Can't sleep- it's almost 3 am-just venting

nmlandlady
nmlandlady Member Posts: 37
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I see there are only 9 member up this time of night. I am usually getting close to getting up for the day (usually 4-4:30 am) but it seems things are changing rapidly after starting this new road in my life. I took an ambien before going to bed and woke up about 1 am and now can't seem to go back to sleep. I guess lack of sleep never killed anyone so I am not going to worry about it. It has given me the opportunity to answer some of the responses to my first post as a newby. I am still awestruck at this site. I was looking at some other peoples profiles and noticed how they have things of interest in there such as cancer site, stage, tx etc..... I haven't figured out how to do all this stuff yet but I feel confident someone will help me. This 58 year old is pretty computer lit but when it comes to this I get kinda lost. Since I worked my 12 hour shift today followed by a two hour meeting after work- I figured I would just fall into bed and not get up until a decent hour this morning. But no, here I sit- venting- wondering about so many things I read or hear about on this site.

Guess I will try and go to sleep. I am going to the big city in the morning which means a real grocery store- Walmart and a great restaurant for lunch.

Comments

  • robinvan
    robinvan Member Posts: 1,012
    #2
    A Watch in the Night!
    One thing about the cancer community... there is ALWAYS someone awake in the middle of the night! Whether it is a bladder break, sweats, medication side-effect, or a restless mind... we seem to find cause for this nightime vigil.

    So even now, Sharon... you are not alone!

    But what a day for tomorrow! The big city!! Have fun!

    Good Night! Rob; in Vancouver

    "Most glorious night!
    Thou wert not sent for slumber!"
    Lord Byron
  • coolvdub
    coolvdub Member Posts: 408 Member
    #3
    robinvan said:

    A Watch in the Night!
    One thing about the cancer community... there is ALWAYS someone awake in the middle of the night! Whether it is a bladder break, sweats, medication side-effect, or a restless mind... we seem to find cause for this nightime vigil.

    So even now, Sharon... you are not alone!

    But what a day for tomorrow! The big city!! Have fun!

    Good Night! Rob; in Vancouver

    "Most glorious night!
    Thou wert not sent for slumber!"
    Lord Byron

    Same here. I to have been up
    Same here. I to have been up since 1 a.m.,some nights are just like that. I just can't shut my mind off, so here I am on the CSN site. It's a great place to pass some time and connect with others. I hope you have a great day in the big city, I live in a small town also.

    Don
  • just4Brooks
    just4Brooks Member Posts: 980 Member
    #4
    coolvdub said:

    Same here. I to have been up
    Same here. I to have been up since 1 a.m.,some nights are just like that. I just can't shut my mind off, so here I am on the CSN site. It's a great place to pass some time and connect with others. I hope you have a great day in the big city, I live in a small town also.

    Don

    I was up too
    I was up off and on most of the night too. It's hard to get the mind to shut down sometimes so I spent most of the night half awake half asleep.


    Brooks
  • Nana b
    Nana b Member Posts: 3,030 Member
    #5
    just4Brooks said:

    I was up too
    I was up off and on most of the night too. It's hard to get the mind to shut down sometimes so I spent most of the night half awake half asleep.


    Brooks

    Tylenol pm works wonders,
    Tylenol pm works wonders, and doesn't leave your mind in a fog like Ambien........

    I have had my share of being up in the middle of night, or should I say morning. Now since I am done with chemo, I go right to sleep. Hardly ever wake up but if I do, then the next night I take a tylenol pm to get rest.
  • Shayenne
    Shayenne Member Posts: 2,342
    #6
    Nana b said:

    Tylenol pm works wonders,
    Tylenol pm works wonders, and doesn't leave your mind in a fog like Ambien........

    I have had my share of being up in the middle of night, or should I say morning. Now since I am done with chemo, I go right to sleep. Hardly ever wake up but if I do, then the next night I take a tylenol pm to get rest.

    I am....
    ...hooked up to my chemo, ready to get unhooked tomorrow~ I hate sleeping on a pump, but 2 lil hits of ole Maryjane sure knocked my butt out till this morning, wow...I actually slept well on that stuff.

    Ativan and Xanax are always helpful for me as well, I try not to take naps during the day, because it makes it harder for me to fall asleep at night as well, I just lay and read a good book when I'm tired, and then try to do things around the house.

    Amnbien never did anything for me.

    Have fun in the big city!!

    Hugsss!
    ~Donna
  • just4Brooks
    just4Brooks Member Posts: 980 Member
    #7
    Shayenne said:

    I am....
    ...hooked up to my chemo, ready to get unhooked tomorrow~ I hate sleeping on a pump, but 2 lil hits of ole Maryjane sure knocked my butt out till this morning, wow...I actually slept well on that stuff.

    Ativan and Xanax are always helpful for me as well, I try not to take naps during the day, because it makes it harder for me to fall asleep at night as well, I just lay and read a good book when I'm tired, and then try to do things around the house.

