Sandman hates me

MissChloe · Aug 10, 2010

Yetanotheramanda,

I don't think she's saying she doesn't have TIME to sleep, but rather that she CAN'T sleep. Your advice would work if she just didn't have the time, but even when one with insomnia has an indefinite period to sleep in, they still cannot sleep.

mamamerlee, LPN · Aug 10, 2010

So after your MI, who will tend to YOU? Stop trying to be all things to all people, and get some rest. You already have chest pain????? And if you miss a few things with your kids, they will survive.

Are you married? Where is your husband during all this? Would he prefer that you end up in the hospital?

For heaven's sake, get off this treadmill!

brownbook · Aug 10, 2010

You have not slept more than 4 hours in a 24 hour period for 20 years! I would say by now that is just what you and your body are used to, maybe that is all you need!!!!!!

You have chest and jaw pain? Sounds like classic MI symptoms. See a doctor. (I also think that women MI symptoms can be insomnia, but I don't think you are having a 20 year heart attack?)

I have had insomnia for about 20 years, NEVER as bad as yours. I have learned that on the when I do sleep 6 hours I often feel tired and grumpy! On nights I sleep 4 hours I may feel just fine, have enough energy, function well! I think it is psychological. If I brood, think I only slept 4 hours I'm going to feel lousy all day, then I do feel lousy. If I think, ok well I didn't get a lot of sleep but actually I feel ok now and just go about my day I'm fine. The less I obsess about "counting" the hours slept, the better I function.

My insomnia started when I was working nights, and continued unabated when I switched to days.

Many people tell my I look 10 years younger than my actual age! Not bragging, just don't blame nursing for someone looking older than their age!

Check out "sleep hygiene" on the Internet. There are some good suggestions. No miracle cure, but helpful hints.

For me I have found drinking more coffee during the day when I'm really tired works good, doesn't seem to interfere with falling asleep at night. This is just a recent thing I have been trying, you have to experiment with what works for you.

TLeech · Aug 10, 2010

It might be incredibly difficult to find the time and energy to workout, but getting into a regular workout routine might help your body be able to let go and sleep at the end of the day.

Redhead28 · Aug 10, 2010

Have you tried taking anything to help you sleep. I know Ambien gets a bad rap but it does help some people without side effects. Jaw pain sounds like you probably clench/grind your teeth. A sleep study is warranted. As a professional you know how important restorative sleep is, you would talk to your patients about medications, quiet environment or if needed a change in positions. Why do we treat our selves different than people we care for?

martymoose, BSN, RN · Aug 11, 2010

i kinda know that feeling - had it in a previous non nursing job that was straight nites.you cant work straight nites and have a social life. it just doesnt mix. one or the other. nites made me sick, so i was able to change.and you know what the biggest offender was( and still was when i was on nites in nursing and some early day shifts?- the fear that I wont be able to get to sleep, and stay asleep. that alone would keep me up.had to take tylenol pm, etc, to sleep. Beliebve it or not- 20 years later from the nite job- i have worked day/nites in the nursing setting - and did ok. my son is now in school all day , so i would sleep - uninterupted - most of the day, with some help from tyleno; pm. bed to myself, no snoring husbandf, etc. nice perc.

hated the job tho, so found another job that is mostly days. great job, poopy hours- if my son needs me- someone else will have to help. if he/i need appts- i have to plan like 3 months ahead to get a day off.forget signing up for any sports or anything- i cant guarantee to be able to take him, as i dont always know when i am getting out. that part stinks- but as the main breadwinner- its not a choice. yes, too bad for my son, but if i dont work- he has no roof or clothes or food.

to op- i imagine this will eventually catch up to you in the end. a few years ago, we had one of our techs have a fatal accident on the way home from a nite shift at work. drove into a school bus. seeing her kids cry at her funeral really sucked.

maybe you have to decide that for your health that you might miss out on some school functions, but if that means a lifestyle change- you kids might not mind trading in a few appts and school fuctions to know that their mom is safe and there for them.