Insomnia

[Annie2912]

I have tried everything to help me go to sleep and stay asleep from herbal tea, lavender sprays, gentle music, cool room..but im heat intolerant and my brain just wont turn off!!!!.... please help...im burning myself out!!!

[Skyebeardie]

I had chronic insomnia for around 3 years till I found this site. I started at the beginning, got my bloods done, posted here and began to deal with my vitamin deficiencies, started self medicating and my sleep is fine now, I rarely wake up till morning. You need to post what medication you are taking, diagnosis and blood results before anyone can comment on why you aren't sleeping.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Do you have recent thyroid tests results and also vitamin D, folate, B12 & ferritin levels. Is post on here, with ranges. If not ask GP for tests or test results.

Do you have Hashimoto's- high thyroid antibodies - if you do are you on gluten free diet

Low vitamin D (and low B5) can be a cause of insomnia. Vitamin D & Good B complex might help

drgominak.com/vitamin-d-hor...

Magnesium supplements are calming and relaxing- taken in afternoon or evening (at least four hours away from Levo)

[SewingBee]

It's true to say that when your medication dose is wrong it does affect your sleep pattern but a young doctor once told me to take the odd Piriton when it gets too much to bear and if the smaller Piriton dose doesn't work then to take the larger tablet but don't do this regularly. It works for me as my dose needs to change almost 2monthly. For the record I haven't taken a Piriton for about 4 months.

I hope this helps!

[BadHare]

Magnesium at bedtime is good if that's not when you take your THs. Take it on an empty stomach. I use chelated, but some peole prefer other types. depending on their symptoms: globalhealingcenter.com/nat...

9 Types of Magnesium

1. Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate

A mineral chelate form of magnesium containing an ion of magnesium oxide connected to a mixture of some other form of amino acid. This could be a lactate, a glycine, aspartate or arginate, etc. The best chelated amino acid form of magnesium is aspartate or arginate.

2. Magnesium Oxide

Also referred to as “Magnesia”, magnesium oxide is commonly used therapeutically as a laxative and relief for acid reflux. This type of magnesium shows high levels of concentration, but poor levels of bioavailability (only 4%).

3. Magnesium Citrate

Derived from the magnesium salt of citric acid, this form of magnesium has lower concentration, but a high level of bioavalibity (90%). Magnesium citrate is commonly used as to induce a bowel movement, but has also been studied for kidney stone prevention.

4. Magnesium Orotate

The most effective form of magnesium supplement, created through the use of the mineral salts of orotic acid. Both plants and animals use orotates to create DNA and RNA. Extensive scientific research by Dr. Hans A. Nieper, M.D. shows orotates can penetrate cell membranes, enabling the effective delivery of the magnesium ion to the innermost layers of the cellular mitochondria and nucleus. Magnesium orotate contains many properties that can help protect you and your health, while offering your cells the most readily absorbable form of magnesium on the market today.

5. Magnesium Chloride

A form of magnesium showing moderate concentrations, but higher levels of bioavalibity when compared to magnesium oxide. Magnesium chloride has many uses, most commonly to help manufacture paper, some types of cements and fireproofing agents.

6. Magnesium Lactate

This type of magnesium shows moderate concentrations, but higher levels of bioavalibity as compared to magnesium oxide. Magnesium lactate is a mineral supplement that is most commonly used for treating digestive issues. Magnesium lactate should be avoided by those with kidney disease or kidney-related problems.

7. Magnesium Sulfate

An inorganic form of magnesium with an elemental concentration of 10% and lower levels of bioavailability. Magnesium sulfate contains magnesium and sulfer and oxygen; it’s commonly referred to as Epsom Salt.

8. Magnesium Carbonate

This form of magnesium has moderate levels of elemental concentration and 30% bioavalibity rates. Magnesium carbonate has a strong laxative-effect when taken in high amounts. It is also commonly known as chalk, and is used as a drying agent by pitchers, gymnasts, rock climbers and weight lifters.

9. Magnesium Glycinate, Malate & Taurates

Chelated forms of magnesium are less concentrated, but the magnesium in them is a much more bioavailable form. All three types of magnesium have a variety of uses, but none are as beneficial as the previous magnesium supplements listed above.

[helvella Administrator]

When do you take your levothyroxine?

Some people find that taking it at bed-time improves sleep. For many, it also improves absorption.

I see you recently had your dose reduced due to, I think, high Free T4. If that is right, did you leave a suitable time between your last dose and having blood drawn? A test drawn within 12 hours can most certainly show a false high FT4 result - usual advice is to leave near 24 hours. If your dose was reduced when it didn't really need to be, well, under-dosing can also cause sleep issues.

[Annie2912 in reply to helvella]

Thank you..there was a good eight hours from taking tablet to blood test

[Kitten1978]

Annie,

Since you posted on Thyroid UK forum I assume you have underactive thyroid?

- what thyroid medication are you taking (T4, T4/T3, ndt, T3-only) and what dose?

- how long have you been taking it for?