    Amnbien never did anything for me.

    Have fun in the big city!!

    Hugsss!
    ~Donna

    I'm with Donna
    I hit or two always seems to work for me. I dont somke eveyday and when I dont I seeM to be up more at night. Also helps with eating!!
  • coloCan
    coloCan Member Posts: 1,944 Member
    #8
    Shayenne said:

    I am....
    ...hooked up to my chemo, ready to get unhooked tomorrow~ I hate sleeping on a pump, but 2 lil hits of ole Maryjane sure knocked my butt out till this morning, wow...I actually slept well on that stuff.

    Ativan and Xanax are always helpful for me as well, I try not to take naps during the day, because it makes it harder for me to fall asleep at night as well, I just lay and read a good book when I'm tired, and then try to do things around the house.

    Amnbien never did anything for me.

    Have fun in the big city!!

    Hugsss!
    ~Donna

    ambien
    Ambien got me to sleep quicker than nothing but 3 or so hours later I was up and unable to go back to sleep. If I took 1.5 to 2 mg of Xanax or Ativan I slept better. Just rec'd prescription of Ativan which i"ll start taking as haven't since end of Aug, prior to surgery.For weeks can only sleep 1/2 top 1 1/2 hour at a time; get up, read or use laptop and then try to sleep again......Steve
  • daydreamer110761
    daydreamer110761 Member Posts: 487 Member
    #9
    coloCan said:

    ambien
    Ambien got me to sleep quicker than nothing but 3 or so hours later I was up and unable to go back to sleep. If I took 1.5 to 2 mg of Xanax or Ativan I slept better. Just rec'd prescription of Ativan which i"ll start taking as haven't since end of Aug, prior to surgery.For weeks can only sleep 1/2 top 1 1/2 hour at a time; get up, read or use laptop and then try to sleep again......Steve

    I remember
    Those long chemo nights! Up at all hours, sitting here and reading! I didn't welcome you on your first post - so, welcome! There probly wouldn't be 30+ members here then, but there is always someone here who can't sleep!

    I would be up on my first and second nights, and crash hard at 5pm on day 3 (which was a thursday for me) work half a day Friday and then go back to sleep. By Saturday I was usually ok. I would grab a cup of tea or hot chocolate and sit here and read until the sun came up, answer posts, and think of more questions! It was usally the steroid shot that kept me awake, and later, because of leg cramps, the doc prescribed me vicodin, and the combination of that and the steroid had me cleaning the house until I had to be quiet!

    Anyway, this is a wonderful family to keep you company on those long quiet nights.

    By the way - I have a prescription for Ambien, have been having touble sleeping lately, but because of too much on my mind. Haven't filled it yet because of some of the things I have read (like after all some of us have been through a few side effects should scare me?) - and you say it doesn't keep you asleep? I was wondering about raiding the fridge in my sleep....
  • lizdeli
    lizdeli Member Posts: 569 Member
    #10
    Sleeping
    I take Lunesta, 2mg. Ambien did nothing for me. I tried Tylenol PM, it worked but it's not good for our livers. Doctor gave me 3mg of Lunesta, then I asked him to lower it. Sometimes i wake up in the middle of the night but then go right back to sleep.

    Liz
  • 2bhealed
    2bhealed Member Posts: 2,064 Member
    #11
    Melatonin
    Hi nm,

    My Naturopathic doc put me on melatonin to help me sleep and boy did that work wonders. You can get it at the grocery store in the vitamin aisle. She had me slowly work up to 21mg as needed. She also gave me info that melatonin has been found to shrink tumors.

    Hope this helps.

    peace, emily
  • nmlandlady
    nmlandlady Member Posts: 37
    #12
    daydreamer110761 said:

    I remember
    Those long chemo nights! Up at all hours, sitting here and reading! I didn't welcome you on your first post - so, welcome! There probly wouldn't be 30+ members here then, but there is always someone here who can't sleep!

    I would be up on my first and second nights, and crash hard at 5pm on day 3 (which was a thursday for me) work half a day Friday and then go back to sleep. By Saturday I was usually ok. I would grab a cup of tea or hot chocolate and sit here and read until the sun came up, answer posts, and think of more questions! It was usally the steroid shot that kept me awake, and later, because of leg cramps, the doc prescribed me vicodin, and the combination of that and the steroid had me cleaning the house until I had to be quiet!

    Anyway, this is a wonderful family to keep you company on those long quiet nights.

