Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives NSD and diet-related; Sleep

Hi Meredith,

What a shame you aren't sleeping well, that was one of my main improvements with the LSD. Mind you I'm up at least once to the bathroom too, been that way always, it is soooo annoying isn't it? When I'm on an early shift I try to get up at 5.45 which is no fun if not sleeping well.

The wine is a great idea, as is calcium (and/or magnesium? can't remember, sorry) Things I've tried before are reading a book I've already read - so I don't get too 'into' it, and sometimes playing music very softly. Herbal teas can help too, but are not to everyone's liking. Chamomile and Valerian are both good, I used a tea blend once called 'Mountains of the Moon' which I used during the day also when I was feeling a little strung out at work!! It was good!!!

One OTC med which seems to work very well is Nytol, which also comes as a herbal prep. Although I've never used it myself, I know a lot of nurses use it when on night duty, and in preference to prescription sleeping tablets.

I read this story yesterday:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health/newsid_2053000/2053365.stm

So it might be worth trying something like that, maybe a pillow spray, scented candle (put it out when you get into bed) or as a bath oil or even facial oil, rose oil is great for the skin - so at least if you don't sleep well you'll at least LOOK as if you got 8 hours in!! Sorry, didn't mean to tease.

Sometimes with poor sleep it's a matter of breaking the cycle, when you are anxious about not sleeping well it can make you super sensitive. Don't use that hour before you nod off tossing and turning, use it to read the boring book, sip a small cup of herbal tea, and hopefully when you wake up for your first bathroom trip, you'll realise you fell asleep with the book in your hand.

Take care,

Jan

'Mountains of the moon' - organic himalayan green tea with relaxing herbs naturally low in caffeine and high in antioxidants - that is what the blurb says on the packet of tea bags in front of me. No wonder I can't motivate myself to get on with my work, it's sending me to sleep.

'Tis you that say it, not I, you do the deeds,
And your ungodly deeds find me the words.

Thank you all for your suggestions on getting a better night's sleep. I went swimming after work yesterday and that did the trick as far as helping me feel relaxed enough at bedtime to fall asleep quickly. And I only woke up twice during the night to go to the bathroom. If I could just get it down to one time I'd be happy. I think part of my problem of falling asleep is stress and work-related. Some of that will hopefully subside once my workload decreases. Probably reading before bed is a good idea. But is it normal to get up twice and sometimes 3 times during the night to go to the bathroom? When I was first diagnosed with AS they found protein and blood in my urine, but it seemed to clear up over time and they couldn't find any underlying infection. I'm scheduled for a regular checkup in about 6 weeks so perhaps I'll get it checked out then.

-Meredith

Hi Meredith,

Good to hear swimming worked well for you, maybe Yoga or Pilates session would be good too, not to mention the wonderful soak-in-the-bath thing.

My getting up in the night is probably related to small bladder capacity, I had a bad run of fluid retention a few years ago and was prescribed diuretics, and the nurse in me had me measuring my own fluid balance (sad but true, but hey! I'm a nurse, we do these weird things!!!) As I lost 8lbs within a few hours, I know how pathetic my bladder must be!!! I'm still inclined to retain fluid and if so, tend to be up more overnight.

Blood and protein in the urine can be signs of infection, kidney stones, hypertension or renal impairment, so as you said, it would be wise to get it rechecked when you have your next appointment.

Bilko had me howling about the Mountains of the Moon tea, looks like it's a good endorsement for it's efficacy!!! I was using it whilst working in a place where I was working 13 1/2 hr shifts, often only being able to get one 20min break all day. I got used to drinking it then, and it was a big help. I love being busy and I'm known for my sense of calm, but there's only so much anyone can take. I was so glad to leave, the crappy management really didn't give a sh*t about their staff, never mind the patients. I just felt really sorry for the decent staff who were left there, many jumped ship when it became apparent how useless the manager was.

It's hard not to let it dominate you when you're working in a pressured environment, but try to use your time away from the place involved with other things. Hope it isn't long before they cut you some slack.

Take care,

Jan