I thought that my first discussion should be on lack of sleep since its 1am and im still awake… Its been about 4 months since my stroke and finding the AVM and yet I still find myself laying in bed trying to switch of my thoughts. Some nights I dont even sleep until the following day. I dont want to rely on sleeping pills due to losing a friend in the past and having addictive personality. Any one else sleep deprived or does it return to normal with time? Thanks guys, this is the first time ive reached out for help with this medical condition so i will have many more topics ahead ( because im teally struggling with mzny aspects in life now )which im sure all you long time AVM riders will be sure to help with…cheers
Insomnia is very common. There is a search box located on the very upper right had corner of this page. I did a quick search for you…http://www.avmsurvivors.org/main/search/search?q=Insomnia
Remember that there are a lot of chemical and electrical change that take place with an AVM bleed. 4 months out May seem like an eternity but it is early days yet in your recovery. Have faith that it will better!
Thank you Barbara, I will have a read. Yes 4 months has gone quick actually, but its only now that its become a real struggle for me so I decided to give this site a go. Just cant handle the waiting game for treatment, but faith im working on. Cheers Barb
Hi, Having trouble sleeping is all to common for people with brain Injury's . I might suggest that not watching T.V. or using electronics 1 - 2 hours before bed may help some. I say, ( some) because you are so new into your journey that, like Barbara H. says , much is still going on inside your head. Meditation,...... although intimidating at times, listening to that type of C.D. for relaxation may also help.
Even if it's out of your comfort zone, this could be a great time for you, to try out some of the " New Normal " things. Best of luck
Hello DillingersDead
Yes I call it my zoombie time or vampire. You can try LDN Low Dose Naltrexone 4.5 mg made at a compounding pharmacy
I have been on it since my stroke 2011 I also take a time released blood pressure that does not really work for blood pressure but it does help with sleep its called verapamil its 180mg
I also have heated mattress cover that each side can be controlled and I use a magnesium lotion on my lower legs and feet before bed.
http://smile.amazon.com/Ancient-Minerals-Magnesium-Lotion-Bottle/dp/B0079QHN0S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424662468&sr=8-1&keywords=magnesium+lotion
Sometimes if I really have not slept I take a flexirl or a benadryl.
Sleep is so important as well as eating protein .
I try not to be on my computer but read before bed and write down tasks for the next day to clear my mind.
Also if my husband gives me a foot massage I fall asleep
I find even if I have decaf coffee at night I cant fall asleep at all
I know for me my stroke was in the thalmic area and insomnia is part of the side effects
Sometimes I have to have the tv on to fall asleep as well.
I have different pillows as well too.
You have to try different things to see what will work for you I usually only sleep 3-4 hrs wake up and if I am lucky I fall asleep for a few more hrs
Try taking a warm bath before you go to bed
Good Luck
Angela
Hey Angela, thanks heaps for your ideas and practices for insomnia. Sounds like you have really done your home work with all those techniques. I have always had issues with the old sleep time though it really got set off after the bleed. I also find myself waking after only a few hours sleep too. On top of the sleep problems I suffer from RLS (restless leg syndrome) which certainly does not help. I have used magnesium and valerian in the past which worked wonders but not helping much anymore. I will give some attention to your and Ranchers ideas and fingers crossed. Thanks once again for taking your time to assist me.