    By the way - I have a prescription for Ambien, have been having touble sleeping lately, but because of too much on my mind. Haven't filled it yet because of some of the things I have read (like after all some of us have been through a few side effects should scare me?) - and you say it doesn't keep you asleep? I was wondering about raiding the fridge in my sleep....

    no raids yet
    Thank you for your comments and nice to meet you too. So far I haven't raided the fridge but I think the cold finger sting would wake me-but who knows. My cousin and best friend wake up the next morning-one with chocolate all over her face and the other with an empty 1/2 gal ice cream container in bed with her.LOL. I may try the ativan with the ambien tonight.
    Thanks again,
    Sharon
  • nmlandlady
    nmlandlady Member Posts: 37
    #13
    Shayenne said:

    I am....
    ...hooked up to my chemo, ready to get unhooked tomorrow~ I hate sleeping on a pump, but 2 lil hits of ole Maryjane sure knocked my butt out till this morning, wow...I actually slept well on that stuff.

    Ativan and Xanax are always helpful for me as well, I try not to take naps during the day, because it makes it harder for me to fall asleep at night as well, I just lay and read a good book when I'm tired, and then try to do things around the house.

    Amnbien never did anything for me.

    Have fun in the big city!!

    Hugsss!
    ~Donna

    your a hoot
    Thanks Donna, I always look forward to reading your post. Your such a hoot. MJ is not an option for me. I would loose my professional lic. and my future employment if I tried it. I have heard it really helps though. I am glad it works for you.
    Thanks again,
    Sharon
  • nmlandlady
    nmlandlady Member Posts: 37
    #14
    lizdeli said:

    Sleeping
    I take Lunesta, 2mg. Ambien did nothing for me. I tried Tylenol PM, it worked but it's not good for our livers. Doctor gave me 3mg of Lunesta, then I asked him to lower it. Sometimes i wake up in the middle of the night but then go right back to sleep.

    Liz

    Thanks Liz, I may try that
    Thanks Liz, I may try that next billing cycle. Insurance thing.
    Sharon
  • nmlandlady
    nmlandlady Member Posts: 37
    #15
    2bhealed said:

    Melatonin
    Hi nm,

    My Naturopathic doc put me on melatonin to help me sleep and boy did that work wonders. You can get it at the grocery store in the vitamin aisle. She had me slowly work up to 21mg as needed. She also gave me info that melatonin has been found to shrink tumors.

    Hope this helps.

    peace, emily

    Thanks Emily, I happen to
    Thanks Emily, I happen to have that but it didn't work before-I may try it again in higher does now. I will be PM'ing you soon with some questions if you don't mind.
    Thanks
    Sharon
  • nmlandlady
    nmlandlady Member Posts: 37
    #16
    just4Brooks said:

    I'm with Donna
    I hit or two always seems to work for me. I dont somke eveyday and when I dont I seeM to be up more at night. Also helps with eating!!

    Thanks Brooks but as I told
    Thanks Brooks but as I told Donna that would not be an option for me.
    Thanks again,
    Sharon
  • nmlandlady
    nmlandlady Member Posts: 37
    #17
    coloCan said:

    ambien
    Ambien got me to sleep quicker than nothing but 3 or so hours later I was up and unable to go back to sleep. If I took 1.5 to 2 mg of Xanax or Ativan I slept better. Just rec'd prescription of Ativan which i"ll start taking as haven't since end of Aug, prior to surgery.For weeks can only sleep 1/2 top 1 1/2 hour at a time; get up, read or use laptop and then try to sleep again......Steve

    Thanks Steve, it puts me out
    Thanks Steve, it puts me out in about 20-30 mins. but as you state it is short acting.
    Thanks again,
    Sharon
  • nmlandlady
    nmlandlady Member Posts: 37
    #18
    coolvdub said:

    Same here. I to have been up
    Same here. I to have been up since 1 a.m.,some nights are just like that. I just can't shut my mind off, so here I am on the CSN site. It's a great place to pass some time and connect with others. I hope you have a great day in the big city, I live in a small town also.

    Don

    Don't ya love small towns.
    Don't ya love small towns. Thanks for your post.
    Sharon
  • nmlandlady
    nmlandlady Member Posts: 37
    #19
    robinvan said:

    A Watch in the Night!
    One thing about the cancer community... there is ALWAYS someone awake in the middle of the night! Whether it is a bladder break, sweats, medication side-effect, or a restless mind... we seem to find cause for this nightime vigil.

    So even now, Sharon... you are not alone!

    But what a day for tomorrow! The big city!! Have fun!

    Good Night! Rob; in Vancouver

    "Most glorious night!
    Thou wert not sent for slumber!"
    Lord Byron

    Love your song quotes
    Thanks Rob, It is great to know I am not alone. Thanks for your post. Your quotes are sooooo cool.
    Thanks again,
    Sharon
  • nmlandlady
    nmlandlady Member Posts: 37
    #20
    Nana b said:

    Tylenol pm works wonders,
    Tylenol pm works wonders, and doesn't leave your mind in a fog like Ambien........

    I have had my share of being up in the middle of night, or should I say morning. Now since I am done with chemo, I go right to sleep. Hardly ever wake up but if I do, then the next night I take a tylenol pm to get rest.

    Thanks for the
    Thanks Don for the suggestion.
    Sharon

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