I need sleep

dibs1947
dibs1947 Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Anyone have any tricks up their sleeve for getting some solid zzzzzzzzzzz's? I've been taking Femara for 3 months now and it just seems to be getting harder to sleep. I am scheduled for my reconstruction on Monday and am hoping to get at least a small portion of my life back. I don't like taking Ambien too much, I've tried extra sleepy time tea with valarian. Any other ides?
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Comments

  • Moopy23
    Moopy23 Member Posts: 1,751 Member
    #2
    Ativan
    Hi, dbs, while I have been on chemo, Ativan has helped me. Non-prescription items such as Benadryl have also been recommended. You might check w/ your doctor about Ativan or other options.

    Best of luck on your reconstruction, and hope you do get some sleep one way or the other.
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #3
    Hi dibs...
    I have not slept through an entire night since my mastectomy, last August.
    The doctors have prescribed Xanax (which I had taken previously) and also Ambien CR (didn't work either). They keep insisting that I need to get more hours of sound sleep, but it doesn't happen.
    I sleep 2-3 hours and then am awake the rest of the night. It gets very lonely and also very tiring.
    Most of the time, I feel like a zombie, but nothing seems to help. So I just trudge on and hope that some night, something will just click and I will be back to sleeping normally.

    Best wishes for your surgery on Monday!

    CR
  • creampuff91344
    creampuff91344 Member Posts: 988
    #4
    CR1954 said:

    Hi dibs...
    I have not slept through an entire night since my mastectomy, last August.
    The doctors have prescribed Xanax (which I had taken previously) and also Ambien CR (didn't work either). They keep insisting that I need to get more hours of sound sleep, but it doesn't happen.
    I sleep 2-3 hours and then am awake the rest of the night. It gets very lonely and also very tiring.
    Most of the time, I feel like a zombie, but nothing seems to help. So I just trudge on and hope that some night, something will just click and I will be back to sleeping normally.

    Best wishes for your surgery on Monday!

    CR

    The last time I visited with
    The last time I visited with my onc, I told him I was not sleeping well, and he agreed to give me a prescription for Ambien CR. This does work on me, but I hesitate to take it all of the time. He suggested taking 1 or 2 Benadryl 25mg tables at bedtime, and that should give me a good nights sleep without the side effects. The health food stores will have something containing valerian, which is a natural sleep aid. Maybe give that a try. Hope you find a solution, as I know that sleeplessness is a bad thing to try to deal with. The more you think about sleeping, the harder it is to get there. Good luck. Hugs your way.

    Judy
  • Jeanne D
    Jeanne D Member Posts: 1,867
    #5
    Call your doctor
    and get a sleeping pill. There are so many out there now. I take Trazodone at night, just one and it works pretty well. It gives you that rapid eye movement sleep or whatever that we all need. Sometimes I take 1 1/2...depends on if I am tired or not. But,I know there are lots of others out there. You need sleep..so..try and get something that will help you!
  • Derbygirl
    Derbygirl Member Posts: 198
    #6
    I'm also taking Femara, but
    I'm also taking Femara, but my sleep habits changed last year at the time I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I haven't noticed a difference in sleep since starting Femara in December. I take one Benadryl on occasion and usually get a few hours of uninterupted sleep. The good thing is that it's not habit forming. Good luck with surgery and sleep!
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #7
    Have you tried melatonin?
    Have you tried melatonin? My daughter who takes medication for ADD has trouble falling asleep at night and her neurologist said to try that. She takes 10 mg about 1 1/2 to 2 hrs before bedtime and it does the trick. BTW, you find it in the vitamin and supplement aisle of your supermarket or vitamin store. Make sure you get the synthetic and not the natural. Hugs, Lili
  • Eil4186
    Eil4186 Member Posts: 949
    #8
    Oh I miss the old days of quality sleep.........
    I can empathize with your frustration about difficulty sleeping. I have not had a really good nights sleep since chemo and that was almost 3 years ago! I think that in my case the whole cancer trauma has taken my sense of emotional and spiritual peace. I used to sleep like a log and could sleep as long as 12 hours. How I miss the days when 8 hours a night was the usual. Now I wake up tired almost every day.

    My primary care physician suggested melatonin. That has helped a little bit. I have tried perscription meds in the past like ambien and valium but they made me feel hung over the next day. My oncologist recommended I stop watching tv and reading in the bedroom so that when I do go to bed my mind will receive the signal that its time for sleep. That has also helped a bit too. All in all, I have started to accept the fact that my difficulty sleeping may be permanent, but I am still open to trying new possible solutions.

    I wish I had a sure fire idea for you. You could try the melatonin(in the natural supplement isle of the grocery store) and I have also heard that the herb valerian can be helpful.

