Dear Sleep,
Oh where have you been? It's been so long! Each night I hope I will get at least 7 or 8 hours with you. But it never happens! I am so exhausted each night. I read for at least 20 minutes and then my eyes start to close. I turn the light out... but nothing happens. I just lay there. But I don't get it because I'm so tired! I don't even have any stressful things on my mind!
Last night after an hour or two, I finally broke down and took an Ambien. But that really didn't do me any good at all! I eventually fell asleep for an hour or two, but I still woke up super early around 3:30. Ambien is not very reliable. I would like to try other medications, but since I'm thinking about starting a family I really don't want to get too attached to any drug. I suppose this is what what motherhood is like anyhow. So maybe this is preparation?
Without you, I'm useless. I wake up with a bad headache and sore throat. It takes me even longer to get going. My brain is a complete fog. My already small energy envelope shrinks down and I can't really do much at all. I sometimes will try to play catch up and take a quick nap in the day. However, I never actually sleep during my nap. Oh how I miss you so! Hope to see you soon.
Your Biggest Fan,
Amanda
Oh, Amanda, I can so relate!! I remember those sleepless nights...though I have tried to forget! My sleep (and my son's who also has CFS) now feels completely normal - I sleep soundly for 8-9 hours and wake feeling refreshed.
ReplyDeleteThe key is to treat the root of our sleep problems - endocrine dysfunction that prevents our bodies from making and releasing the right amount of the right hormones at night. Check out my blog post about how to treat CFS sleep dysfunction:
http://livewithcfs.blogspot.com/2009/09/treating-cfs-sleep-dysfunction.html
This treatment does involve medication, though not sedatives like Ambien (I only need Ambien when I travel now and then only a 1/2 pill). Your doctor can tell you whether these meds are safe for pregnancy.
Correcting the sleep dysfunction of CFS makes a HUGE difference in all the other symptoms.
Good luck - you deserve some good sleep!
Sue
I take melatonin with theanine before bed. It helps. I also take a Tylenol PM which helps somewhat, too. Still, I hear ya -- I would love to wake up feeling good for a change.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestions. My doctor wants me to try Melatonin and a calming tea. For now, what has worked is my husband sleeping on the couch. LOL! I was able to get 6 blissful hours of sleep last night!
ReplyDelete