another night of no sleep...

Well, its 12:34, and yet again I am sitting up instead of sleeping.

Yesterday, I finally caved in and called for a prescription to help me sleep after 2 full nights of no sleep....and I can't sleep during the day with small household members who need attention, large household members complaining about how they are managing everything and the never-ending construction on both sides of my house...backhoes, bobcats, yelling to eachother, radios, the whole bit.

I took the pill last night and slept....

Tonight, took pill and nothing. I wonder how much is related to the fact that I can't get comforatble and my husband decided that NOW was the perfect time to install a new light over the backyard which I bright enough I could read in bed if I wanted to? Of course, it doesn't bother him at all....no he is instantly asleep and snoring....me, I lay there and toss and turn until I just give up and get up...so here I am, again.....

I can't tell how much of me being a weepy mess is lack of sleep and how much is just hormonal [which I don't understand as I still have my ovaries...]

Anyone else sitting up with the TV on watching nothing?

Hello JDwoman

Sounds like there's lots going on in your household!

Firstly, what you describe is pretty typical. With all the medication, anasthaetic, reduced activity and the emotional roller coaster ride, it's quite normal to have difficulty resuming 'normal' night time sleep patterns.

Secondly, you need help. Whether it be friends, family or even the neighbours to assist with your children and housework. Ask for help. Get help. You need help!

Remember that you can still be weepy and emotional even though you kept your ovaries. They can go into 'shock' after the trauma of surgery. It can take a little while for your hormonal balance to resume.

Try a night mask to keep out that bright light. And the thing that helped me get to sleep was Bachs Rescue Remedy night drops - available from pharmacies and health food stores.

All the best - it does get better, and so will you.

I don't know how I missed you, b/c I was up until 4am, too. This insomnia is awful! I only sleep about 3hrs at night and 2hrs during the day, and I think it's hormones to some extent, but probably the meds, painkillers, any naps, etc. don't help it either. I hope that you are able to get some rest today and if you see someone in the bushes by your house? it's us systers with a sling-shot to shoot out that new light for ya ; )

Jennifer
LAVH/BSO 8/20/08

I work the night shift at a local children's hospital and here is what I do, use an eye mask! Try it! Places like Bed, Bath and Beyond usually have them. Hope this works.

I went off Xanax and had really bad insomnia, I could not stand it for the 3 days I was off the medicine so I went back to the doc. I now have Ambien, and we talked about hormones being part of it. My thyroid is a little low, so that might/might not be a factor. I tried melatonin, tylenol, benadryl but that did not work long range for me.
Jan

I love the thought of an eye mask and will have to get one to try - thanks for that suggestion niklaj!!!

JDWoman - sometimes my perscription sleeping meds don't work for me either - make sure you take them and then cuddle up in bed - don't stay up. They sometimes work better if you can relax a bit first - warm shower, comfy jammies etc. And my Dr. said it was OK to take a pain med at the same time.

Could you try to darken your window so that darn light doesn't shine in your eyes - for now just throw a towel or a blanket up? Might not be pretty, but would be functional - it is so important that you get the sleep you need!