Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion Helpful Tips HELP I need sleep

I was sleeping badly too, often awake from about 2-5 AM. I saw the rheumy two weeks ago and she put on amitriptyline 10 mg. I can't believe what a difference it makes. I sleep beautifully now. Even if something hurts, the pain only half wakes me up and then I go back to sleep. I have to admit, though, that I don't have really severe pain right now. I had a lot of day time grogginess the first week, but it has worn off now.

I've tried Ambien and it works great for me. The problem is that you can't take it long-term. At least for me, it became less effective after a week or two. Nevertheless, Ambien is nice for occasional insomnia.

As far as meltdowns in front of the doctor, don't feel too badly about it. I had a massive meltdown with the physical therapist a couple of months ago. I was just so frustrated and I was premenstrual and I fell apart. The PT was wonderful, took me to a private room, gave me a cup of water and some tissues and then patiently listened to me pour out my frustration. He didn't just stop there, though. He ever-so-gently pushed me back toward working toward my own wellness. The next time I went in, I thanked him sincerely for his kindness and patience with me, though my thanks just seemed to make him embarrassed.

I hope you can find something to help you sleep. I was very resistant to taking yet another medication. What my rheumy said to me was, "Your body heals itself in deep sleep. If you are not sleeping you are not going to get well." I thought about what she said for a couple of days then decided to fill the scrip. I'm glad I did.

Karen

I know Flexeril helps so many people. It gave me tachycardia and I can't take it. Trazadone is the best for me and they took me off it because of the Sjogren's. My best sleep aid is the old "Dell" for a while or a good boring book with a warm cup of hot chocoloate (no sugar added of course). I never felt more rested than when on the Trazadone. Now I take 1 -2 mg. Xanax to help me relax and sleep. Works pretty good. You certainly have to wean off it.

Hope you are sound asleep right now.

Blessings.
Possi

> "a warm cup of hot chocoloate" < Possi - Doesn't this keep you awake? Chocolate contains caffeine! Horlicks would be a better option http://www.horlicks.co.uk/ Should be available in the US.

Molly

No, it doesn't. It is one of those little packages of mix that is milk chocolate and is just barely chocolate and barely warm. Yes, much chocolate keeps me awake. I would never eat a Hershey's or something like that or even home made hot chocolate but this works and only 60 calories.

Never heard of the Horlicks. Will check it out.

Blessings.
Possi

Hi there Jude,
It sure is great all the advise from one post. It's amazing the different things people do to sleep. I must say, I have been having some success with the Flexerill. I have been taking 5mg a couple nights a week when I really need it most, and it seems to be helping. Oh my AS and psoriasis? That has to be a nightmere. Glad you found some relief.
Thanks for you input.

Cindy

Hi Karen, thanks for adding your "2 cents" I have heard others talk about Amitriptyline and how it has helped. I will check it out. The Flexeril seems to be helping again so I will stick with that for the next few weeks till I see my doc again.
Cindy

Hey Possi, yeah my old "HP" or a boring book seems to help too
Cindy

Hot Chocolate? Heck, I can drink a pot of coffee and go to sleep Caffeen doesn't seem to effect me either way. Pain meds wake me up where most people get drowsy. Yeah, I'm a bit strange and backwards
Cindy

Hi Manatee,

I use a prescription drug from my GP called Zopiclone. I use it for about 3 - 4 nights in a row when I am in a lot of pain, until I feel like I can get some sleep with my CPAP equipment again - I have sleep apnea too.

Good luck,

Sharl

Hi Sharl, New member huh? Welcome and thanks for you input. I've never heard of Zopiclone. The old Flexeril seems to be doing the trick again. I just think it was the whole knee replacement surgery again that threw my system for a loup. I took a couple months the last knee replacement to get back to sleeping again, this one was no different.
Cindy