Sleep Disturbances

Hi,
I'm 59 and had a hyster when I was 31. Been on premarin for 25 years and have been getting sleep disturbances ever since. No hot flashes or anything but these last few months they're hard to describe. I've doctored over the years but now they're getting more intense. It's like an electrical-like, pulsuating feeling goes through my body, not really painful but so disturbing. They go away in a minute but keep reocurring over and over when I try to go asleep. Anyways, in the daytime this never happens, or my body is awake maybe I just don't notice it. But no, if it were there I definitly would. I';ve worn holter monitors over the years, had echocardiograms, ekg's and they were normal. These symptoms baffles my family and I know my poor husband loses alot of sleep over this. If anyone out there can shed light on this mystery illness I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks, Linda

How many and what kind of pillows are you sleeping upon? Sounds like a nerve compression, maybe in your neck. What is your sleeping position? Are you using any electric blankets or heating pads, etc? Is this feeling throughout your body or is it more prominent in a limb? What other symptoms have you noticed??

I sleep on 2 pillows, but it does help when I'm proped up. The feelings go throughout my chest. But like I said, they're not painful, just after it's over leaves me very tired. Thanks for the interest, anything will help. I'm just tired of getting these things whatever they are. I need to have a sleep study test done, maybe that's what I should do.

Do you sleep on your back,side or stomach? When you wake up with this sensation what is your position? Does your heart race? Any jaw pain, elbow pain, wrist or hand numbness? Any shortness of breathe. Do you get up to go to the bathroom? Are your pillows fat or thin. Can you sleep flat? If so do you get this sensation? Do you grind your teeth at night? Do you snore?

I sleep on my right side. I don't snore or grind my teeth. No pain or tingling. See, I said it was a mystery thing. But I do get short of breath occiasionally.

You haven't answered each of my queries but perhaps you haven't noticed all the particulars related to each attack. A diary is indicated. It may be that it will take a good while to gather clues.

Have you worn a cardiac monitor throughout these attacks? Are you and your doctors satisfied that they are not cardiac in origin? If so keeping a detailed diary may help you pinpoint their source. A sleep clinic may be helpful. But be certain that your cardiologist and primary practitioner are satisfied that these symptoms do not indicate a serious problem.

I wore a cardiac monitor once for 48 hours 5 years ago and the results were normal, but I never had an attack when I wore it. I only went to that specialist two times and he left so I never followed up with another. I guess I need to wear one for a month or more but now my husband is retired and we have no medical insurance. We're waiting for this insurance program but there's a waiting list. If these attacks doesn't stop I'm going to have to make an appointment with a heart specialist anyway. The last week though I managed to sleep without any, thank heavens. I have even cut down on my caffeine, maybe that helped. I'll let you know of any change. thanks so much for the feedback. God Bless, lindagibby