- What's your TSH, TF4 and TF3, with norms?

- your iron, ferritin (or TIBC), vit D3, B12 levels? It's not good enough to have iron, ferritin, d3 and b12 within "normal" ranges if you are hypothyroid.

- have you ever had cortisol saliva test done?

Insomnia with hypothyroidism is usually an adrenal symptom: if our bodies don't have enough thyroid hormones adrenals compensate by producing excess cortisol (excess cortisol can cause insomnia). Eventually adrenals get too tired and are unable to produce enough cortisol. They start to produce excess adrenaline... Melatonin might help if insomnia is caused by high cortisol but it will make things worse if low cortisol is the problem.

Some people cannot tolerate T4-only meds. There is also a minority of people who cannot tolerate even T4/T3 combination (both synthetic and ndt). They require T3-only medication. Unfortunately the only way to find it out is trial and error.

Antihistamines such as sleepeasy (dispensed at the discreection of a pharmacist in the UK) or benadryl might help in the meantime but what you need is the right type of thyroid medication for you, at the right dose, and good levels of iron, D3 and B12.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Kitten1978]

Kitten1978,

Please try to be specific and not use brand names that apply to multiple products with different active ingredients.

One of the main UK Benadryl products contains acrivastine as its active ingredient. Other Benadryl products contain diphenhydramine or cetirizine. I suspect you meant to refer to products that contain diphenhydramine (as that is the active ingredient of Sleepeaze)?

It is a minefield - especially when we have to consider products in multiple countries.

[Kitten1978 in reply to helvella]

Yes, I meant products that contain diphenhydramine. Thank you for pointing it out. I'll be more careful next time.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Kitten1978]

It is easily done!

[Annie2912 in reply to Kitten1978]

Hi, yes, I have underactive thyroid..I've been on medication, Levothyroxine for over 15 years now. My dose has been reduced to 125mcg..I was on 175mcg in January but my bloods were high then, sorry, dont know the levels, and my dose was decreased to 150mcg. I just haven't felt well since. My sleep difficulty is a long term thing but at present is the worst it has ever been as my arms and throat are so itchy. I guess there could be other contibuting factors such as the menopause. Ive never had a cortisol saliva test so will ask my GP when I see him next week. Ive tried Melatonin too.. was not effective. Im taking a Vit D supplement around teatime..I take my Levothyroxine as soon as I wake, at least 40 minutes before breakfast. .I try to give it an hour. I will ask for full blood test results next time to post.

[Kitten1978 in reply to Annie2912]

Annie2912

- What was your TSH, FT3 and FT4 in January when you were on 175mcg of T4?

- how did you feel on 175mcg of T4?

- have you ever had vitamin D3 test done? Vit D defficiency is common among people with underactive thyroid. It may be worth showing your GP this letter: gov.uk/government/publicati...

It's best to take vit D earlier in the day as it temporarily suppresses melatonin. Some people say it should be taken at least 1hr after thyroid meds, others say at least 3hrs after thyroid meds.

- Your GP won't do the cortisol saliva test. The could do cortisol blood test, which is far less reliable. You could do the test privately:

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

- Was it your GP or your endo who reduced your levo dose? If you are undermedicated on your current dose your adrenals might be struggling.

According to Dr Anthony Toft "The appropriate dose of levothyroxine is that which restores euthyroidism and serum TSH to the lower part of the reference range – 0.2-0.5mU/l. In this case, free thyroxine is likely to be in the upper part of its reference range or even slightly elevated – 18-22pmol/l. Most patients will feel well in that circumstance." I'm happy to email you the article if it helps.

Take care xx

[kymkat]

Melatonin.... naturally made in the body so in theory its not a drug,helps get sleep naturally.

[Theminx in reply to kymkat]

I use melatonin too, it has worked wonders.

[Skyebeardie in reply to kymkat]

Yes, melatonin has been a huge help for me as well, my sleep is now so improved since advice on here, even the bags under my eyes have gone!

[ElspethMann in reply to Skyebeardie]

Can I ask which brand you use ...thanks and how quickly does it work !!!

[Mauds]

Can I ask Theminx what is melatonin and where do you get it.

[Annie2912]

Thank you all for replying to my post..you have given me lots of good information and advice for which im grateful for

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Your GP will not be able to organise a saliva cortisol test. They are unlikely to have even heard of it

But GP can test vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin

Always make sure to get actual results including ranges

Also find out if you have Hashimotos/autoimmune thyroid. This is diagnosed by high antibodies

Meanwhile vitamin C can help tired adrenals

If you want full comprehensive Thyroid & vitamin tests including FT3 & both antibodies you may have to organise yourself (lots of us are in same boat)

See Thyroid Uk Website- private tests page

[Diane_36]

I myself use Zopiclone for sleep and for me it works great. I don't take it every night only when needed. I am able to fall alseep within the 30 minutes of taking the drug. Never had any bad side effects. I've got them from generic-meds-store.com ..just in case.

Good luck all!