Taking hours to fall asleep

[Opie__]

Gabapentin has controlled my RLS for last year or so. I only take 600 mg at bedtime for last 3/4 months now. I have recently started having difficulty falling asleep (no RLS, just wide awake for 3/4 hours). I thought about asking for a sleep aid from GP but didn't want to take anything that would aggrevate RLS. I have never taken any sleep aids or narcotics in my life. Does anyone have any suggestions for a sleep aid that doesn't aggrevate RL and hopefully not be addictive. Thanks in advance

[ChrisColumbus]

Zopiclone (Zimovane, Imovane) is good for sleep and won't exacerbate RLS: it's generally prescribed for short term use to break a pattern of insomnia - in the UK it's usually prescribed for 2-4 weeks.

On the other hand, Hidden found that a small dose of clonidine (Carapres) helped them to get to sleep and to sleep better. Some also find that it can help RLS. It's usually prescribed for hypertension rather than insomnia, but a 2022 study found:

"Clonidine provides reliable anxiolysis, analgesia, and sleep but is not commonly employed for these useful qualities.Compared to zopiclone, clonidine may afford better sleep, better analgesia, and fewer adverse effects and these outcomes may be particularly beneficial in chronic pain patients."

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[SueJohnson]

Since you live in the US, zopiclone is not available. I would recommend lunesta. Yes clonidine can help as can trazodone but both are mainly for other purposes while lunesta is specifically for sleep. It is not addictive but as with most any medicine that one takes you can become dependent on it, since it helps and if you later decide not to take it you need to wean off it. The only sleep medicine that makes RLS worse is OTC melatonin. I would also advise against clonazepam as it has a long half life of 40 hours so can make you sleepy the next day.

[Opie__ in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks Sue, always helpful.

[ChrisColumbus]

Seeing Sue's reply - who knows that you're in the US - it would be good if you could complete your Profile with at least that information?

While we have a lot of US users, this is a UK/European site and it's helpful to know where people are - the availability of meds and treatments varies around the world.

Meanwhile I'll TRY to remember that you can't get zopiclone in the US but you can get eszopiclone (Lunesta)!🙃

[Opie__ in reply to ChrisColumbus]

I updated my profile, maybe that will make replying easier. Thanks

[marigold60]

Just a thought, do you have any wind down time before bed? I don't easily fall asleep either. If I don't read a book in bed, usually for about 20 to 30 minutes I can't relax enough to drop off. I go to bed before my husband so it doesn't interfere with his sleep, he always goes out like a light. Also if I wake in the night and can't sleep I'll go in another room and read till I feel sleepy, then come back to bed

[Opie__ in reply to marigold60]

Your post could be hubby's and my sleep routine. I always read some before going to sleep but unfortunately, it can be 1 to 2 hours of reading. Thanks for the suggestion

[Nikos64]

I have the same problem and I urge you to avoid a sleep aid. It may help you short term, but it will not be much help long term.

Instead you may want to see a psychologist that specializes in sleep issues to learn about sleep hygiene.

This is what I am currently working on. In my case my RLS is more serious than yours and I take stronger medication and sleeping pills no matter how RLS safe they may be are not an option. However even if that weren’t the case I’d still opt for learning about sleep hygiene

Best wishes for restful sleep.

[Tryffan1]

I listen to an audio book. One that has a soothing voice and that I've listened to many times so that I don't get involved in the story.

[Opie__ in reply to Tryffan1]

I may try the book audio, I have many audio books that I listened to while working years ago. I wlll give that a try, thanks

[Mauritius-1960]

I have been using Cabalin for several weeks now. At first I thought I was getting side effects from this medicine but after a few days it disappeared so it must have been the flu. I have no or very little problems with my legs with this medication and I have stopped taking Ropinirole. What I do notice now is that it is very difficult for me to fall asleep. I also lie awake for a few hours, but this is better than kicking my legs for hours. I'm willing to put up with it and know that I will fall asleep after an hour or so. I would like to thank everyone very much for all the help

[Boofoo71]

Hi Opie, Ive tried so hard to get off medication and I'm determined to take a more organic route. I wont bore you with my history, needless to say, its been a rough ride. Ive been off Ropinerol for a few weeks after 15 years, plus sleeping meds. Was going to start Gaberpentin about a week ago but didnt. My RLS has changed from hell on earth to a little bit annoying. I am floored at the moment with my symptoms! I'm hoping this last but who knows. I take subscribed Iron, sertraline and 2 tramadol just before bed and I'm sleeping like a baby. Ideally I'd like to cut out my tramadol but it seems to take the edge off. RLS is such an individual disease and what works for some, is horrific for others. The biggest organic change in my life is my diet and sleep hygiene. Ive taken a lot of sugar, dairy and high fat items out of my diet, plenty of fluids (keep hydrated), and my bedtime routine is: I dont eat after 7pm.

I put my electric blanket on low an hour before bed (the gentle heat has made a huge difference).

Shower about an hour before bed

Stretching exercises.

Read (I listen to audio books or ask Alexia to play sleep hypnosis, whinte noise etc another great tool is buying another Alexia by my bed, you can get a basic one relatively inexpensive nowadays)

Ive spent years poisoning my body with harsh medications, which I strongly believe have made my condition so much worse.

I've have no idea what the future holds and things can change, but in my personal opinion and what has worked for me, and blown my mind is a more organic approach.

Bedtime used to cause so much anxiety due to severe insomnia, but no more.

Good luck, I hope you find your thing. Xxxx

[SueJohnson in reply to Boofoo71]

Just be aware that tramadol is the only opioid that can cause augmentation.

