I sense that you are winning! 💪
Thanks LemonZest11. We have been around 20 times and rented houses, so I’ve got an idea. I fell in love with this last one - 15 yards from a Lagoon that fed into the sea, Urunga. Never too hot. X
With mangroves and beautiful water birds including a couple of Pelicans who would sail serenely past our veranda deck at dusk. I was in the shallow, warm water once when a Stingray swam elegantly past me. My mind is still blown. It is exactly in the middle of my two daughter’s homes - Raleigh and Sawtell. Nice thoughts when you can’t sleep aye.
thank you for the post. As a life long poor sleeper 4 hours is normal 5 good and 6 excellent for me, although it’s always a broken sleep. I have a 45 minute lie down most afternoons but don’t sleep however it does help. I’m mainly med free so it’s just my way apparently. Glad to know you found a solution 😀
My doctor son in law told me that humans weren’t designed to sleep solidly through the night, that was brought in to increase our productivity during the Industrial Revolution. Short few hour bursts of sleep throughout the 24 hour period were more normal. No, it didn’t help me much either. 🙂
I take extra Magnesium when it’s bad. It can act almost like a paracetamol would. I get it in my arms too. It’s a horrible sensation, particularly active at the moment - why?
Well at least the pillow doesn’t answer back… but don’t dismiss husband - hot or not - too readily. You’ll find when they aren’t there, they were a lot more useful [at times] than you thought..😂🤣
I used to manage a cumulative 6 hrs sleep, but now seem to be averaging 4, despite what is probably bordering on the DF. Sometimes if I sit up well padded with pillows, I can drop off. I try not to worry about the lack of sleep although fairly certain it is linked to the length of a fuse!! I am trying the slow crawl to 4mg yet again so I guess the adrenals are playing silly beggars too
I'm a bloke, and I've used a third pillow for years, ever since I had frozen shoulder back in the 00's. Since then I've found I can't sleep properly without some form of support for my 'upper' arm, whichever side I'm on. The 'upper' arm is whichever one is uppermost when I'm lying on my side. I can't sleep on my back or front, so I sleep in something resembling the recovery position, but with both arms out to the same side.
In this position the 'upper' arm is the one hanging off the shoulder that's not being squashed, and I just rest the 'upper' arm on the pillow and I'm off to dream land zzz zzzz zzzz zzzz!
Jane, I am so sorry you too have the sleep problem - those long hours lying awake seem interminable! I like the idea of your third pillow and will try it. It's comforting to know that this insomnia is a result of pred. I sometimes wonder what is pred and what is simply getting older?
Also habit ( insomnia) I can fall asleep in front of the telly - deeply and snap wide awake as soon as I’m in bed. I also do better on Australia time. It’s a complex issue.
So it’s you, Kendrew and me listening to dogs barking and owls hooting in the nighttime.
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