    Good luck and let me know if you find something that really works. Eileen
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159 Member
    #9
    Sleep Aid
    Ok, I'll be the one to say it~ Sex is a really good sleep-inducer! During treatment we often don't feel sensual, sexual or feminine, and truly sex may not be the first thing on our minds. But, for the record, my sweetie spooning with me, holding me tenderly, was not only great for inducing sleep, but even better for my damaged female psyche. Take a nice relaxing bubble bath, drink a cuppa chamomile tea, and snuggle next to someone who loves you. The possibilties may not be exactly endless yet, but they may pleasantly surprise you anyway.

    Oh yeah, Health Food remedies and prescription drugs may work too! :-)

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • phoenixrising
    phoenixrising Member Posts: 1,508
    #10
    mmontero38 said:

    Have you tried melatonin?
    Have you tried melatonin? My daughter who takes medication for ADD has trouble falling asleep at night and her neurologist said to try that. She takes 10 mg about 1 1/2 to 2 hrs before bedtime and it does the trick. BTW, you find it in the vitamin and supplement aisle of your supermarket or vitamin store. Make sure you get the synthetic and not the natural. Hugs, Lili

    One doesn't often see "take
    One doesn't often see "take the synthetic not the natural". Could you elaborate on that a bit. We have some here, but I'm not sure if it's natural or synthetic. How do you tell the difference?

    Thanks Lili
    love
    jan
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #11
    phoenixrising said:

    One doesn't often see "take
    One doesn't often see "take the synthetic not the natural". Could you elaborate on that a bit. We have some here, but I'm not sure if it's natural or synthetic. How do you tell the difference?

    Thanks Lili
    love
    jan

    Hi Jan, the neurologist said
    Hi Jan, the neurologist said that the "natural" was made with some animal extract whereas the synthetic was of course man made and that he preferred she take the synthetic. The one I purchased at the natural pharmacy store was manufactured by Windmill. I asked the natural pharmacist and that's what he gave me. It helps support your sleep cycle. Melatonin is naturally made by the brain to make us feel tired and help us unwind and fall asleep. Sometimes, stress and certain medications alter they natural cycle. My daughter has been doing very well with this and it helps her fall asleep faster. Hugs, Lili
  • Moopy23
    Moopy23 Member Posts: 1,751 Member
    #12
    chenheart said:

    Sleep Aid
    Ok, I'll be the one to say it~ Sex is a really good sleep-inducer! During treatment we often don't feel sensual, sexual or feminine, and truly sex may not be the first thing on our minds. But, for the record, my sweetie spooning with me, holding me tenderly, was not only great for inducing sleep, but even better for my damaged female psyche. Take a nice relaxing bubble bath, drink a cuppa chamomile tea, and snuggle next to someone who loves you. The possibilties may not be exactly endless yet, but they may pleasantly surprise you anyway.

    Oh yeah, Health Food remedies and prescription drugs may work too! :-)

    Hugs,
    Claudia

    A Sleep Aid not to be Overlooked
    Ah, Claudia, you are so wonderful: refreshingly honest, funny, and always to be counted on for good advice. Not to mention your love for life that just bursts through to wake us all up (sorry dbs). My sister Jackie of TN came to the board early on when I found it--first thing she said was she really liked the 50-foot woman, Claudia. She loves your frank and funny attitude. And so do we all.

    So, I'm thinking the engaged couple is doing well...hi to Reggie!
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159 Member
    #13
    Moopy23 said:

    A Sleep Aid not to be Overlooked
    Ah, Claudia, you are so wonderful: refreshingly honest, funny, and always to be counted on for good advice. Not to mention your love for life that just bursts through to wake us all up (sorry dbs). My sister Jackie of TN came to the board early on when I found it--first thing she said was she really liked the 50-foot woman, Claudia. She loves your frank and funny attitude. And so do we all.

    So, I'm thinking the engaged couple is doing well...hi to Reggie!

    AWWWWWW!!!!
    Thanks, Moopy~ I really love all of us here on the boards, and the freedom (within reason) to be REAL! And, yes, Reggie and I are fine :-)

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • tasha_111
    tasha_111 Member Posts: 2,072
    #14
    chenheart said:

    AWWWWWW!!!!
    Thanks, Moopy~ I really love all of us here on the boards, and the freedom (within reason) to be REAL! And, yes, Reggie and I are fine :-)

    Hugs,
    Claudia

    Puhlease.........gimme the answer
    My so called "Better Half" Wakes me every 2 hours........... I need my sleep and he is disturbing it no end!!!!!!!!!!!! What a rotter eh?
  • phoenixrising
    phoenixrising Member Posts: 1,508
    #15
    mmontero38 said:

    Hi Jan, the neurologist said
    Hi Jan, the neurologist said that the "natural" was made with some animal extract whereas the synthetic was of course man made and that he preferred she take the synthetic. The one I purchased at the natural pharmacy store was manufactured by Windmill. I asked the natural pharmacist and that's what he gave me. It helps support your sleep cycle. Melatonin is naturally made by the brain to make us feel tired and help us unwind and fall asleep. Sometimes, stress and certain medications alter they natural cycle. My daughter has been doing very well with this and it helps her fall asleep faster. Hugs, Lili

    Now I understand, thanks
    Now I understand, thanks Lili.
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159 Member
    #16
    tasha_111 said:

    Puhlease.........gimme the answer
    My so called "Better Half" Wakes me every 2 hours........... I need my sleep and he is disturbing it no end!!!!!!!!!!!! What a rotter eh?

