Chasing Sheep

My sleep patterns are completely farked up. They've been that way--to a degree--ever since I gave birth the second time. Mothers of young children only fall into semi-sleep anyway. It's a necessity, as sleeping like a baby is a misnomer--babies are very restless sleepers, waking frequently. To subtract more sleep, I breast fed on demand (for way too long--but we won't go there) and therefore was at the ready so to speak, all the time.

So to now.
Ever since my heart went flooey 5.5 years ago, I've been forced to take a substantial quantity of life-extending medication. Much of this medication has diuretic qualities. I have to take my last dose of the day--at night--just before bed. I can't do that dry pill swallow thing--I require at least a half glass of water. So I always get up at night to pee. When this crazy carnival ride (heart failure due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy) began, I got up a minimum of 6 times per night. I couldn't function during the day. I was struggling with the illness and exhaustion. Finally, I complained about it to a physician and he hooked me up with Ambien (prescription sleeping med). I'm still taking it. Every night. One is supposed to take it for a maximum of a couple of weeks. I really don't know what to do--maybe try going off the medication? The Ambien was working for about 6 hours a night--sort of. But I keep vampire-like hours.
And for last few weeks, I've averaging about 4 hours of sleep a night. The Ambien seems to be diminishing in its effectiveness.

If I had my druthers, I'd prefer not to be on any medication of any kind. Failing that, I'd like to at least get off this stuff. I really, really, really want and need to sleep. I want to know what it's like to feel rested and clear-headed and energetic, instead of dragging myself through each day.

I see the pill-pusher this Thursday--I think I shall inform him of my predicament.

Comments

[Cyn]

Thanks everyone, for your support and suggestions.:) At this point, I'm wanting to get out from the grips of the Ambien. The doc (a psychiatrist actually, whom I see for 5 minutes --no exaggeration--every three months for anti- depressants meds.)--keeps justifying the Ambien because of the heart condition. But I feel as if I'm worse off now and I should at least try some alternatives.
Kelly--I'll look into the tea after I make sure it won't affect the heart meds. I see my cardio guy in a week or two for an echocardiogram--so I'll talk to him then.

[Anne]

That's what drugs like that do, Cyn. If you take em too often they start to lose effectiveness, you take more and start a baaad cycle. Try meditation, or anything else that doesn't require drugs. I agree with Jack too, try to wean yerself off. I know its hard and I feel for ya. Hope you feel better soon, sweetie. HUGS

[whitesquirrel]

It is so horrible not being able to sleep. Even as a child I had problems sleeping which would, after a while, lead to the development of severe migraine. I know I have an addictive personality so have not plumped for prescribed sleeping aids as yet but can definitely sympathise with your need!

I hope that the doc can give you something more effective, which will make you feel better.

[Kelly]

If you like the taste of chamomille, you might want to try a tea called "Easy Now" by Traditional Medicinals. Most grocery stores carry the brand in the health food aisles.

I first discovered this tea over a dacade ago when my husband was in a car accident. I was worried and couldn't sleep. A friend gave me the tea (double bag) and within a few minutes I was in a deep state of relaxtion. I brought some to the hospital the next day and my husband used it instead of the pain meds they were giving him. He fractured his pelvis in three places, messed up his knee and suffered whiplash. He didn't even take Tylenol after he started usinmg the tea.

My mom has MS and she uses the tea insted of Ambien. Her doctor had her on high dosages for months. She slept fine the first night she drank the tea.

It helps with headaches, too.

The only down side is that it is liquid.

[Jack]

I took Ambien for a short while and immediately got hooked on it. I had just come home from New Zealand and my body was turned upsidedown. I didn't sleep a wink for three days. My doctor prescribed Ambien (why does that always sound like a tv commercial now?). I started sleeping again but needed the medicine to do so. I think it is more a psychological addiction than physical with Ambien. Maybe it's both. Whatever, it sucks. I worked my way off the pills by taking half a pill for awhile, then a quarter. It wasn't easy, but I did it. I wish you, luck.