[Apricottoby]

I have started taking magnesium glycinate ordered from Amazon. I take 2 tablets after my dinner at night and the difference in my sleep has been great. I am falling over more easily and not wakening through the night. I’ve also recommended to friends and they’ve noticed a difference too. Lots of other benefits taking this supplement too.

Magnesium Glycinate

[grassgree in reply to Apricottoby]

But make sure magnesium is not taken within two hours of gabapentin or pregabalin. Magnesium and antacids will interfere with absorption of those drugs and diminish their effectiveness.

[Opie__ in reply to Apricottoby]

I do take magnesum as well but thanks

[Apricottoby in reply to Opie__]

I also took just magnesium for about 1 year before trying the magnesium glycinate and noticed no difference at all.

[Birdland]

I don’t think anyone has said that most of the OTC sleep aids contain sedative antihistamines which can make RLS worse. Also, my sister takes Gabapentin which causes her to have insomnia. I hope you find a good solution.

[Eryl]

Make sure your last meal of the day is low carb. Make your last drink of the day chamomile tea. L-serine is a natural amino acid hich promotes sleep. Ashwaganda is a herb which can regulate the stress hormone cortisol and berberine can lower blood sugar which will settle nerves. Valerian is a herb which the primary constituent of most steep remedies.

[DicCarlson]

I agree with all the advice from Erl above. A lot of times there is a battle of the neurotransmitters Glutamate (the excitable one, keeping you awake) and GABA (the relaxing one). The brain creates one from the other. Try ibuprofen (a glutamate blocker). I use caplets that I can break in 2 - so it's a half dose whenever I wake up. Also, Vitamin B6 is needed to convert Glutamate to GABA. You can supplement with it alone or in a high quality B50 supplement. Many more suggestions in the Huberman Lab - sleep toolkit.

hubermanlab.com/newsletter/...

[Purpleyam]

Hi Opie, I also take Gabapentin for my RLS and would lay there comfortable but just not falling asleep. I find that I need my cannabis oil before bed, it's a formula that is perfect for aiding in sleep. No hangover the next day, all good. I'm in Canada where we can purchase pharmaceutical grade cbd oil at cannabis retailers anywhere. Mine is a blend of THC, CBN, and CBD oil. Good luck!

[Opie__ in reply to Purpleyam]

I would certainly be interested but it is illegal in my state. Thanks though

[Purpleyam in reply to Opie__]

You've got many replies here so I wish you success 🙌

[teakabeagle]

I get a headset and listen to deep sleep hypnosis programs. Haven’t made it through one yet. If your RLS is controlled, work hard on sleep hygiene because ours sucks after years of RLS. Sleep Foundation has a free 14 day program

[Boofoo71 in reply to teakabeagle]

I'm the same, laid there and thought, 'well this is not going to work' and never reached the end! Oh by the way I lost my beagle a year ago, he was 14, I miss him terribly 😔

[teakabeagle in reply to Boofoo71]

I’m so sorry for your loss. Yes, I am a beagle owner. Only breed of dog I’ve ever had! Molly is my latest ( of 7) and she is 16. She’s starting to slow down, so I’m preparing myself😪

What I found is that you have to get yourself relaxed first. I take my med, then go in relax mode. For me, that’s a hot bath( helps the legs too), reading, meditation and then the sleep hypnosis. You have to search around, but you tube has tons. I found the persons voice was key. Accents distract me, men voice more relaxing than women’s voices. Back ground music, especially binaural. I use a headset because ear buds are uncomfortable.

I think the meditation training has helped as I can focus better. Of course all of this banked on having god control of the RLS.

[Boofoo71 in reply to teakabeagle]

Thanks for your reply. Its never the right time for us to make such a awful decision, but its the right time for our furbabies. We will meet them again Heaven. Our Lord can dog sit in the interim. I'm sure their all up to their naughty little antics and having fun with each other. My Brett was my world. He distracted me from my on going frustrations and was my shadow. It didn't matter what time of the day or night I was walking round my home in tears because I was so tired yet my whole body wouldn't stop moving, he was always with me 🐶😢. I like your idea of headphones, my ears don't seem big enough for the buds. Finding deep sleep hypnosis has been a life saver for me, even when I was still twitching I somehow managed a few hours. It so important to establish a bedtime routine, I hope our tips helps other poor victims of this awful disease.

[Murphy10 in reply to Boofoo71]

Hi

I am sorry for your loss. I have a Beagle and he is 14. He has now had a couple of seizures and is on his last legs.

I will miss him dearly when he goes but I am sure his memories will live on. I am sure you have so many good memories of your Beagle that you will cherish. They are so much part of your life!

[Boofoo71 in reply to Murphy10]

Its the memories that make me smile. I still hurt, however, I will see him again 💕🐶

[Boofoo71 in reply to teakabeagle]

Unless teakabeagle has nothing to do with beagles then Ive just made a silly error 😜

[BeachGolfer]

You may want to try Delta 8 THC gummies which are legal in most US states though you can also buy online. I take Oxycodone for the restlessness and 100mg of CBD and 50 mg of THC for sleep. I fall asleep in about 1 1/2-2 hours. I usually wake up twice but fall back to sleep quickly. I wish you the best in figuring out what will work for you.

[Opie__ in reply to BeachGolfer]

I recently found that Delta 8 was available in my state. I have used them for 5/6 nights and I am falling asleep faster. Thanks for the info.

[BeachGolfer in reply to Opie__]

Happy to hear! 💤

[RestlessNinja]

I play 'brown noise' all night after switching off the lights.