    Sleeping Beauty
    Awww Tasha~ the operative word would be he WAKES you up~ I am not saying he isn't a rotter, or that you don't need your sleep...but as far as "it" being a sleep aid, I rest my case! LOL


    ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
    Claudia

    PS and you are the Better Half, no doubt about that!
  • Moopy23
    Moopy23 Member Posts: 1,751 Member
    #17
    chenheart said:

    Sleeping Beauty
    Awww Tasha~ the operative word would be he WAKES you up~ I am not saying he isn't a rotter, or that you don't need your sleep...but as far as "it" being a sleep aid, I rest my case! LOL


    ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
    Claudia

    PS and you are the Better Half, no doubt about that!

    That's Right, Tash
    I second Claudia's statement: You are the Better Half--no doubts!

    Hope you get more sleep, our Turquoise girl.

    Moopy and Aortus
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    #18
    tasha_111 said:

    Puhlease.........gimme the answer
    My so called "Better Half" Wakes me every 2 hours........... I need my sleep and he is disturbing it no end!!!!!!!!!!!! What a rotter eh?

    turquois girl
    Dear sweet turquois girl. You as claudia and Moopy have pointed out are the "better Half" maybe you should have a talk with Chuck and tell him you would probably have more energy and desire for whatever he has in mind if you were well rested. And that you can't get that being woke up every 2 hours. It does feel nice to be held and cuddled though and sometimes when YOU feel like it and are rested it could lead to more ...but when you are already exhausted tell him to let you sleep or get the pillows and blankies and send him packing to the couch!!
    love ya
    jackie
  • redriverartist
    redriverartist Member Posts: 54
    #19
    I'm taking Lunesta. No
    I'm taking Lunesta. No sleep walking and no tiredness or dopiness in the mornings. It's helped tremendously. Teresa
  • creampuff91344
    creampuff91344 Member Posts: 988
    #20
    redriverartist said:

    I'm taking Lunesta. No
    I'm taking Lunesta. No sleep walking and no tiredness or dopiness in the mornings. It's helped tremendously. Teresa

    Hey you non-sleepers out
    Hey you non-sleepers out there. This is a major problem as far as I am concerned, so I have researched this on several Boards. There are some non-prescription meds that are talked about. The more common one is melatonin, which is found in health food stores, and is supposed to help with sleep. It comes in two forms...one that you put under your tongue and it melts, and another is time released. Another is called Calm Forte, which you can find only at Walgreens. And the third is called Natural Calm (don't know where to find this, but I am sure you could look it up on the internet). I haven't tried any of these, but if you are trying to get away from prescription sleep aids, one of these might be an option. I am on Ambien CR nightly, and this is the only thing that works to let me get a few hours of sleep anyway. I know this cannot be a long term solution, so may try one of the natural methods soon. Good luck on finding something that works for you. Hugs to all,

    Judy
  • tasha_111
    tasha_111 Member Posts: 2,072
    #21
    creampuff91344 said:

    Hey you non-sleepers out
    Hey you non-sleepers out there. This is a major problem as far as I am concerned, so I have researched this on several Boards. There are some non-prescription meds that are talked about. The more common one is melatonin, which is found in health food stores, and is supposed to help with sleep. It comes in two forms...one that you put under your tongue and it melts, and another is time released. Another is called Calm Forte, which you can find only at Walgreens. And the third is called Natural Calm (don't know where to find this, but I am sure you could look it up on the internet). I haven't tried any of these, but if you are trying to get away from prescription sleep aids, one of these might be an option. I am on Ambien CR nightly, and this is the only thing that works to let me get a few hours of sleep anyway. I know this cannot be a long term solution, so may try one of the natural methods soon. Good luck on finding something that works for you. Hugs to all,

    Judy

    Thanks all
    I had WORDS with HIM. I think it might be finally sinking in..not so much "The Penny Dropped" as "The Thundering Crash of falling Coins"!!!!!!!
    Anyway, My ex-neighbour (Who is as weird as a nine Bob note; but knows loads of herbal stuff) Told me that Lettuce is good for sleep and so is Lavender,Eat the first, smell the last.
    I'm munching away on the lettuce now......Good luck all you raging insomniacs... If it doesn't work I'll see you at 3 A.M. Hugs Jxxxxxxxxxx

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