insomnia

[LLH]

This is the best site that I have found for nurses to help other nurses. I just happened upon it while doing some homework for grad school. Any type nurse can probably help with this question? I am a breast cancer survivor and while on chemo, I had severe bone pain due to the chemo pulling from my bone marrow. During all of this I was on pain medication. For about 8 months post chemo, I had residual bone pain and continued to take pain meds. Most all of them would keep me up all night, except dilaudid. Now that I am on nothing, I still have insomnia real bad. I have tried the OTC remedies, but nothing works. I have tried a glass of wine each night before bed and I usually do not take naps during the day, now that is. I am really trying hard not to nap, because I hope to go back to work in January. I am so tired of taking meds that it is not even funny. Sometimes I feel like a walking pharmacy. When I say insomnia, I mean 2-3 night with 2-3 hrs or no sleep at all. Then when my body says no more, I crash real bad and can not even get out of bed for a day and a half. Can anyone help me? Thanks for any replys

Lolita

[ShandyLynnRN, BSN, RN]

xanax is great!

[bagladyrn, RN]

You may want to ask your provider about something to help you sleep for a short time to break this cycle. I took Ambien occasionally at one time and found it worked with no "hangover"feeling.

Another thing I have found that helps, especially if you don't want more meds is to find someone who can teach you self hypnosis and relaxation techniques. I had a therapist who taught me this and it really does work!

[tattooednursie, LVN]

allnurses.com contributes to my insomnia!

[emily_mom]

I've also taken Ambien with no lasting side effects. You should talk to your provider and see what they recommend. It's hard to be on top of your game when you can't see straight. Hope you are feeling well and welcome to allnurses!! This place is addictive!!

Kristy

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Try a glass of warm milk and a slice of turkey. Are you cutting out the caffeine? Do you nap during the day?

renerian

[semstr]

Did you try a glass of red wine or white? I would say try red wine, it is better to go to sleep.

Or even better a good, strong beer. (just one glass of course)

[researchrabbit]

One of the MDs I worked with in Kansas used hypnosis for this (she is the one who inspired me to take classes). If you have a hypnotherapist in your area, at least it's a non-drug intervention. And if you are close to OKC, I need people to practice on...:)

[RN2B2005]

Ask your physician for Ambien. It works, and quickly. Much better than Xanax, which at least for me makes me feel like a slug.

The only adverse effect I've had with Ambien is a sort of 'blackout' for the hour or so between when it kicks in and when I actually go to sleep. So make sure that you're ready for bed when you go to take it--otherwise, you might not remember what you did just before going to sleep.