[Surferboy]

Is insomnia also a symptom of Lupus?

The last week or so I've been waking up at 4:30am (give or take a couple of minutes ) and then struggling to sleep again UNTIL about half an hour before I need to get up for work and then I fall asleep Then I struggle to get up again

 

[sjink]

Can be... fatigue weirdly can cause insomnia.... I get really really worn out but cannot sleep. Pain can wake you and you are in pain.

Lupus is a multi-faceted beasty, but I would not discount stress in your case or even depression. You have just been hit with a lupus diagnosis and the panic and stress of it all can trigger depression. Early morning waking is a symptom of some types of depression.

If, when you wake, you can do some sort of relaxation exercise (do you have an i-pod you could download meditation and relaxation exercises to?) then although you may not drift back to sleep you will relax and not feel so sleep deprived in the morning. If you can use this sort of technque to relax I am sure you will get a better quality of sleep over time. I meditate/do a relaxation at least twice a day when I am flaring for stress and pain management.

Most docs in the UK will not give medication for sleep problems as it is highly addictive. But low dose amitriptyline is sometimes prescribed for pain at night. So, as there are few medical options open for you, this is something YOU could sort out without going back to the docs.

Do message me if you want web addresses etc for more info on self management of illness, stress and pain. There are also courses all over the country now on this, not expensive and amazingly helpful.

Love
Sara

 

[Katharine]

Hello,

It sounds like you might well be suffering from a well known side effect of prednisolone (for some people). At the higher doses, it can cause insomnia and even cause people to be a bit edgy. Are you still on the pred or not? If so, what dose now?

Insomnia can sort of be a symptom of lupus in that, if you are in pain or uncomfortable, it can very easily affect sleep. Probably the only way to know which is affecting you is to see if you feel kind of edgy when you wake or if you're just dead tired and don't know why you woke up.

By the way, is there no way you can get a bit of rest from work as just trying to keep battling through this flare and "act as normal" may well prolong it and be making you feel a lot worse. This is one disease where it is extremely counterproductive to "fight it". You need lots of rest and to listen to your body.

just a couple of thoughts,
Katharine

 

[Surferboy]

I think I'm just going to have to force my way through this bout of insomnia.

Katherine, not taking prednisolne so that's definitely not the cause. I think it may be just down to worry, stress and PAIN!!

 

[Nutty]

I suffer from insommia. It could have been me writing your message. I not sure of the cause. The most probable cause is Prednisone. I always took it in morning, but now my Rheumatologist has me having take some in the morning and some at dinner. That made the insommiia worse. I was taking sleeping pills, but they don't mix now wilth my new medications. I was talking nonsense, so my husband wouldn't let me take it. Then I developed this nerve pain and muscle weakness in my knees. So, they have me taking amitriptilyne and I tell ya, I slept like a baby the first night when my dose went to 75 mg. However, I have had some wild nightmares some nights. So, if you are still in a fair bit of pain, as your GP about amitriptilyne, if you feel that is something that will help you out. Too, my pain is much less in the morning. I don't know if it is the drug or the fact that my legs rested all night (which is also indirectly related to taking the amitriptilyne). I am not sure if amitriptilyne can be taken in small doses during the day or if it is strictly prescribed for night time?

Hope this helps.

Nutty

 

[granny weatherwax]

I get insomnia too, I can sometimes go 48hours without sleep and it usually indicates some form of flare usually pain. My previous GP just kept giving me sleeping tablets but long term it isn't the answer.
I need to go back because now as am getting dizzy spells too (again), now that I have a new GP I might actually get somewhere with the pain issue !

Take care everyone
Claire

 

[suebehar]

You may want to discuss a sleeping remedy with your doctor. I also was unable to sleep due to the pain. My doctor prescribed Lunesta, which is not suppose to be habit forming. I have not had side effects (bad taste only) and it has allowed me to sleep about six hours straight).

Take care,

Susan

 

[Surferboy]

well, last night I didn't wake up until 5:30am. I thought "hmmmm, a little better" then realised it was probably down to the fact that I went bed an hour later

 

[LolaLola]

Dear SurferBoy,
Hi, we haven't met yet. I have been a bit quiet lately.
I sleep very poorly but in one way it is a blessing as it means I don't lay in the same position long enough to get stiff.
I try not to wake my Husband, he is a sound sleeper, but I have the Radio on the World Service during the night and also usually have one of the cats and my Java Dove in the bedroom. Company makes it much more bearable.
I know your diagnosis is fairly new, so I expect you are stressed.
Once you are settled on the best combination of medication and have been able to downsize your life (most important) you will feel better.
x Lola

 

[Surferboy]

Thanks Lola.

And when you say "downsize" what do you mean? Do you mean slow down pace of life?

 

[LolaLola]

Thanks Lola.

And when you say "downsize" what do you mean? Do you mean slow down pace of life?

Yes Surferboy, have a look at what energy sapping things you can stop doing. Learn to say NO when other people want a favour which will wear you out.
Let people help you. That way you can use what energy you have for the things you really want or need to do.
x Lola